One of those gems I never expected to find in Morocco, windswept Essaouira was a pleasant surprise during the two weeks. With forty-eight hours to spend in this port city, I was excited for fresh ocean air and down time.
It couldn’t have been more timely to take a coastal escape — having just been in the desert for three days, I was thirsty for a change of scenery. Essaouira brought me down memory lane to the sailing town of La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coastline of France, where I had grown up going with my family. This fortified town had a free-spirit to it, and seemed to march to the beat of its own drum — something contrary to the whole of Morocco.
I can see why many visitors come here to soak up the sun on rooftop pools, to explore the medina, and dive into fresh seafood. Essaouira was a well-needed break, and I couldn’t recommend it more for an escape just a few short hours from Marrakech.
48 Hours in Essaouira
Good to Know
- It is only a 2 hour drive from Marrakech, and a taxi will cost around $90 USD one way.
- No car is needed if staying in the medina as everything is reachable by foot.
- Almost everywhere only accepts cash, with limited vendors accepting credit card.
- Pack a good jacket as the city tends to be windy.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
- Hotel Villa Maroc: Just footsteps into the medina, the Hotel Villa Maroc is an incredible gem that combines the amenities of a hotel with the intimacy of a riad. A rooftop provides the ultimate spot to wake up to for breakfast, and an incredible restaurant is perfected for dinner. Each room is designed and decorated with bright tones, antique pieces, and set for a Moroccan escape. Be sure to check out the spa for a massage that won’t break the bank.
Where to Eat/Drink in Essaouira
- Elizir: A great dinner spot for local cuisine.
- La Licorne: A fine dining experience, with tajin and couscous dishes.
- L’Heure Bleue Palais: Come here for the finest of cuisine and a prefix menu.
- Le Chalet de La Plage: A restaurant along the ocean with a primarily seafood menu.
What to Do in Essaouira
- Explore the medina and endless souks.
- Take a walk down the port side and see a glimpse of the day’s fresh catch.
- Experience a hammam and a massage at Hotel Villa Maroc.
- See the Musee Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah for Moroccan costumes and more.
- Go to the rooftop of L’Heure Bleue Palais for a day at the rooftop pool. (Reserve lunch + pool access.)
- Take a walk on the beach.
- Take a cooking class with Hotel Villa Maroc.
- Head to the fish market to explore a bustling market.
Purchase Travel Insurance
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
3 Comments
Fantastic blues and whites in these photos (and I guess throughout the city in general…!)
www.patientexplorers.com
Thank you, Kyle!
please send me a email at tropico@safe-mail.net – im so lonely and i need company!
Yes! Finally someone writes about Krabi–krabong.