From accommodation inspiration to recommended itineraries and transport logistics, start planning a visit to the historic city of Mogador
-
11 Best Hotels in Sidi Kaouki: A Beach Escape Near Essaouira
Looking for the best hotels in Sidi Kaouki or surf camps along Essaouira’s southern coast? Discover some of the most inspiring places to stay for surfers and non-surfers alike. Just 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira lies the village of Sidi Kaouki, which is quickly establishing itself as the premier surf destination along this windswept…
-
8 Best Day Trips and Tours in Essaouira
Looking for the best day trips and tours in Essaouira? Discover 8 incredible ways to spend your time in this whitewashed coastal city, including surf lessons, camel rides and visits to women’s argan oil cooperatives. Nestled within whitewashed walls built by the Portuguese, Essaouira exudes a laidback, bohemian spirit all its own. This coastal Moroccan…
-
Atlas to Atlantic: One Week Morocco Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers
Experience the diversity of Morocco on this one-week Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Essaouira, taking you into the High Atlas Mountains and back down to the Atlantic Ocean. It allows you to experience the energised buzz of the “Red City” and hike through the ruggedly beautiful Atlas Mountains. Then, immerse yourself in the country’s artistic side…
-
Atlantic to Sahara: Two Week Morocco Itinerary from Essaouira
Experience Morocco’s stunning landscapes and fascinating cultures away from the crowds on this two week Morocco itinerary from Essaouira, taking in ancient ports and the vast beauty of the Sahara Desert. Feast your eyes on Essaouira’s whitewashed medina and journey into Toubkal National Park, where forests cloak the slopes of the towering High Atlas. Descend…
-
5 Best Essaouira Food Tours and Experiences
Looking for the best Essaouira food tours and experiences? Explore this curated collection of highly-rated foodie activities in the historic port of Mogador. Once known as Mogador, Essaouira is a must-visit city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. It combines an incredible arts scene with a fascinating history and some of the best seafood in the country….
-
5 Best Spa Hotels in Essaouira for a Pampering Escape
Looking for the best spa hotels in Essaouira? Discover 5 incredible places to stay for a pampering escape in this relaxed coastal city. For me, Essaouira is a destination that’s all about sun, sand and surf. But you could also add “spa” into that mix. This former Portuguese trading post has a really laidback feel…
-
10 Best Boutique Hotels in Essaouira for a Bespoke Stay
Prefer small-scale hotels over big international chains? Discover 10 of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira for your next Mogador escape. While there are a handful of large hotels in Essaouira from big-name international brands, this whitewashed city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast really is the domain of boutique stays. In my opinion, Essaouira boasts some…
-
Visiting Essaouira in May: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is May a good time to visit Essaouira? With idyllic weather, little rainfall and relatively sparse crowds, May can be one of the best months for visiting Essaouira. In 2026, it will also coincide with the Eid al-Adha celebrations (around 26 to 30 May), bringing a fascinating cultural element to the experience The warm but not…
-
Visiting Essaouira in June: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is June a good time to visit Essaouira? For music lovers, culture vultures or water sports enthusiasts, June is one of the best months to visit Essaouira. A highlight on the June calendar is always the Gnaoua World Music Festival – an intoxicating celebration of West African rhythms. June marks the start of the high season…
-
Exploring Historic Mogador: Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira
Looking for the best things to do in Essaouira or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting around and the best Essaouira tours in this essential travel guide. Positioned on Morocco’s windswept Atlantic coast, the laidback town of Essaouira feels a world away from the chaotic energy of…
-
10 of the Best Art Galleries in Essaouira
If you’re an art enthusiast visiting the historic city of Mogador, there’s inspiration around every corner. Discover 10 of the best art galleries in Essaouira, most of which are free to enter and many offering works for sale. Essaouira has long been revered as a haven for artists. Over the years, it has drawn creative…
-
6 Best Museums in Essaouira: Culture + Art + History
From a Jewish cultural centre to private art galleries and cultural heritage displays, discover 6 of the best museums in Essaouira. Encircled by 18th-century ramparts, Essaouira’s whitewashed medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. It’s home to bustling produce stalls and souks, where artisans can be seen busy at work. Hidden within some of its…
-
Visiting Essaouira in April: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is April a good time to visit Essaouira? While April is definitely a busy time to be in Essaouira with the Easter crowds, the near-perfect daytime temperatures make it absolutely ideal for sightseeing. The spring sunshine is warming but not yet too hot and Essaouira’s strong summer coastal winds are still relatively subdued. In fact,…
-
Visiting Essaouira in March: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is March a good time to visit Essaouira? In my opinion, March is an excellent time to visit Essaouira. It will be particularly special in 2026 as Ramadan falls during the month. Not only is the weather pleasantly mild, with abundant sunshine, but the streets are relatively uncrowded compared to April and beyond. In March…
-
Visiting Essaouira in February: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is February a good time to visit Essaouira? In my opinion, February can be a great time to visit Essaouira. This charming coastal city is known for its laid-back vibe, historic medina and breezy beaches. Compared to the busy summer months, the streets are relatively uncrowded. Plus, the mild temperatures make it great for leisurely…
-
Visiting Essaouira in January: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is January a good time to visit Essaouira? In my opinion, yes. But I also acknowledge that it’s not for everyone. While this whitewashed coastal city is synonymous with sunshine and surf (and wind!), it may be less appealing for beach activities in the wintertime. That is, unless you’re into cold water swimming or want…
-
How to Get From Agadir to Essaouira: Bus + Transfer + Tour
If you’re wondering how to get from Agadir to Essaouira or what I think is the best way of getting from Essaouira to Agadir, then read on. I’ve visited both of these breezy coastal cities on several occasions and travelled between the two using various modes of transport! Despite being only three hours away on the…
-
Agadir or Essaouira: Which City Should You Visit in 2025?
Not sure whether to visit Agadir or Essaouira? Read on to discover what sets these two coastal Moroccan destinations apart and decide which you should visit in 2025. If you’re planning a Moroccan beach vacation, there are probably two main destinations you have in mind – Agadir or Essaouira. Both offer sun-drenched seaside settings on…
-
7 of the Best Villas Near Essaouira
Looking for the best villas near Essaouira? Discover 7 incredible places to stay for a country escape on the doorstep of historic Mogador. Usually when I visit Essaouira, I stay in the heart of the medina to be within walking distance of the city’s amazing cafes, restaurants and the fish market at the port. But…
-
Visiting Essaouira in July: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do
Is July a good time to visit Essaouira? With long, sun-drenched days and mild coastal temperatures, Essaouira in July is bliss! The reliably warm weather makes it the perfect time for a relaxing seaside getaway, whether you want to laze on the beach, shop for handicrafts and artworks or people watch in the city’s bohemian cafes. …
