Where to Stay in Essaouira
Riads (traditional houses converted to small hotels) are my favorite places to stay anywhere in Morocco, and Essaouira has some very nice ones in its medina. Riads have been painstakingly renovated using local materials and you'll find lots of beautiful tile work, white washed walls and traditional Moroccan decorations. Every room inside a Riad is unique.Riads are often hidden down quiet alleyways in the heart of the medina and you'll have to find someone to help you with your luggage since no cars can access the medina. Owners are always happy to help if you let them know when you will be arriving.
Recommended Riads include
- Dar Lioubia -- a very friendly, homely Riad situated in a quiet district of the medina. There are 7 double rooms, a roof top terrace and a cosy patio and living room. Room rates for doubles start at 60 Euros per night (about US $90 at time of writing).
- Dar Emotion -- situated in the heart of the medina, the cozy and moderately priced Dar Emotion has 5 rooms available. There's a rooftop terrace for breakfast and a patio, living room and dining room. Room rates for doubles start at 65 Euros per night (about US $100 at time of writing).
- Ryad Watier -- a larger Riad with 10 suites as well as a lovely little garden, hammam and massage rooms. You can enjoy breakfast on the rooftop with nice ocean views and settle down in the vast library for a quiet read. Traditional meals are prepared for you using local fresh ingredients. Room rates for doubles start at 85 Euros per night (about US $135 at time of writing).
Places to Stay Outside Essaouira's Medina
If you prefer a hotel with swimming pool, or you don't like to get lost in Morocco's medinas while trying to find your hotel, here are some alternative accommodations I can recommend:
- Madada Mogador -- a spacious, stylish and very tastefully decorated in a nouveau-Moroccan style. The ocean views from the roof top terrace are exquisite since the hotel is built right behind the town's ramparts. The Madada Mogador has 6 rooms and an excellent restaurant. Room rates for doubles start at 110 Euros per night (about US $175 at time of writing).
- Ocean Vagabond -- Very close to the beach and the medina, the Ocean Vagabond offers a garden, swimming pool, hammam and 14 well appointed, unique rooms with a view. Room rates for doubles start at 120 Euros per night (about US $190 at time of writing).
- Baoussala -- is about a 10 minute drive from the town of Essaouira. This is a beautiful and tranquil hotel, perfect if you want to relax and get away from it all. The food gets rave reviews as does the friendly service. There are 6 suites, each uniquely decorated and quite spacious. Room rates for doubles start at 75 Euros per night (about US $115 at time of writing).
Where to Eat
Essaouira is a fishing town and you have to try the local grilled sardines when you're visiting. Any restaurant along the harbour front offers daily fresh fish specials. Some of the best restaurants are hidden away in Riads in the medinas. Ask your hotel manager to help you find them. I usually prefer to wander around and just see what catches my fancy. The Place Moulay Hassan on the edge of the port is an excellent spot for a drink and some cheap Moroccan food.Recommended Restaurants in Essaouira:
Chez Sam at Essaouira's port has excellent fish and seafood as well as a great bar. You won't find too many local Moroccans here though.
Riad le Grande Large -- gets more attention for its delicious traditional meals, than its bedrooms. Excellent set meals start at 12 Euros (around $19) and your fish dishes will usually be accompanied by traditional live music.
Chez Georges is one of the more expensive restaurants in Essaouira, so if you're looking to splash out, this is a good option. Dining is al fresco, so bring something warm to wear.
When to Go to Essaouira
There's almost no rainfall in Essaouira from March to October, so that's probably the best time to go. At the end of June, the Gnaoua Music Festival is an excellent cultural event, but if you're not interested in it, then avoid this time to visit Essaouira because the town is absolutely packed with people.Summer months from July and August sees a steady stream of visitors as well as local Moroccans looking to escape the heat farther inland. Essaouira's temperatures don't get much above 80 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius) even during the summer because of the wind that blows year round. If you don't like to be among groups of tourists then May, June and September would be a perfect time to visit Essaouira.
Winters don't get too cold, the temperatures will usually creep up to 60 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) during the day, much too cold to swim or sunbathe, but still nice to bargain hunt in the medina.
What to See in Essaouira and How to Get There ...
