Wander the medina
Laid out on a grid, the medina is easy to explore on foot. Its main streets, lined with arcades, lead to the souks, squares and town gates.
Excursion · Medina and ocean
Essaouira
Essaouira, the white medina facing the Atlantic
Golden ramparts battered by the waves, a port full of blue boats and a medina best explored on foot: the most beautiful town on the coast, north of Agadir.
3h to 3h30
From the riad
UNESCO since 2001
Medina
All year
Best time
Medina, port and beach
Best for
Founded in 1760 by Sultan Mohammed III, who entrusted the plans to the French architect Théodore Cornut, the old Mogador is a fortified town facing the ocean. Its medina of white houses and blue shutters has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.
People come to wander the lanes, walk the ramparts and their cannons, watch the fishing boats come in and lunch on grilled fish at the port. The drive from the riad is long: set off early, or stay the night.
Things to do in Essaouira
The Skala de la Ville
On the ramparts facing the ocean, a row of bronze cannons still watches over the sea. The walk gives views of the waves and rocks.
The fishing port
Hundreds of blue boats crowd together here. In the morning, the fishermen's return and the fish auction make the port uniquely lively.
The Skala du Port
This square bastion and its arched bridge guard the harbour entrance. From the top, the view takes in the medina, the port and the islands.
The long beach
A long, windswept sandy beach: walk it, ride a horse or a camel, and kitesurfers and windsurfers will be in their element.
Crafts
Essaouira is known for thuya wood marquetry, ceramics and art galleries. Workshops can be visited in the medina.
When to visit Essaouira
Thanks to the ocean, Essaouira stays temperate all year.
All year
Mild climate
Not very hot in summer, not cold in winter: the town can be visited in any season.
Spring and summer
Strong wind
The wind blows almost constantly in the bay: great for kitesurfing, less so for sunbathing.
June
Gnaoua festival
The Gnaoua World Music Festival fills the town with concerts.
Late in the day
Sunset
From the ramparts, the sun sinks into the ocean behind the Skala.
Excursion · Medina and ocean
Essaouira highlights
Three moments not to miss.
The ramparts
Walk
The Skala de la Ville and its cannons, facing the waves.
The port
Fishing and grilled fish
The blue boats, the fish auction and the grills where you pick your fish.
The medina
UNESCO
White lanes, souks, workshops and squares sheltered by the ramparts.
Getting there
From Riad Asmaa, allow 3 to 3.5 hours by road. From Agadir, Essaouira is about 175 km away along the coast road, which passes through Taghazout.
Without a car, buses link Agadir and Essaouira. In town, the medina is explored on foot; park outside the ramparts.
The easiest option for our guests: we arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide.
Where to eat
At the port, the grills offer the catch of the day: you choose your fish and it is grilled on the spot. In the medina, restaurants and terraces serve tagines, fish and more international food.
Some restaurants in the medina serve alcohol. For the evening, remember to order dinner at the riad the day before: meals are cooked to order.
The Gnaoua festival
Every June, the Gnaoua World Music Festival brings Gnaoua masters and musicians from around the world to the town's stages. Hundreds of thousands of people attend.
If you come at that time, book early and expect a very busy town.
A day or a night?
With about 6 to 7 hours of driving there and back, it is a long day. To enjoy the sunset on the ramparts and the medina in the evening, a night there is ideal.
On the way, Taghazout and its beaches make a nice stop, going or coming back.
Around Essaouira
To extend the trip.
Sidi Kaouki
A big surf beach, south of Essaouira.
Mogador island
Facing the town, a bird reserve admired from the shore.
Taghazout
The surf village, on the coast road between Agadir and Essaouira.
See the excursionAgadir Oufella Kasbah
Agadir's historic hilltop and its view over the whole bay.
See the excursionEssaouira in pictures
Planning your trip
- Set off early: allow 3 to 3.5 hours each way.
- Bring a windproof jacket, even in summer: the wind is almost constant.
- Have grilled fish for lunch at the port, choosing your own catch.
- A night there lets you enjoy sunset on the ramparts.
- Carry cash in dirhams for the souks and small restaurants.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Riad Asmaa from Essaouira?
Allow 3 to 3.5 hours by road. We can arrange transport from the riad.
Can Essaouira be done as a day trip from Agadir?
Yes, if you leave early, but it is a long day. A night there lets you enjoy the town without rushing.
Why is the Essaouira medina UNESCO-listed?
It has been listed since 2001 as an outstanding example of an 18th-century fortified town, built from 1760.
When is the best time to visit Essaouira?
All year: the climate stays mild. The wind is stronger in spring and summer.
When is the Gnaoua festival?
Every year in June.
Can you swim in Essaouira?
The beach is big, but the wind and cool water make it better suited to walks and board sports than lazing about.
Where to eat fish in Essaouira?
At the port, at the grills where you choose the catch of the day, or in the medina's restaurants.
What should I buy in Essaouira?
Thuya wood pieces, ceramics, work from the art galleries or argan oil.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the excursion?
Yes, with a licensed tourism transport agency and an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Medina and ocean
Stay at Riad Asmaa and discover Essaouira and its medina.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Holger Uwe Schmitt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Patrick Nouhailler (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Viault (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Mounir Neddi (CC0) · MoroccanPixels (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Alina Chan (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Souad EL OUAFI (CC BY-SA 4.0) · tjabeljan (CC BY 2.0) · Mounir Neddi (CC BY-SA 4.0)