Essaouira - the line of Portuguese cannon along the city walls with a glimpse of the workshops hidden into the base.

 

 

A view of the rocks just outside the city wall, Essaouira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essaouira
Essaouira's working fishing harbour
Essaouira's main square

Pronounced 'Essa - wira'. Essaouira's houses and shops in the medina are white-washed with blue doors and shutters and are popular with more independent travellers. An expansive sandy beach is located next to the harbour and is shallow enough for safe bathing. Essaouira is a fascinating former Portuguese fishing port.  This is the place to eat fish – sit down at any stall in the harbour and feast yourself on the freshest and most varied fish BBQ you will ever encounter. Also famous for inlaid woodwork (thuya and cedar), Essaouira is now a very relaxed town although it was frequented in the past by rock stars such as Jimmy Hendrix and Mick Jagger and stood as the location for Orson Welles’ famous film of Shakespeare’s Othello.          

Today, standing on the impressive battlements looking out over the line of cannons and on out to sea it is impossible not to think of the history this town has seen and the daily adventures of the local fishing boat crews. If you want to experience Morocco's many faces then you should not miss Essaouira - great as a combination with Marrakech.   

Essaouira - battlements and the Atlantic
Essaouira - the line of Portuguese cannon along the city walls
Essaouira - traditional crafts workshop

Although the area is very popular and world-renowned for surfers its reputation as Morocco's 'windy city' is exaggerated, in fact the sea breezes are very welcome in the summer months. Essaouira is a charming place for a relaxing break after a hot desert trip, trekking in the Atlas or sightseeing and shopping in Marrakech.

Properties featured        
Our favourites first:        
Riad Mimouna - main internal courtyard
Dar Ness
Ocean Vagabond Hotel in Essaouira, view of garden and pool.

Large riad designed to a high standard, built into the sea wall on the north side of the medina with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic and back across the town.

 

A friendly riad with plenty of charm and a great location within the medina.

 

 A small luxury hotel located near the Medina with its own private beach club and restaurant.

     
All other riads and hotels are listed in approximate descending price order:
     
Sofitel Essaouira Spa
Atlas Essaouira & Spa
View of L'Heure Bleue Palais (Essaouira) from outisde the medina walls
Sofitel Thalassa Hotel Essaouira
Atlas Essaouira and Spa

Luxury boutique hotel with roof top pool, located at the southern edge of the Medina.

 Engaging design, seafront location, thalassotherapy spa centre and private beach.

The hotel Atlas Essaouira & Spa enjoys a privileged location on the seafront with breathtaking views of the medina.
Madada Mogador
Riad al Madina
Maison du Sud
Roof terrace of the Madada Mogador Hotel in Essaouira

Originally built in 1871, a cultural icon in the 1960's and now an attractive and popular riad property. 

Central, great value, traditional atmosphere, excellent choice for families.
The Madada hotel offers chic modern-style with a scenic view of Essaouira's bay from its exquisite roof terrace.
Palais des Remparts
Palais des Remparts
Riad Dar L'Oussia - Essaouira
Dar Loulema, Essaouira

 Situated in the heart of the Medina, Palais des Remparts is an excellent riad-style boutique hotel

Dar L'Oussia is a fine example of Moroccan architecture; offering charming accommodation and a huge roof terrace. 
Dany and Raymond Lami fell in love with this old house and have restored it in pure Moroccan tradition.

 

Customer comments:

" Holiday was brilliant, especially Essaouira. "

"The riads in Essaouira where we stayed were wonderful."

 

Holiday Prices

- please call or email for a full quote - all our holidays are tailor-made.