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Morocco · Marrakech-Safi

Essaouira travel guide

A windy, laid-back port on the Atlantic

Essaouira harbour and ramparts. Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 15mflight from London
ESUnearest main airport
22° in Augwarmest month
16° in Jancoolest month

Essaouira is a whitewashed, walled fishing port with blue boats, sea ramparts and a relaxed medina full of art galleries and woodwork shops.

The steady wind makes it a top kitesurfing spot and keeps summers mild. It's about three hours from Marrakech.

Good forRelaxingSeafoodKitesurfingArt

What Essaouira is known for

  • The ramparts

    Sea walls with cannons.

  • Fresh fish

    Grilled at the harbour.

  • Kitesurfing

    Reliable Atlantic winds.

  • Gnaoua music

    A famous summer festival.

Top things to do in Essaouira

  1. 1

    The Skala de la Ville

    Ramparts and sea views.

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  2. 2

    The fishing port

    Blue boats and grilled fish stalls.

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  3. 3

    A kitesurfing lesson

    On the long sandy beach.

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  4. 4

    Argan cooperatives

    Argan oil made by women's co-ops.

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Where to stay in Essaouira

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Best time to visit Essaouira

Best value: Nov–Feb. April to October; June for the Gnaoua festival.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
15.7 C16°J15.7 C16°F16.6 C17°M17.4 C17°A18.7 C19°M20.3 C20°J21.5 C22°J22.2 C22°A21.7 C22°S21 C21°O18.4 C18°N16.8 C17°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Essaouira, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 15m from London to ESU, and flights from most UK airports.

Walk the medina. Buses run to Marrakech in about three hours.

Find flights to Essaouira (ESU)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Bring a jumper: it's windy and cool at night.
  • The beach is better for sport than sunbathing.
  • Few direct UK flights, so many go via Marrakech.
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Essaouira FAQ

Is Essaouira good for a beach holiday?

It's too windy for lazing; Agadir is better.

Day trip from Marrakech?

Possible, but stay a night or two.

More places in Morocco

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