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City in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Photo: mwanasimba from La Réunion, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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It's a nature reserve, and thus can't be visited without an official authorization. In the 19th century, it was used as a quarantine station for pilgrims returning from Mecca.
is at the south end of Essaouira's beach, and is allegedly where Jimi Hendrix once spent some time. Even if the stories aren't true, this long, windswept beach with its ruined fort is a fantastic walk. Diabat is an empty, concrete Berber village that is practically devoid of attractions except the Hendrix ruin and a Hendrix Café. It's best visited in the early morning via taxi and then return to Essouiara via a short and very romantic walk on the beach past the castle in the sand of Hendrix fame.
Walk south along the beach, cross the shallow river Oued Igrounzer and in the hills to your left you will see the ruins of a once magnificent 18th century palace used by Sultans and Kings. A path leads there; you can still find some old floor mosaics and thankfully the ruins offer some shade.
Guided eco-friendly tours of the amazing countryside around Essaouira. You can discover the Argan Woods, the Thuya Forests, and the Dunes, take mint tea in a Berber village, and learn the secrets of a unique ecosystem at your own pace. Price per person per day: half day is 200 dirham and full day is 400 dirham (including a traditional meal with Moroccan family). Transport from town to the departure point of each walk is included.
In June.
Kitesurf, surf and windsurf directly on the main beach. Recent equipment.
A mix of art and spa, as per the name. Patrons can enjoy viewing art while having spa treatments.
If you are a fish enthusiast, you should not miss the food in the market. Buy your fish (cheap, shrimps are 50 dirham/kilo, sardines 5-6 dirham) take it to the small kitchen/restaurant and let them cook it for you. They add salad, olives and bread for 25 dirham.
Small friendly cafe, seats about 8 for meals and decor is mainly old boxing posters (husband used to coach), but the small menu is good and the prices are great.
Small street with restaurants that serve great and cheap food in huge quantities. If you order fish they buy it fresh from the market.
If you are tired of tagines, disappointed by Italian-Moroccan pasta, give La Decouverte a try. A French couple cook in a Moroccan style but with a French twist. Nice atmosphere, good prices.
A great place in Essaouira for a romantic dinner, or between friends, to enjoy Moroccan dishes along with one of the country's finest wines.
A great place for cakes and snacks.
Lovely vegan/vegetarian spot in the middle of Place El Khayma, a less visited place with many restaurants. Shyadma's is tiny, but everything is made from seasonal vegetables and fruits from the nearby market. You will most likely have to wait 15-20 minutes for your food, but it's well worth the wait. If you call this Moroccan slow food, you will be very right. A refreshing delight for foodies, especially vegetarians and vegans!
Combines a French-Moroccan restaurant, a gallery and a terrace bar with live local music and "5" (rue Youssef el fassi) for its elegant ex-pat vibe.
Has a nice terrace with a view over the sea and the bastion where you can have a drink. Although it scores mainly bad reviews from the tourists.
Luxury Hotel Essaouira
A few meters from the port, the beach, Skala, the place and the souks. Restored in authentic Arab-Andalusian style. Room rates (November 2023) listed on their site as Double 55€, Superior Double 60€, Suite with balcony 70€.
Private, self-contained house with its own roof terraces, in the walled old town. The house is a chilled-out and authentic ‘home from home’, which is let out as a whole, rather than ‘by the room’.
rachel@darlazuli.com
200-year-old riad.
Restored, staffed riad sleeping up to 10 in the heart of the medina. It has 5 beds, 3 baths and a secluded roof terrace. Breakfast included, other meals available. Minimum 2 people per reservation.
Relaxed retreat hidden in one of the medina's narrow alleys. The small riad is built around a courtyard and sleeps a maximum of 6 persons. The house can be rented as a whole. Breakfast is served every morning. Wi-Fi available.
Good hotel and good price with free parking facing the hotel.
Very large 18th century riad, retaining original features and character. Stunning views of the ocean, centrally located just off the main square, 5 minutes from the beach. Sleeps 10. Think Villa Maroc, but smaller and cheaper.
An 18th-century riad.
200-year-old family home with a beautiful terrace giving a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the bay and Diabet in the distance, as well as a lovely panoramic view of the rooftops and streets of the Medina.
This former Moroccan home has been beautifully restored and converted and is in the center of town. The staff is extremely hospitable and courteous. It has a beautiful terrace rooftop perfect for private lounging. Rooms are charming and run from 500 dirham to 1000 dirham, including breakfast (discounts available in the low season and for longer stays).
One of the cheapest (and therefore most popular) hotels in town, so you may need to book ahead during peak season. The spartan roof terrace has nice views over the cannons used in the opening sequence of Orson Welles' Othello. The hotel is very cheap and popular with lovely views from the terrace, but unless you want to experience cold showers and non-flush toilets, consider paying a bit more and staying somewhere else.
Right on the beach, it will be happy to indulge your every whim, for a hefty price. Luxury suites are also available and there is a Sofitel-branded health spa next door for those in urgent need of a hydrotherapy session and facial.
4 ensuite accommodations in a designed riad with sub-Saharan African vibes. 2 roof terraces with a fantastic ocean view at 360. Dinner on site on request and concierge service.
Rooms are clean. Toilets outside. Not for honeymooners, but rather for people who just need a clean and very quiet place to sleep. Nice grandma at Reception.
Cheap and quiet hotel in the center. Prices are negotiable - no plain tariffs. One traveller paid 80 dirham for one night in room with bathroom outside and no window. It gets a little colder in the night there in winter, as the ocean is close.
Previously Blue milk. This hostel in the Medina is a bit hidden but worth the search effort. From Av. Sidi Mohhamed Ben Abdullah find "Bob Music", Rue ceuta is a mostly covered road across from it. Continue down it the door numbered 26 with little 'why not!' graffiti on the arch next to it. Good vibe.
Beach, free breakfast, free high speed internet (WiFi), 9 rooms.
Luxury hotel residence, outside of town, with high-end hotel service, including shuttle. They also claim to have a great restaurant, which is around a heated pool and has a wifi connection.
Great bakery. Anything without cream of chocolate is great. Go there in the morning to early afternoon.
Essaouira seems a good place to get this product. This merchant sells proper rhassoul/ghassoul, i.e. wash soil. They sell natural and perfumed ½ kg bags.
By bus
Bus departures are not 100% reliable. They may be canceled or rescheduled. It is also common for the buses to be sold out. Get your ticket in advance to be sure.
By taxi
A whole grand taxi from Marrakech costs 450-800 dirham, depending on your negotiating skill, where you are, the mood of the driver, etc.
The walled center of town, the Medina, is supposedly restricted to non-motorized vehicles, but this rule is widely ignored in the case of mopeds which are an increasing nuisance.g.
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Essaouira · Regional · ESU
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