12 Best Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Not sure where to start in Essaouira? We’ve got you covered.

This relaxed coastal city is the perfect escape from Morocco’s busier destinations. With its blue-and-white medina, wide sandy beaches, and chill Atlantic energy, Essaouira has a charm that feels instantly refreshing. But with so many hidden corners to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where we can help!

After soaking up Essaouira’s breezy coastline, wandering its medina, and tasting its local flavors, we’ve narrowed the city down to its absolute must-do experiences. Whether you’re craving adventure or just a peaceful moment by the sea, let’s explore the 12 best things to do in Essaouira.

Things to do in Essaouira

1. Drift along the coast on a sunset camel adventure

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: Multiple times available from 10 am–4 pm
• Highlights: Ride camels along Atlantic beaches, wander through eucalyptus forests, discover ancient ruins, explore coastal dunes and villages 
• Inclusions: Snacks, bottled water, shawl, djellaba, small-group tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

There are plenty of ways to explore Essaouira, but few are as incredible as seeing the coast from the back of a camel, and this small-group tour turns a regular outing into a genuine adventure. After a short intro and a meet-and-greet with your camel, you’ll head off along the shoreline for an experience that feels grounding and memorable right from the first steps.

While there are multiple departure times available throughout the day, sunset is especially stunning. The sky glows gold over the dunes and the Atlantic, giving the whole ride a warm, cinematic feel that’s hard to beat.

Your route winds from soft stretches of beach into eucalyptus forests, through the quiet Diabat village, and past ancient ruins like the old Portuguese Borj. It’s a wonderfully varied landscape that shows why Essaouira is the best place in Morocco to ride a camel. With a small-group setup, the pace stays relaxed as guides share stories about the region and its dromedaries, and snacks and water are even included along the way.

The only downside is the wind can sometimes pick up, but with the provided shawls and djellabas, you’ll stay comfortable, and the dramatic breeze makes that sunset over Cap Sim’s dunes even more stunning.

It’s the kind of slow, scenic adventure that lets you soak in Essaouira’s wild beauty at your own pace. By the end, the rhythm of the camels and the sweep of the coastline blend into a memory that really sticks with you!

Reserve this tour here and soak up Essaouira’s most stunning scenery!

2. Ride through Essaouira’s big dunes on a quad bike

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 9:30 am and 2:30 pm
• Highlights: Ride a quad bike across rolling dunes, explore the Sultan’s Palace ruins, follow rugged coastal trails, soak up panoramic Atlantic view, with photos captured by your guide 
• Inclusions: Professional guide, free photos taken by your guide, professional gear, breaks with fresh mineral water and chocolate, use of a 125cc Yamaha Grizzly quad bike, small-group tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 490+ reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you’re looking to add some excitement to your time in Essaouira, this quad biking tour was hands-down one of the experiences we loved most. The small-group setup, beautiful dunes, and fun level of challenge made it unforgettable.

To start, we were given a safety briefing and fitted with all the gear we needed: wind jackets, helmets, gloves, and even scarves. Having everything provided made the whole process super easy. Before hitting the dunes, we practiced for about 10 minutes to get a feel for the quad, which was incredibly helpful and made the rest of the ride feel much more natural.

Once we took off, the landscape opened up instantly. We cruised toward Borj Al Baroud and then into the rolling dune fields with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out beside us—it was one of those views you have to stop just to appreciate. The tour includes two breaks with water and chocolate (much needed!), and our guide snapped tons of photos so we could focus on the ride instead of our cameras.

The small-group setup kept everything relaxed and personal, and by the end, we were grinning like kids. It quickly became one of our favorite experiences in Essaouira—and judging by the HUNDREDS of five-star reviews, we’re definitely not the only ones who feel that way!

Book this tour here and see why everyone raves about it!

3. Explore Essaouira’s hidden gems on an electric motorcycle

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 3:30 pm
• Highlights: Ride an eco-friendly electric vehicle through Essaouira’s beaches, dunes, and villages, explore historic and rock-legend sites
• Inclusions: Coffee/tea, snacks, small-group tour, electric vehicle, vintage helmet
• Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here! 

If you want to explore the best of Essaouira without rushing, sweating, or sitting on a crowded bus, this electric vehicle tour is one of the most fun and eco-friendly ways to do it. Instead of engines or exhaust, you’ll glide through the city in complete silence, making it easy to soak in the scenery while cruising between some of Essaouira’s most iconic viewpoints.

The adventure begins in the medina, where you get to choose your electric vehicle and a vintage-style Italian helmet (great for photos!). After a quick test run and safety briefing, the tour heads toward the beach, the ramparts, and the island of Mogador, giving you a great introduction to the city’s history.

Then, you’ll cruise past seaside sculptures, along quiet stretches of Oued Ksob, and into areas many visitors miss—like the ruins of the Sultan’s Palace and the mellow village of Diabat, known for its Hendrix legends. The path winds through eucalyptus groves and toward the Norfolk pines near the Mogador golf course, where the scenery feels surprisingly wild this close to the city.

There are also plenty of relaxed stops for sweeping viewpoints, fun photo moments, and glimpses of native argan trees. Some routes even include a quick visit to a small argan oil cooperative to see traditional production.

To wrap up, you’ll enjoy tea and pastries in a farmhouse before rolling back toward the medina. With its easy-to-drive electric vehicles, diverse stops, and calm, quiet ride, this tour offers a refreshing way to explore the landscapes surrounding Essaouira.

Reserve this tour here and explore Essaouira’s highlights!

4. Learn to cook local Moroccan dishes

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 10:30 am
• Highlights: Shop the spice souks with a local chef, learn to cook classic Moroccan dishes from scratch, enjoy a homemade two-course lunch, mint tea, and pastries in an oriental lounge
• Inclusions: Small-group cooking class, 2-course lunch
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into Morocco’s iconic dishes, this workshop at L’Atelier Madada is a wonderful place to find out. It starts in the spice souks and ends around a shared table with the dishes you’ve made yourself.

When we took this class, our chef guided us through the market, pointing out the spice blends and dried herbs that give Moroccan cooking its signature flavor. After picking up everything we needed for lunch, we headed back to the airy workshop to begin cooking. The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, with plenty of time for questions, hands-on guidance, and an unrushed, enjoyable pace.

Then came the real fun! We prepared a two-course meal from scratch, learning how to build the flavors for dishes like zaalouk, tchakchouka, and traditional tajines. Hearing the chef’s tips about balancing spices and getting the perfect texture made the experience even better, and sitting down together afterward felt more like a shared home-cooked meal than a class.

To finish, we enjoyed Moroccan mint tea and pastries, which were a sweet, calming way to end the experience. It was the perfect pause to reflect on everything we had learned and appreciate the care that goes into each dish.

This is a lesson that stays with you—not just because of the recipes, but because of the insight it gives into Moroccan cooking and daily life. And with so many five-star reviews, it’s easy to see why this workshop has become such a favorite in Essaouira.

Learn how to cook Moroccan classics—book this food tour here!

5. Walk the Ancient Ramparts and Skala de la Kasbah

Exploring Essaouira’s ancient ramparts is one of the most memorable ways to connect with the city’s history and its dramatic Atlantic setting. Built in the 18th century, these fortified walls once protected the port from invaders, and today they offer some of the most impressive coastal views you’ll find anywhere in Morocco. 

The late afternoon is an especially beautiful time to visit, as the golden light hits the stone perfectly, and the crashing waves below create an atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

As you follow the Skala de la Kasbah, you’ll pass rows of weathered bronze cannons and small lookout points that once served as defense posts. The contrast between these rugged military structures and the soft blues and whites of the medina behind them makes the walk feel both historic and picturesque. It’s easy to imagine how important this spot once was, especially when the ocean wind whips over the walls.

Game of Thrones fans may recognize parts of the ramparts from the show, but even without the pop-culture connection, the experience is captivating. Whether you’re into history, photography, or simply want one of the best views in Essaouira, a stroll along the ramparts is an absolute must.

6. Learn to kitesurf

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
• Highlights: Learn to kitesurf at one of Essaouira’s best beach spots, train with certified instructors using top-tier gear, choose lessons tailored to your level
• Inclusions: Kitesurfing Equipment, small-group lesson
• Rating: 5 stars (check 200+ reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here! 

Essaouira is known as Morocco’s “City of Wind,” which makes this kitesurfing lesson one of the most exciting ways to experience its coastline. With steady breezes and long sandy beaches, the conditions here are ideal for learning.

With fully certified instructors and fresh equipment each year, you’re in good hands from the moment the lesson begins. The two-hour beginner session gives you a solid foundation: you’ll learn how to fly the kite, steer it safely, and begin working toward water starts. If you already have some experience, the lesson becomes fully customized so you can progress at your own pace, whether you’re aiming for better control or practicing in the waves.

It’s worth noting that kitesurfing isn’t a sport you master in a single session. Most people need multiple lessons to learn the basics safely and eventually become independent riders. If you have the time, planning for a few sessions will give you the best chance of getting up on the board and truly enjoying the experience.

With its prime beach location, attentive instructors, and high-quality gear, this is one of the most reliable places in Essaouira to learn how to harness the wind. By the end, you’ll understand why so many travelers choose to start—or continue—their kitesurfing journey here, where the conditions make progress feel genuinely achievable.

Reserve your kitesurfing lessons here and ride the winds of Essaouira!

7. Enjoy a peaceful horse ride along the beach at sunset

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Multiple times available from 9 am–7 pm
• Highlights: Ride horses through eucalyptus forests, dunes, and coastal trails, visit the Sultan’s Palace, and experience a sunset adventure tailored to your riding level
• Inclusions: Necessary equipment, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.7 stars (check 130+ reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here! 

A horseback ride is one of the most peaceful ways to experience Essaouira’s wild landscapes, and this small-group outing is open to everyone—kids, beginners, and experienced riders alike. 

The horses are a Barb–Arabian mix, known for being gentle with new riders yet full of energy for those who want a livelier pace. Over two hours, the route winds through forests, dunes, and long stretches of untouched beach, creating a scenic backdrop that feels worlds away from the city.

We chose the sunset ride and absolutely loved it. After getting our helmets and a quick briefing, we were paired with horses that suited our experience levels perfectly. From the moment we set out, the guides adjusted the pace so everyone felt comfortable—walking through the eucalyptus forest, trotting across open sand, and giving the more confident riders the option to gallop along the dunes.

The scenery kept changing in the best way: the ruins of the old Sultan’s Palace, rolling dunes that opened onto a massive wild beach, and grazing dromedaries and donkeys along the way. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the entire coastline glowed, and riding along the sand at that moment felt calm, cinematic, and incredibly special.

There’s something special about exploring this coastline on horseback, especially as the light softens and the dunes start to glow. It’s an experience that leaves you connected to the landscape in a way few other activities can match.

Book your sunset ride here and experience Essaouira on horseback!

8. Get lost in the blue and white medina

Essaouira’s medina is one of the calmest and most inviting in all of Morocco, making it a joy to wander without the usual hustle that comes with larger cities. The soft blue-and-white color palette gives everything a breezy, coastal feel, and the narrow lanes draw you in with a sense of curiosity. Even though the medina is compact and easy to navigate, the winding alleys still offer that fun feeling of exploring somewhere new with each turn.

As you stroll, you’ll find artisans carving beautiful thuya wood boxes, weaving textiles, or shaping pottery in tiny workshops tucked between cafés and boutique stores. The smell of msemen sizzling on griddles drifts through the streets, tempting you to stop for a warm, flaky snack as you wander. Small shops selling locally made ceramics, leather goods, and colorful scarves add to the charm, and the vendors here tend to be friendly and low-pressure.

Because of its pace and layout, the medina is also one of the best places in Essaouira for photography. The contrast of painted doors, sun-washed walls, and pops of color from market stalls makes it easy to capture beautiful shots.

Whether you’re browsing, snacking, people-watching, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, getting lost in Essaouira’s medina is a simple pleasure you won’t want to rush.

9. Experience local Berber culture

• Duration: 4 to 7 hours
• Time: Departure time confirmed upon booking
• Highlights: Visiting the Sidi M’barek Berber village, having a traditional Berber breakfast on a local farm, seeing the Sidi M’barek waterfall, authentic sea fishing activity, oceanside lunch
• Inclusions: Local guide, breakfast, lunch, water, coffee/tea, small-group experience
• Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here) 
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Looking for an authentic cultural experience while in Essaouira? Look no further! This Berber day trip deep dives into the local Sidi M’barek village, showing another side to Morocco that many travelers miss. 

Most Berber villages are at least an hour’s drive outside of the city, but that just gives you time to soak in the views as you go! Once you reach the village, you’ll sit down and share a traditional breakfast prepared at a local farm. Prepare yourself for warm and fluffy bread, melt-in-your-mouth meets, and the yummiest mint tea!

The pace picks up after breakfast, as you head out to the Sidi M’barek Waterfall. While the waterfall itself wasn’t the most impressive one I’ve ever seen, the views of the valley and the Atlantic Ocean were certainly worth the journey. After gazing at the falls, you’ll head to the ocean to learn about local fishing, and even give it a go for yourself!

Wrap up your experience with a relaxed seaside lunch, with freshly caught fish tajine – yum! This is one of the most authentic experiences you can get in Essouria, and far different than one you’d find in a big city. We also love that this company is dedicated to eco-tourism, so you can explore while knowing it’s done well!

Don’t miss out – book this Berber day trip here!

10. Relax on Essaouira Beach and watch the kitesurfers

Essaouira Beach stretches for miles along the edge of the city, offering one of the most relaxing and wide-open coastal spaces in Morocco. Even on breezy days, there’s more than enough room to find your own patch of sand, wander along the shoreline, or simply breathe in the salty Atlantic air. The long, flat beach makes it perfect for walking, whether you’re out for a slow sunset stroll or a morning wander with a coffee in hand.

The famous winds are a huge part of Essaouira’s charm. This stretch of coast is known as one of Morocco’s top wind and kitesurfing spots, and watching the sky fill with colorful kites is surprisingly entertaining. Dozens of surfers skim across the waves at once, creating a lively, ever-changing scene that feels uniquely Essaouira.

You’ll often see camel caravans and horseback riders making their way along the sand as well, and if you’re looking for something active, there are beach yoga classes, casual surf lessons, and long walks down toward the dunes where the beach feels even wilder.

Whether you want to unwind, people-watch, or soak up Essaouira’s coastal energy, the beach is a place you’ll likely return to more than once during your stay.

11. Visit the Jewish Quarter and Bayt Dakira Museum

Tucked into the quieter side of the medina, the Mellah offers a peaceful change of pace from Essaouira’s busier streets. This historic Jewish quarter is filled with narrow stone alleyways, unexpected courtyards, and traces of the city’s multicultural past woven into its architecture. Wandering here feels calm and reflective, and it’s a fascinating glimpse into a community that once played a major role in shaping Essaouira.

One of the most meaningful stops in this area is Bayt Dakira, a beautifully restored cultural center dedicated to preserving the memory and traditions of Essaouira’s Jewish heritage. It’s free to enter, and the moment you step inside, the atmosphere shifts—quiet, intimate, and thoughtfully curated. You’ll find old photographs, ceremonial objects, handwritten documents, and rooms arranged just as they would have been generations ago.

Rather than feeling like a traditional museum, Bayt Dakira invites you to slow down and imagine daily life in a city where Jewish and Muslim communities lived side by side for centuries. It adds a deeper layer of understanding to your visit, especially if you’ve already explored the medina’s livelier areas.

For anyone interested in Essaouira’s cultural history, or simply looking for a meaningful, reflective experience, the Mellah and Bayt Dakira are well worth the visit.

12. Take a day trip to Sidi Kaouki

Just thirty minutes south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki feels like stepping into a quieter, more untouched stretch of the Atlantic coast. This laid-back surf village has an easygoing charm that makes it perfect for anyone looking to escape the busier medina for a few hours. The beach here is wide, windswept, and ideal for long, meditative walks, relaxed sunbathing, or beginner surf lessons in gentle rolling waves.

Along the shoreline, a handful of tiny cafés sit right on the sand, offering mint tea, fresh juices, and simple meals with nothing but ocean views in front of you. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the sound of the waves becomes its own soundtrack. 

Plus, getting there is easy. The most common option is taking a grand taxi from the main taxi rank near Bab Doukkala—rides typically take 25 to 35 minutes, and you can choose to book the whole vehicle or share with others. If comfort is a priority, hiring a private driver is a smooth and convenient option, especially for a full-day trip. More independent travelers can also rent a scooter or car and follow the scenic coastal road south.

For peaceful beach time and a slower pace of life, Sidi Kaouki is the perfect getaway!

Where to Stay in Essaouira

Finding the right place to stay in Essaouira can make your trip even more memorable. Whether you want luxury in the medina, ocean views, or an affordable base near the beach, the city has plenty of great options. But the best spots tend to book up quickly—especially during peak season.

To make planning easier, we’ve rounded up the top places to stay for every budget so you can find the perfect base and secure your room early.

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Essaouira, Heure Bleue Palais is one of the city’s most elegant choices. This Relais & Châteaux property features beautifully designed rooms with marble bathrooms, a heated rooftop pool overlooking the medina and the sea, and several exceptional dining options. Guests can unwind in the hammam, enjoy the cozy English Lounge, or book a massage after a day of exploring.

Prices typically range from around $200 to $660 USD per night. Check room options and book your stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

If you want a comfortable beachfront stay without the luxury price tag, Hotel Cote Ocean Mogador is a fantastic mid-range option. The hotel sits directly on Essaouira’s shoreline with its own private beach area, a heated pool, and a lovely garden for relaxing between activities. Rooms are modern and bright—many with sea views—and guests can enjoy yoga classes, a fitness center, and an international restaurant on-site.

Nightly rates typically run between $110 and $230 USD. Browse rooms and check availability on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If you’re looking for an affordable stay in a great location, Hôtel Mechouar Plaza is a solid budget-friendly choice in Essaouira. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with private bathrooms, workspaces, and city views. The on-site restaurant serves Moroccan dishes with halal, kosher, and vegetarian options, and the hotel’s bar and lounge areas make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. With a 24-hour front desk, private check-in, and quick access to the beach, it’s an easy and convenient base for your stay.

Nightly rates typically fall between $36 and $160 USD. Check availability and book on Booking.com.

Want even more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Essaouira here!

Thanks for reading!

We loved visiting Essaouira for a laid-back getaway. It has a completely different feel from the bustling streets of Marrakech, so we loved relaxing on the beach, watching the kitesurfers, and strolling through the laid-back Medina. Oh, and eating all of the amazing food, too!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Morocco blogs here. We’ve put together city itineraries, where to stay guides, and more top things to do blogs for some of our favorite travel destinations in the country. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!

The 15 Best Riads in Marrakech, Morocco

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Fes, Morocco: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Fes: 2 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend ONE or TWO Days in Chefchaouen, Morocco: The Best 1 or 2-Day Itinerary