Essaouira combines several outstanding places with a special charm and atmosphere, making it a city of interest both for a visit and to disconnect for several days.
Essaouira combines several remarkable places with a special charm and atmosphere, which makes it a city of interest both for a visit and to disconnect for several days.
Starting with its medina, whitewashed in white but with blue windows and doors, through which you can stroll without fear of getting lost thanks to its orderly layout.
Or the Moulay Hassan square, full of restaurants and cafes, being the perfect place to eat or have a mint tea watching the comings and goings of passersby.
Although if anything defines it is its coastal character, which tinges every corner and activities, such as the Skala de la Kasbah, a crenellated platform overlooking the sea with an entourage of European canyons or its beach, extensive, fine sand and frequented by both families and surfers.
But undoubtedly the most iconic and lively place is its fishing port, with its own bastion that protects it. There you can buy fish at one of its stalls and ask for it to be grilled, to taste it with the incomparable setting of the sea and the hundreds of boats that populate it.
Climate
Its climate is characterized by mild temperatures all year round. Even in summer, even if they rise, the thermal sensation remains pleasant thanks to its geographical situation.
Therefore, you can travel to Essaouira at any time with light clothing (only jacket for the winter months, because at night it cools down). It is then when there is some chance of rain (about 10%), so it is not superfluous to bring a small umbrella if you travel at that time.
How to get to Essaouira
Although Essaouira has its own airport on the outskirts, the most advisable, not only because of the number of daily flights but also because they operate low cost companies, is the one in Marrakech, located just under 200 kilometers away.
Once you arrive in Marrakech the most convenient way is to take a cab, with an average price of 80 € the full cab. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can opt for the shuttle buses that go from Marrakech airport to the city, and once there take the one that goes to Essaouira, with a total cost per person of approximately 10 euros.
Essaouira has access roads from the North, East or South. From the East it is accessed from Marrakech, while from the North it is reached along the Atlantic coast (the nearest town being Safi). In both cases it is accessed by highway, taking just over two and a half hours.
Another option is to access from the south starting from Agadir, although in this case it is a national road and it would take approximately 3 hours and a half.
Essaouira has no train station, although the nearby cities of Safi and Marrakech do. From these two points you can access Essaouira by highway, as described in the previous point.
The train company is ONCF. Timetables and prices can be consulted on the website and, although you can book online, only Moroccan credit cards are accepted.
Practical Information
Where To Stay in Essaouira
What To See in Essaouira
Where To Eat in Essaouira
The Gates of Essaouira
Music Festivals in Essaouira