A pleasant though very windy place. A charming medina. Good restaurants and plenty of fresh fish. Definitely worth having a hire car. Some lovely upmarket hotels/spas in the surrounding countryside.

A big (and much cooler) contrast to Marrakech, Essaouira is a very traditional Berber town, but much smaller, but with lots of good eating options, (no alcohol in most!) The souk is lovely with lots of choice for everything, and the beach area very nice, but being on the Atlantic, prone to wind. We spent our 2nd evening on the sea front watching the sun go down and enjoying fresh sardines - a nice 2 day stop over.

Mix of old town, port and beach. In danger of becoming a little overrun with tourists during day. All felt very safe. Loads of usual souk shops - especially notable are the wood ones (Thuya). Large gently sloping beach, good for watersports. Don't miss the port - very active during day - buy some fish and get it cooked nearby very cheaply, but can get very busy (and chaotic!). Wide range of restaurants, recommend the Ocean Vagabond at far end of beach. Taros bar is liveliest place, but drinks pricey. Note of caution : We did get get some food poisoning, difficult to be precise, but seemed to stem from one meal at a 'good' restaurant ( I won't name and shame as cannot be totally sure !?) , probably from a salad or fruit dessert ?

The Medina has combined very Moroccan local life with international life styles. People can find many restaurants and cafes supplying international food and alcohol. It is a place people can stroll around and sit drinking all the day.

Very lay back and peaceful, people very humble and welcoming,the beach is clean and safe for strolls or working out, best place for art and craft lovers,downsides are food prices. Some places are way over their heads with prices considering a small town.

At Cultural Morocco Tours, we highly recommend including Essaouira in your Moroccan journey. This charming coastal city, known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Visitors can wander through its UNESCO-listed medina with whitewashed houses and blue shutters, explore the lively souks and artisan workshops, and enjoy the fresh Atlantic breeze along the city’s beautiful beach. Essaouira is also famous for its delicious seafood, vibrant music scene, and warm, laid-back atmosphere. Whether for a day trip or a few relaxing nights, Essaouira is an unforgettable stop that captures the essence of Morocco’s coastal charm. Cultural Morocco Tours