Riad Dar Maya

Tucked inside Essaouira's 18th-century medina on Rue Oujda, Riad Dar Maya sits a five-minute walk from the ramparts overlooking the Atlantic — a calm retreat for travellers who want the walled city's craft souks and sea air without the intensity of Marrakech.

The four-star riad follows the traditional courtyard layout, with a rooftop terrace that catches the coastal trade wind Essaouira is known for. A restaurant serves breakfast highly rated by guests, with room service available through the day. The 24-hour front desk and airport shuttle make arrivals straightforward from Essaouira-Mogador Airport, roughly 15km south.

Rue Oujda places guests near the spice market quarter and within ten minutes of the working fishing port, where the day's catch is grilled at open stalls each afternoon.