Top Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco – A Complete Travel Guide

Essaouira, Morocco, previously known as Mogador until the 1960s, offers proof of centuries-old cultural fusion along the Atlantic coast. Sultan Mohammed III founded this historic port city in 1769. In 2001, UNESCO recognized its remarkable blend of Arabic, Jewish, and Berber influences and granted it World Heritage status.

The city's traffic-free medina lets visitors wander through winding alleys and vibrant markets. Essaouira's reputation as the "Wind City of Africa" draws adventure enthusiasts, particularly from April to November. Winter temperatures remain pleasant at 19-20°C. The city's 2-kilometer beach stretch and characteristic blue fishing boats create an ideal setting for cultural experiences and seaside activities. The Gnaoua Festival of World Music annually demonstrates the city's cultural richness, enthusiastically attracting 450,000 spectators.

The Ancient Heart of Essaouira, Morocco

The ancient port of Essaouira dates back to the 5th century BCE. A Carthaginian navigator named Hanno built the trading post of Arambys. Around the 1st century BCE, Berber king Juba II built a Tyrian purple factory that processed murex shells to create the coveted dye for Roman senators' togas.

Origins of the port city

The natural harbor's strategic location has drawn many civilizations over the centuries. The site's earliest name, Mogador, comes from the Amazigh word meaning "safe anchorage." Medieval charts show a Muslim saint named Sidi Mogdoul, whose burial site gave the city its historical name.

Modern-day Essaouira came to life in 1765 under Sultan Sīdī Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh who wanted to create a rival port to Agadir. He asked French architect Théodore Cornut to design a fortified town that would become Morocco's main Atlantic trading center.

Top Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco – A Complete Travel Guide

Traditional architecture and design of Essaouira

The city's architectural blueprint shows a remarkable blend of European military engineering and Arab-Muslim urban planning.
Several architects worked on the fortress, and an English renegade known as Ahmed el Inglizi crafted the harbor entrance. The city's design struck a perfect balance between defense needs and commerce, creating a harmonious mix of Portuguese-Iberian and Andalusian styles.

Notable features include:

Vauban-inspired ramparts that extend 200 meters along the Atlantic
Traditional building materials like local cut stone (Manjour)
Checkerboard quarters design with the kasbah
Ben Youssef mosque built in 1773

The Cultural Influence in Essaouira

The ancient heart of Essaouira stands as evidence of multicultural coexistence. The city thrived as an international trading seaport that connected Morocco's Saharan hinterland with Europe. The Sultan moved European communities from Rabat-Salé to Essaouira in 1765, which created a diverse population of Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Until the nineteenth century, Essaouira served as Morocco's primary port. It became a vital link between sub-Saharan trade routes and international sea lanes. This commercial success brought merchants from different backgrounds, creating a mixture of cultures that you can still see today in the medina's architecture, crafts, and traditions.

Hidden Corners of Essaouira, Morocco

The enchanting passageways behind Essaouira Morocco's medina's whitewashed walls tell their own unique stories. Blue and white homes line the cobblestone roads that mirror the sea's changing colors.

a) Secret passageways and doorways

The medina's doors act as gateways to hidden worlds and showcase Moorish-style motifs with distinctive chamsa door knockers. You can see both Moorish and Jewish influences in these architectural elements, especially when you have a look at the Jewish mellah district. The doors showcase centuries of history with their geometric patterns and come painted in eye-catching shades of Majorelle blue and canary yellow.
These ancient quarters feature doorways that are more than 1,000 years old. The smaller doorways reflect the size of people who lived here long ago, while narrow alleyways create a cozy feel. You'll see entrances of all sizes, from huge portals with smaller central doors to modest openings. Each door has its own unique features from brass embellishments and traditional knockers, beautiful tiled frames with relief work, rounded and keyhole-shaped archways, to carved stone details with "stack of mountains" patterns

b) Local artisan workshops in Essaouira, Morocco

The medina buzzes with creativity in its many workshops. Wood scents fill the air, especially around the arcs of various 'scalas' where markets thrive. The Integrated Crafts Complex houses talented artisans who work with thuya wood, embroidery, rafia, and silver jewelry.
The artisan quarter lets visitors explore workshops that create pieces from ebony and lemon tree wood, often decorated with copper. The city's craft heritage spans many traditions, from jewelry making—once dominated by the Jewish community—to new ideas in leather goods and ceramics.

The Artisan Craft Atelier sits in the historic medina and shows visitors real Moroccan craftsmanship. Local artisans create beautiful ceramics, colorful textiles, and detailed wooden carvings using techniques passed down through generations. The space feels welcoming and relaxed, making it perfect to experience authentic Moroccan artistry.

The Secret gardens of Essaouira

Beautiful hidden gardens dot Essaouira's landscape. Jardin Michel Vu and Othello's Garden give you a quiet break from the busy medina. These spots showcase exotic plants and palms that create peaceful spaces inside the city walls.

The botanical gardens burst with beautiful plants, flowers, and trees. You'll find hidden courtyards, walled swimming pools, and charming cactus gardens in some properties. These green spaces let visitors escape the coastal winds and find some peace.

The northern section holds secret gardens behind old walls that you can only find through hidden doors. These private spots often have fruit cages covered in edible flowers, gooseberries, and white Alpine strawberries. The gardens keep their charm through careful upkeep and smart renovations that blend perfectly with Essaouira's historic buildings.

Top 10 Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco

1. Explore the Historic Medina:

A UNESCO-listed old town, the Essaouira medina is filled with narrow alleys, white-washed buildings with blue accents, and bustling souks selling handcrafted goods, spices, and jewelry.

2. Walk Along the Skala de la Ville:

This 18th-century seafront fortification offers breathtaking ocean views, historic cannons, and a glimpse into the city's maritime history.

3. Relax on Essaouira Beach:

A long, sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing, camel or horseback rides, and water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the city's breezy climate.

4. Visit the Fishing Port:

Watch local fishermen bring in the catch of the day, then enjoy fresh seafood grilled to perfection at one of the nearby stalls.

5. Discover Local Art and Culture:

Visit art galleries showcasing traditional Moroccan and contemporary works, or catch live Gnaoua music performances, which blend African, Berber, and Arabic influences.

6. Take a Day Trip to the Essaouira Countryside:

Explore nearby argan tree forests, visit a women-run argan oil cooperative, or take a quad bike adventure across the dunes.

7. Enjoy the Café Culture:

Sip Moroccan mint tea at a rooftop café while soaking in panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Discover the Moulay Hassan Square:

A lively spot in the heart of the city, this square is perfect for people-watching, sipping mint tea, and soaking up the local atmosphere.

9. Try Kitesurfing and Windsurfing:

Known as the "Windy City of Africa," Essaouira is a top destination for water sports, attracting kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world. The strong winds make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced riders.

10. Enjoy a Sunset Camel Ride:

For a unique experience, take a camel or horseback ride along the beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

Essaouira Morocco shows proof of centuries of cultural harmony, architectural brilliance, and time-honored traditions. The UNESCO-protected medina's heart beats strongly with centuries-old craftsmanship and daily rituals that pass from generation to generation.

This coastal gem reveals more than what meets the eye. Stories hide behind every wooden door. Age-old traditions fill each market, while family-run establishments keep authentic flavors that define Moroccan cuisine. Local life unfolds in Essaouira's hidden corners, from dawn fishing experiences to secret gardens that guidebooks rarely mention.

Essaouira's charm comes from knowing how to stay authentic while welcoming visitors into its cultural fabric. Arabic, Jewish, and Berber influences blend to create an atmosphere unique among Moroccan cities.

Explore our specially Crafted Morocco Tours let you experience these hidden treasures firsthand!