Hotels in Essaouira

Staying in Essaouira

Essaouira is a seaside town like no other: a fortified medina listed as a World Heritage site, a fishing port full of blue boats, a long sandy beach and an almost constant wind that has made its name among kitesurfers and windsurfers. The pace is slower than in Marrakech, the atmosphere more artistic, and the whole town can be explored on foot. Moroccan travellers come here for cooler air in summer, a weekend with friends or a getaway as a couple, between the beach and strolls through the white and blue lanes.

The main question is simple: sleep inside the medina or outside it. Within the walls, riads and guesthouses offer the charm of patios and rooftop terraces, sometimes with a view of the ocean, but cars hardly circulate there and you will have to carry your luggage to the door, sometimes over some distance. Along the beach, hotels are larger, easier to reach by car and better suited to families with a pushchair. Finally, the surroundings, towards Diabat or Sidi Kaouki, offer more isolated, peaceful addresses for those who come for surfing or rest.

Where to stay in Essaouira

• The medina

  Riads, guesthouses and small hotels in traditional houses, a stone's throw from the ramparts, the port and the souks. This is the choice for charm and atmosphere, with sometimes small rooms and access on foot only.

• The seafront

  Along the beach, south of the medina, larger hotels, some with a pool, and direct access to the sand. Practical for families and for those arriving by car.

• Diabat and Sidi Kaouki

  On the outskirts, by the dunes and wilder beaches, a few hotels and guesthouses in peaceful settings, popular with surfers and nature lovers. Plan on a vehicle or taxis to get into town.

Good to know before you book

• The wind is a fact of life in Essaouira, especially in the afternoon and in spring and summer: bear it in mind if you are after lazy days on the beach, and if you are coming to kitesurf, it is exactly what you need.
• If you are staying in the medina, ask the hotel how to get there: guarded car parks at the gates, luggage porters and the walking distance from the nearest gate.
• During major festivals, notably the Gnaoua festival, and over long weekends and holidays, the town fills up quickly: book ahead.

Questions about Essaouira

Frequently asked questions