Where to Stay in Essaouira?

Are you planning a trip to Morocco but unsure where to go? Essaouira is a fascinating coastal city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, this city, also known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site! If that's the case, have you found a place to stay in Essaouira?

During your visit, you'll spend time in the old fortified town with white walls, winding alleyways, and bustling souks. You can deliberately lose yourself in the maze of the Medina, discovering artisanal treasures, local products, and a lively atmosphere infused with Moroccan spirit.

Essaouira is also famous for its golden sandy beach, relaxed vibe, and water sports. You're sure to find joy in windsurfing, kitesurfing, and much more. To fully enjoy it, let me guide you through the most interesting neighborhoods to settle down!

The duration of your stay will be the starting point for your search! If you're heading to Essaouira for just a few days, it's best to stay in the heart of the Medina, including the Kasbah. This is the best way to enjoy the city by exploring the souks, shops, restaurants, and must-see sites

For a longer stay, you can afford to venture out of the city. For example, Essaouira beach is a beautiful alternative, as are Diabat or the Ghazoua region. You'll also find many upscale resorts and more authentic and picturesque villages.

In any case, booking as soon as possible is essential. Whether you're looking for a riad in Essaouira, a hotel room, or a guesthouse, this destination is very touristy. If you book too late, you will face really high rates and a much more limited choice in terms of accommodations.

If you don't want to read the entire article, here is a quick overview of the best places to stay in Essaouira:

The Riad Dar Maya offers exceptional rooms for about $135 per night, breakfast included.

Staying at Jack's Apartments & Suites, you'll enjoy pleasant and well-equipped accommodations with an ocean view, starting at $89 per night with breakfast included.

The Hotel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa promises a premium stay with comfortable and spacious rooms, access to a private beach, and various wellness services, starting at $104.

The old town of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular choice for travelers seeking authenticity. Here, you will find traditional riads, picturesque streets, local markets, and a genuinely enjoyable historic atmosphere for a rich and dynamic vacation!

The Medina is surrounded by impressive ramparts built in the 18th century, offering panoramic views of the sea. Inside, you will find a maze of narrow alleys, lively squares, and traditional buildings painted in white and blue that immerse you in an authentic and picturesque vibe

The heart of the Medina is Moulay Hassan Square, a bustling meeting point with its cafes, craft shops, and electric atmosphere, especially during the Gnaoua Music Festival and World Music Festival. The souks, filled with artisanal goods, jewelry, spices, and textiles, are a paradise for treasure hunters or for people looking to acquire a host of souvenirs.

On site, historical sites abound: the old Portuguese Medina, the Sqala of the City, and the ramparts and port, the latter still active with its characteristic blue fishing boats.

The Medina also has restaurants serving Moroccan specialties, elegant riads where you can stay, as well as art galleries showcasing the work of local creators. It's a place where art, music, and history converge to create an immersive experience.

Of course, let's not forget that it's a popular destination with golden sandy beaches for relaxation or practicing water sports

The Riad Dar Maya is a guesthouse featuring a rooftop terrace, a hot tub, and a library. The rooms are elegantly decorated! A Moroccan breakfast is served each morning on the rooftop terrace, in the patio, or in the dining room. Expect to pay approximately $135 per night, including breakfast.

The Riad Chbanate is located along the city walls. This beautiful riad has a rooftop terrace overlooking the old Medina of Essaouira. Its spacious rooms are tastefully decorated in Moroccan style, where you will enjoy your breakfast. A night in this riad is available from $136 per night for two people.

The Kasbah is a quieter neighborhood that is an integral part of the Medina. It offers a calmer atmosphere with panoramic views of the sea from the old town's ramparts. Its direct proximity to shops and the hustle and bustle of the heart of the old town makes Kasbah a preferred spot!

Nestled by the Atlantic Ocean, this old Medina offers a unique atmosphere, blending history and charm. The narrow winding alleys of the Kasbah are paved with cobblestones, reflecting traditional Moroccan architecture, with buildings generally painted in white and blue, creating a pretty palette of distinct colors that perfectly match the blue of the ocean

The heart of the Kasbah houses the Sqala of the Kasbah, an observation platform that offers a panoramic view of Essaouira's port. It's the perfect place to watch fishermen's boats returning with their catches of fresh fish! In this part of the Medina, you'll find various cafes and restaurants serving seafood dishes, as well as fish tagine or grilled sardines!

For shopping, it's worth noting that the Kasbah is also home to several craft shops where you can find handmade items like rugs, silver jewelry, and pottery. Bargaining is common, so don't be afraid to negotiate for a good price.

Jack's Apartments & Suites offers self-contained apartments along with comfortable and well-equipped rooms. The beach is just a 7-minute walk away, and you'll be near restaurants and public parking. Expect to pay starting from $89 per night with breakfast included.

If you prefer to be near the sea, Essaouira beach is an excellent choice. You'll find many hotels and accommodations with ocean views. It's an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts or for those coming to Morocco just to lounge and relax

Essaouira beach attracts visitors from around the world. It stretches for several kilometers, providing ample space for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers. This beach is framed by the historic Medina neighborhood, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The fine golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see, and the pleasant temperatures of this region of Morocco make it possible to enjoy the beach year-round, although the summer months are the most crowded. Many umbrellas and sunbeds are also available for those who prefer to relax comfortably.

I also note that the Atlantic Ocean bordering Essaouira beach offers ideal conditions for surfing ‍♂️ Therefore, many surfers from around the world flock to this destination to tame the waves! Surf schools and board rentals abound to cater to beginners and experienced surfers, so feel free to try new experiences!

By staying near the beach, you'll be able to see the local fishermen in action daily. The colorful boats and nets testify to the strong fishing activity in the region. Finally, you can stroll along the coast while admiring the medina walls and historic towers

The Riad Zahra is located near the beach, just a 15-minute walk from the Medina, featuring a garden with an outdoor pool. Situated in a quiet residential area, the hotel ensures a peaceful and relaxed stay in a room decorated in traditional Moroccan style for around $66 per night with breakfast.

The Hotel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa offers spa facilities, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and a large outdoor pool. The air-conditioned rooms with balconies feature contemporary decor. The hotel's restaurants serve Moroccan and international specialties. You can also avail services such as a hair salon and a thalassotherapy institute. Rates start at $104 per night!

Diabat is located about ten minutes from the center and is popular for its laid-back atmosphere. You will find more affordable accommodations and a more relaxed vibe. Diabat is primarily reserved for those who want to explore traditional Morocco in-depth and immerse themselves in Berber culture

This village is an ideal place for travelers seeking calm and authenticity. It has a small local community, where the residents are mainly engaged in fishing and agriculture. You'll encounter traditional houses and narrow streets adding to the rustic charm of the place. You can wander through the streets and admire the local architecture that reflects the cultural richness of the region.

The beach at Diabat is a true hidden gem. Its stretches of golden sand extend as far as the eye can see, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation or a stroll. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to surf or kite surf in ideal conditions.

The village also has a rich history. It is famous for inspiring Jimi Hendrix, particularly with the watchtower and the ruins of the Dar Soltane palace that he mentions in his songs. The artist stayed in Diabat in the 1960s, and a cafe bears his name as a tribute!

To discover the village's past and this historical period, I recommend visiting the Diabat museum, which showcases exhibitions on the village's history and interactions with pop culture icons. In summary, Diabat is a good stopping point, but accommodations are less numerous.

Tigmi Anis is located near Essaouira beach and the Mogador golf course. The accommodations include terraces and provide a cozy and pleasant setting. You'll stay away from the hustle of the Medina while enjoying a lovely pool! Expect about $57 per night including breakfast.

Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is located within the Gary Player golf course, featuring 2 pools and a gym. This establishment offers elegantly appointed villas and suites! You can enjoy two restaurants while being 900 meters from historical museums and beaches. For a superior double room, expect to pay about $123 per night with breakfast available for an additional $20.

The surroundings of Essaouira are filled with treasures for travelers seeking a high-end stay or looking to enjoy more relaxation. Essaouira is a sought-after destination for its authentic charm, but it also offers interesting resort options for those seeking a more exclusive experience!

The Ghazoua region, located a few kilometers south of Essaouira, is a favored choice for travelers seeking tranquility and refinement. The establishments in this area feature spacious rooms, lush gardens, and top-notch wellness facilities. You can relax by stunning pools, enjoy spa treatments, and some hotels offer direct beach access

Sidi Kaouki, a coastal village located about 25 kilometers south of Essaouira, is a lovely option! You'll find well-known establishments with elegant accommodations and stunning ocean views. Sidi Kaouki beach is renowned for surfing, but it's also perfect for swimming and lounging.

Whether you choose the Ghazoua region, Sidi Kaouki, or a nearby seaside resort, the surroundings of Essaouira are also a refuge for travelers looking to recharge in an enchanting setting. These destinations outside the city will allow you to enjoy the authentic charm of the Essaouira region.

We are now at the end of this article on the best accommodations in Essaouira, and I hope you have found a place you like. If you ever wonder what to do in Essaouira, or what to do in Marrakech during your next stay in Morocco, I recommend reading my articles on that topic