Riad Mimouna

Three courtyards deep inside Essaouira's medina walls, Riad Mimouna sits on Rue Oujda behind an unmarked wooden door — the kind of address locals give by landmark, not number. Thick stone walls keep rooms cool through the Atlantic wind the town is known for.

A rooftop terrace overlooks the fishing port's blue boats and the ramparts gulls circle at dusk. Breakfast is msemen and amlou served courtyard-side, not buffet-style.

The Skala ramparts are a six-minute walk, and Bab Doukkala's gate marks the medina's edge for taxis and day-trip pickups.