Major city · Morocco
Essaouiraالصويرة
Give Essaouira 2 nights: walk the ramparts and fish market on day one, take the beach or a kite lesson on day two, and skip it if you want heat and swimming.
Essaouira is a walled 18th-century port on the Atlantic, about 2.5–3 hours by road from Marrakech. The medina is small enough to cross on foot in 20 minutes, the wind blows most afternoons, and the sea is cold. Two nights covers the ramparts, the port, the fish grills and a beach walk; three if you kite or ride. It is a cool-weather and shoulder-season town, not a beach-resort town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MAD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (wind and crowds), Dec–Feb (cold sea, rain)
- Airports
- ESU · RAK
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Morocco ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Moroccan consulate or official government sources before booking; visa exemptions depend on nationality.
- Morocco ↗The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency: you normally obtain it on arrival (ATMs, exchange desks) and change leftovers back before departure, keeping exchange receipts.
- Morocco ↗Do not bring a drone without prior authorisation: drones are routinely confiscated at customs.
- Morocco ↗During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in the street in daylight; tourist restaurants and hotels still serve.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Essaouira19 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Essaouira, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).Morocco-wide
- SIM or eSIMMaroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell tourist SIMs at airports and shops with a passport; 20–50 GB costs about MAD 100–200.Morocco-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated in cities but most visitors drink bottled; carry water in the south.Morocco-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10%.Morocco-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Morocco-wide
- SafetyEssaouira is calm by Moroccan city standards; the real risks are the wind, the cold water and fish-market bills.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; squat toilets in older cafés and on the road.Morocco-wide
- Emergency numbers19 police · 177 Gendarmerie · 15 ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckFriday midday prayers slow business; many shops shut on Eid holidays; museums often close one day a week (usually Tuesday — check).Morocco-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportESU Essaouira-Mogador Airport (16 km (9.9 mi) southeast of town; bus 2, shuttle or grand taxi).ESU Essaouira-Mogador Airport (9.9 mi (16 km) southeast of town; bus 2, shuttle or grand taxi).
- Getting aroundThe medina is walkable; mopeds ignore the no-vehicle rule, so keep left and look both ways.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealSandwichMAD 10–20
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Petit taxi in townMAD 8 dayMAD 9 after 20:00MAD 9 after 8:00 PM
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMAD 100–200
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMAD 120
- Mid-range bedRiad or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 700
- High-end bedRiad or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 1,800
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MAD 400 · Mid MAD 800 · High MAD 1,800
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ESU Essaouira-Mogador Airport (16 km (9.9 mi) southeast of town; bus 2, shuttle or grand taxi) · RAK Marrakech Menara (About 2.5–3 h by road; the usual arrival for most trips)ESU Essaouira-Mogador Airport (9.9 mi (16 km) southeast of town; bus 2, shuttle or grand taxi) · RAK Marrakech Menara (About 2.5–3 h by road; the usual arrival for most trips)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Feb
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Essaouira: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The medina is walkable; mopeds ignore the no-vehicle rule, so keep left and look both ways. Petit taxis charge a flat fare inside town (about MAD 8 by day, MAD 9 after 20:00 — check). Grand taxis cover the airport and Diabat. Buses 2 and the airport shuttle link the centre with ESU.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
- Marrakech full guide170 km (106 mi)106 mi (170 km) east of Essaouira
From Marrakech: CTM or Supratours bus, about 2.5–3 h; grand taxi or private car about 2.5 h · Full day or better overnight
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Diabat and Dar Sultan ruins
goDoor to door: Half day
Taxi out, walk back along the beach
Ruined fort and palace south of the beach; go early before the wind picks up.
Sidi Kaouki
goDoor to door: Half to full day
Grand taxi or local bus south, about 25 km (16 mi)Grand taxi or local bus south, about 16 mi (25 km)
Wide beach and surf schools; quieter than town.
Marrakech
overnightDoor to door: 3–3.5 h
CTM or Supratours coach from town, about 3 h
Book the day before; coaches sell out in peak periods.
Agadir
overnightDoor to door: 3–3.5 h
CTM coach, about 3 h
Local intercity buses also stop along the coast, including Taghazout.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Medina (inside the walls)
Riads and small hotels; walk to everything, but narrow lanes and no cars at the door.
Bab Doukkala / Bab Marrakech edge
Just outside the gates; easier with bags and near the Supratours and CTM stops.
Beachfront and new town
Hotels with sea views and parking; 10–15 min walk to the medina.
Diabat
South end of the beach, 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) out; quiet, needs a taxi or a long walk.South end of the beach, 2.5–3.1 mi (4–5 km) out; quiet, needs a taxi or a long walk.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MAD 350–600 excl. bed
- Mid
- MAD 600–1,200 excl. bed
- High
- MAD 1,200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Riad or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × MAD 700 | MAD 1,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MAD 800 | MAD 3,200 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × MAD 100 | MAD 200 |
| Kite or windsurf lesson, half day2 × MAD 400 | MAD 800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MAD 150 | MAD 300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MAD 590 |
| Trip total≈ MAD 1,623 per person per day, bed included | MAD 6,490 |
2026 estimate in dirham; flights and long-distance coaches excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Mint tea | MAD 5–15 |
| Harira soup | MAD 5–8 |
| Sandwich | MAD 10–20 |
| Chicken or vegetable tagine | MAD 30–60 |
| Fish tagine with bread | MAD 20–50 |
| Fresh sardines, fish market | MAD 5–6 per pack |
| Grill your own fish at the market stalls | MAD 25 plus the fish |
| Petit taxi in town | MAD 8 day / MAD 9 after 20:00MAD 8 day / MAD 9 after 8:00 PM |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | MAD 100–200 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wind is constant from late morning: a light jacket and a hat that ties on.
- The Atlantic here is cold and has a shore break and currents; swim near others, not alone.
- Fish-market grills: agree the total and the weight before cooking, and check the posted price board.
- Some medina lanes flood or turn slick after rain.
- Alcohol is sold at few places; the off-licence is outside Bab Doukkala.
- Touts at the bus station offer rooms; you can walk on and decide later.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 19
- Gendarmerie
- 177
- Ambulance and fire
- 15
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Essaouiraالصويرة
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
لهذا العنوان عافاكTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police19
- Gendarmerie177
- Ambulance and fire15
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Essaouira; most are in Rabat, with consulates in Casablanca and Marrakech (check your country's list).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- ESU airport → town, shuttle: about MAD 50 per person, about 20 min
- ESU airport → town, grand taxi: about MAD 150 per car, up to 6 people
- Marrakech → Essaouira, CTM or Supratours coach: about MAD 80 plus MAD 5 per stowed bag, about 3 h
- Petit taxi in town: MAD 8 day / MAD 9 after 20:00MAD 8 day / MAD 9 after 8:00 PM
Say or show
- السلام عليكم — Hello (as-salaamu alaykum)
- شكرا — Thank you (shukran)
- بشحال؟ — How much is it? (bech-hal)
- غالي بزاف — Too expensive (ghali bezzaf)
- الحساب عافاك — The bill, please (l-hsaab afak)
- فين الطواليت؟ — Where is the toilet? (fin twalet)
Print your boarding pass before ESU and get it stamped at a check-in desk, even with no bags; Ryanair is strict on carry-on size here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Essaouira. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (wind and crowds), Dec–Feb (cold sea, rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ESU: bus 2, shuttle and grand taxi timings field-checked, with a late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Place Moulay Hassan and the Skala, the port and fish market, Bab Doukkala and the souks, the beach and Diabat.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Skala, ramparts, citadel, Mogador viewpoint) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and swell fixtures so beach and kite days can go green or be swapped.