Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a lovely city on the coast of Morocco. A city steeped in history since Phoenician times, it was originally a Portuguese port town but eventually became a hub for trade between Africa and Europe. You will experience an amazing mix of different cultures and religions, with an especially thriving Jewish community that even has its own quite interesting museum about their local community.
Essaouira is a very easy, pleasant city to visit. The old walled city center is breathtaking, and the medina clean and lively. It also boasts a long, wide beach where you can take endless strolls.
There are wonderful shops filled with all types of goods: antiques, decorative housewares, clothing... and several very interesting art galleries. We suggest coming with an empty suitcase!
The weather is great in both summer and winter, though it can be a bit windy at times.
Our recommendations:
HOTELS
Hotel de Villa de L’Ô: a beautiful old eighteenth-century Riad within the city walls near the ocean. The suites with beach views are just gorgeous. It is a bit rough at the edges and could use an update, but that gives it loads of charm.
Heure Bleue Palais: A superb hotel that feels right out of the Arabian Nights. It is located right in the middle of the medina, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
RESTAURANTS:
Restaurant at the Heure Bleue hotel: One of the best restaurants in Morocco, with great service, dazzling décor and excellent cuisine.
D’ Jazy Essaouira: A fun and unique jazz club with a nice restaurant serving Moroccan food.
La Tolerance: A pleasant, simple restaurant offering local dishes. Good cooking at affordable prices.
Il Mare: It may be a bit touristy but it’s a very good fish restaurant with a terrace overlooking the waves which crash against the city wall.
SHOPS
There is a huge range of wonderful craft stores selling every sort of product, but by far our favourite shop is one called Galerie Jama - an exquisitely decorated antique store with very special items, including rugs.
