Things to Do in Essaouira Medina: A Relaxed Local Guide
Ramparts, cannons, blue fishing boats, woodworkers and grilled sardines. Here is how to spend a slow, happy day wandering Essaouira’s old walled town.
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If you are wondering about the best things to do in Essaouira medina, the honest answer is: slow down. Essaouira is not a city of big monuments. It is a walled town by the Atlantic where the pleasure is in the wandering, the sea air, the gulls over the port and a long lunch of fish that was in the water that morning. This guide covers what to see inside the old town and how to fill a day there without rushing.
If you want the practical side first (how to get there, how long the drive is, whether to go with a guide), read our Essaouira day trip guide from Taghazout. This article is about what to do once you arrive.
Why Essaouira medina feels different
Essaouira’s medina is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. It was laid out in the 18th century with a planned grid, European-style fortifications and a busy trading port, which is why the main streets are straighter and wider than in Marrakesh or Fes. It feels calm, breezy and manageable.
- Compact: you can cross the whole medina on foot in around 15 minutes.
- Relaxed: shopkeepers are generally easy-going, and you can browse without much pressure.
- Windy: the trade wind blows much of the year, so bring a light jacket even on sunny days.
Walk the ramparts and the Skala de la Ville
Start at the Skala de la Ville, the long sea bastion on the northern side of the medina. It is lined with old bronze cannons pointing out at the ocean, and the waves smash against the rocks below. Walk along the top for wide views over the coast and the rooftops of the old town.
Underneath the Skala, in the arches built into the walls, you will find woodworkers’ workshops. This is the heart of Essaouira’s thuya wood craft: boxes, chess sets and bowls with a rich, fragrant grain. Even if you are not buying, it is worth watching the craftsmen at work.
Watch the fishing port come alive
The port is the soul of Essaouira and our favourite part of any visit. Go in the morning if you can. The blue wooden boats come in, fishermen mend nets on the quay, and the day’s catch is sold straight off the boats while hundreds of gulls circle overhead.
Walk up onto the Skala du Port, the fortified tower at the harbour entrance, for the classic view back over the boats towards the medina walls. It is one of the most photographed spots in Morocco, and for good reason. Ask before photographing fishermen up close; most are happy with a smile and a nod, some would rather you did not.
Wander the souks and craft streets
From the port, walk through Place Moulay Hassan, the open square between the harbour and the medina, and into the main streets. The souks here are smaller and easier going than in Marrakesh, and they are a good place to shop for:
- Thuya wood: boxes, trays and carvings made locally.
- Argan products: oil for cooking or skin, and amlou, the argan, almond and honey spread you may have tried at breakfast.
- Spices and olives: piled high in colourful stalls.
- Textiles and rugs: scarves, blankets and woven baskets.
- Silver jewellery: a long tradition in the old Mellah area.
Bargaining is normal. Start friendly, have a price in mind, and walk away politely if it does not feel right. Our Morocco travel tips for first-timers cover bargaining and dirhams in more detail.
The Mellah
In the north-east corner of the medina is the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter. Essaouira once had a large Jewish community that played a big role in its trade. Today the streets are quieter and more lived-in, and walking through them gives you a sense of the town’s layered history.
Galleries, music and the artistic side
Essaouira has long attracted painters and musicians. Small art galleries are scattered through the medina, showing work by local and Moroccan artists, often in bright, naive styles. Pop into a few as you wander; they are usually free to visit.
The town is also closely linked to Gnaoua music, a spiritual tradition with deep African roots, played with the guembri (a three-string bass lute) and metal castanets called qraqeb. You may hear it drifting out of a doorway or in a café in the evening.
Where and what to eat in Essaouira
Food is a highlight. The most famous experience is the row of fish grills near the port, where you choose your fish and seafood from the display and it is grilled for you on the spot. Agree the price clearly before they start cooking, by weight or per plate, so there are no surprises.
| What to try | Where you will find it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled sardines and fish | Grill stalls by the port | Agree the price before cooking |
| Fish tagine | Small restaurants in the medina | Great on a windy day |
| Mint tea | Cafés around Place Moulay Hassan | Perfect for people-watching |
| Msemen and pastries | Street stalls in the morning | Eat warm, with honey |
| Amlou and argan oil | Souk stalls and co-ops | Taste before buying |
For more on what to eat in Morocco and what works before and after a surf, see our Moroccan food guide for surfers.
A simple plan for one day
- Morning: head straight to the port for the boats and the fish market, then climb the Skala du Port.
- Late morning: coffee or mint tea in Place Moulay Hassan, then wander the main souk streets.
- Lunch: grilled fish by the harbour.
- Afternoon: walk the Skala de la Ville, visit the woodworkers and a couple of galleries, then explore the Mellah.
- Late afternoon: a walk along the long beach south of the medina before heading home.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring small change in dirhams, and dress modestly in the medina: shoulders and knees covered is respectful and practical in the wind anyway.
Visiting Essaouira from Tamraght
Essaouira is about three hours north of Tamraght by road, so it makes a full, relaxed day out rather than a quick trip. The coastal drive is beautiful, passing argan country and small villages along the way.
At Surf Chill Vibe, Essaouira is part of our 7-Day Morocco Discovery Trip, along with Marrakesh, the dunes and an Amazigh cooking class; you can see each day on our itineraries page. If you are staying with us for surf, you can also add an Essaouira day trip for €55 to a build-your-own VIP trip. Either way, you come home with salty hair, a bag of amlou and very happy memories.
Frequently asked questions
Is Essaouira medina worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most relaxed medinas in Morocco, compact enough to explore on foot in a day, with sea views from the ramparts, a working fishing port and lots of craft workshops.
How much time do you need in Essaouira medina?
One full day is enough to see the ramparts, the port, the souks and a few galleries at an easy pace. Stay overnight if you want to enjoy the quiet evenings and early morning at the port.
Is Essaouira medina easy to walk around?
It is one of the easiest medinas in Morocco to navigate. The main streets are straight and the town is small, so even when you get lost you soon reach the walls or the sea.
What is Essaouira famous for?
Essaouira is known for its UNESCO-listed walled medina, its fishing port with blue boats, thuya wood crafts, Gnaoua music and the strong trade wind that makes it popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers.
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