Hotels in Essaouira

Essaouira: Atlantic Winds and Medina Walls

Essaouira sits on Morocco's Atlantic coast, 175 km southwest of Marrakech. The city's 18th-century ramparts — built under Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah in the 1760s — enclose a UNESCO-listed medina of whitewashed walls and blue shutters. Consistent trade winds, averaging 30–35 km/h in summer, have made the Plage d'Essaouira one of Africa's leading kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations.

Where to Stay

Most hotels and riads cluster inside the medina, particularly along Rue Mohammed el-Qory and near Place Moulay Hassan, the main square facing the port. A smaller number of guesthouses occupy the Mellah (former Jewish quarter) on the medina's eastern edge. Budget riads start around 400 MAD per night; mid-range properties with sea views average 900–1,400 MAD.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Shared taxis and buses run regularly from Marrakech Bab Doukkala station; journey time is roughly 2.5–3 hours.
• Wind season: July and August bring the strongest alizé winds — ideal for water sports but pack a layer for evenings.
• Market day: The Marché d'Essaouira sells argan oil, thuya woodwork, and fresh Atlantic fish daily near the port gate (Bab el-Marsa).
• Currency: Pay in dirhams; card acceptance is limited inside the medina souks.