Tips for Essaouira: Your N ° 1 tourist guide

The city of Essaouira

📍The Medina of Essaouira

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, the Medina of Essaouira is not only the beating heart of the city and the main center of activity with the port, but it is considered one of the most picturesque port cities in Morocco.
Its alleys, shops, restaurants, souks, cafes and squares tell the story and present of the city of Essaouira, formerly called Mogador…

📜History

Formerly founded (5 century BC) by the Phoenician civilization on the island of Mogador in the bay of Essaouira, then held by their numerous Cretan, Greek, Roman and then Portuguese successors.

The city of Essaouira was built at the end of the 18th century by the Alaouite Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah (1757-1790) who wanted to make this small city in the Atlantic a royal port and a capital of Moroccan trade with the 'outside.

🏰Architecture
The medina of Essaouira is a historical architectural testimony, the layout of which belongs to the disciple of Vauban in perfect association with the precepts of Moroccan architecture and Alaouite town planning of the ramparts.

🚤 Port

The fishing port was in the 18th and 19th century Morocco's first international trading port, where ships came and went loaded with raw materials from all over the world. For the record, tea from China entered Morocco for the first time through this port.

🎣Today, its activity still supports many families in Essaouira, fishing is still one of the economic pillars of the city along with tourism.

📣The old Medina of Essaouira will soon have a new face. This is an initiative put in place thanks to the complementary rehabilitation and enhancement program (2019-2023), whose partnership and financing agreement was concluded in Marrakech in 2018.

🤸‍♂️What to do in the Medina

🔹The Essaouira medina is full of cute shops, artisans, jewelers, weavers, cabinet makers, dressmakers…
🔹Ben Youssef Mosque of 1773, Kasbah Mosque
🔹The Portuguese Church
🔹 Synagogue Simon Attias
🔹 bastions and gates: Borj el-Oued, Bab el-Marsa, Bab el-Mechouar, Bab el-Menzeh, Bab Doukkala, Bab Marrakech, Bab el-Sebâa…
🔹The Sqalas: of the Medina and the Port built in freestone and equipped with surveillance towers and equipped with a series of cannons to ensure the protection of the city
🔹The ramparts of Essaouira dating from the 18th century
🔹Menzeh Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah classified national heritage and world heritage of humanity by UNESCO since December 14, 2001. It is located at the place Moulay El Hassan. The Menzah pavilion constitutes the last vestige of the royal palace of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, built in the second half of the 18th century at the same time as the Kabah district and the port.

📣The city offers the example of the coexistence in Morocco of various ethnic groups such as Amazighs, Arabs, Africans, and Europeans and of various religions (Muslims, Christians and Jews).

☀️When to go to Essaouira?

⚠️💨 Be careful, even if on the websites they say that July and August are the months when the weather is the most beautiful but NO in fact! It is also the months when there is a lot of wind (unless you go there to kitesurf and sometimes it is too strong..).

🏖️ So, if you want to enjoy the city and sunbathe on the beach without being bothered by the wind, avoid the months of July / August. The best period remains the months of September October and November or in spring.

Where to sleep in Essaouira?

🏨 Riad Madada Mogador

If you are looking for accommodation with the best panoramic view on the ramparts of the Medina overlooking the blue of Essaouira bay and overlooking the old port, L ' hotel riad Madada is the perfect place!

🛌 The establishment has 7 comfortable rooms furnished in a minimalist style. Each has modern facilities and is decorated in neutral tones.
🛁 The rooms' biggest highlight is the beautiful large bathtub. They are all air conditioned and some have a fireplace.
🛋For the most numerous, you have the LOFT, a kind of very stylish duplex apartment with two bedrooms and living room…
🏚J ' I opted for the rooftop cabin, which unfortunately does not have a bathtub, but it has an exceptional 180 ° view of the port, the ramparts and the bay.

⚠️If you want to book the cabin or a room on the terrace. You have to love the stairs but it is totally worth it.

🍳 Having breakfast on the roof terrace with a view of the Ocean is a magical moment.
Breakfast is very generous and very good (fresh orange juice, pancakes, avocado toast, French toast with fresh fruit, eggs as you wish, etc.)

📣 You can also enjoy breakfast in your room or inside on the patio.
If there are not many people, the managers are often kind enough to upgrade you.
Paid parking near. Otherwise you might find alleys where you can park for free. The choice is yours.

➕Impeccable service. Very helpful and discreet staff.

➖No lift so not ideal for people with reduced mobility.

🔍Bought in December 2000 and completely renovated until 2004, Madada Mogador boutique hotel is nestled on the ramparts dating from the 16th century and since 2001 classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🏨 Villa Beldi

The villa Beldi is a little piece of paradise located 5 minutes by car from the Medina of Essaouira, Agadir road.

🔍It is an old bourgeois house from the 1960s located at the entrance to the city, transformed into a charming boutique hotel, both chic and relaxed.

🅿️The parking lot is large and located inside the property.
If you don’t have a car. The reception can call you a taxi 🚕 which arrives within 10min to 20dhs 💰 to go to the Medina.

🚶‍♀️ It’s about a 15 minute walk to the beach
The Ocean Vagabond beach bar restaurant is a short walk away. An excellent location with a view of the resting camels and the ocean.

🏊‍♂️ You can only fall under the spell of its vast garden and its heated swimming pool. Ideal for children 👶

👗👙👒They have a souvenir, gift and clothing store

🛏 Villa Beldi has four suites and four bedrooms. The decor is to die for: Moroccan inspiration with modern touches. They are all divinely decorated between 30m² and 50m². Prices in photo. 💰

🌺 We stayed in the Les Saintes Suite. A real crush, very comfortable bedding. Its greatest strength is the only suite that has direct access to the swimming pool and the garden.

📣If you don't want to stay there, you can spend the day there with pool access at 120dhs per person. 💰

🍳An exquisite breakfast in a very pleasant setting. You have plenty of places to sit, indoors, on the terrace, in the garden, by the pool.
Breakfast in the garden in the presence of the house peacock is pleasant.

🤸🏻‍♀️You can enjoy various activities nearby, such as golf, horse riding and water sports, or take part in yoga sessions and cooking classes. Bicycle and car rental is available.

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Promo code: rehabtipsfortrips.

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📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🏨 Riad Dar Adul

And here is a very cute Riad in the heart of the Medina with an affordable quality / price ratio.

📍Riad Adul is located in the historic part of Essaouira. The port, the main square are 5 a minutes walk. There are a large number of shops, restaurants, bars near Riad.

🌅 The particular charm of the Riad is a terrace with a view of the ocean and the ramparts of the Sqala de la Kasbah. Waking up in the morning and hearing the sound of the sea is a dream! Don't miss the sunset 🤩

🖼Creation by artist Didier Spindler who is known for his colorful oils and eclectic taste, this place is decorated like a small museum. Didier's paintings illuminate the Riad with a thousand colors.

🛏 Dar Adul has 5 bedrooms. Each suite at the Riad is individually decorated. One of them has a private terrace. Others are very large with two bedrooms, living room and 2 bathrooms

📣Arguably better suited for couples on romantic getaways than families, although there is one bedroom (the Junior Tiata) which has a third bed suitable for an older child.

📢For people with reduced mobility, there is only one room on the ground floor. Otherwise all bedrooms are on the first and second floor. This is still better than the majority of riads with upstairs rooms.

💰 The price is from 400dhs for a double room with a generous breakfast.

💕 The staff are friendly and welcoming. Amina was very attentive. Basically, a very friendly Riad where you quickly feel at home.

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

Where to eat in Essaouira?

🍴Essaouira restaurants

Although small, the city of Essaouira is full of charming restaurants of all types, whether in the medina, on the terrace or on the cornice of the city. Not to mention the small snacks, juice bars and pastries scattered throughout the Medina.

📣Here are the 12 restaurants that I tested and loved:

💫Le Love by Caravane (see more details in this article below)
💫La table by Madada (see more details in this article below)
💫Mandala (see more details in this article below) )
💫Dar baba (see more details in this article below)

💫Silvestro
It is a discreet address, nestled upstairs. You don't come here for the improbable decoration (large flower wallpaper) but for the cuisine and the sweet family atmosphere with the flavors of Italy. In show cooking behind the glass, Giuseppe, the maestro, is busy in the oven while the women of the famiglia watch over the large pots.

💫 Crêpe at Hicham, a bearded man in Al Atarine street. This crepe is killer folks. The best I have tasted in my entire life!!! Salty or sweet, they are all good!

💫Pastry:
-Chez Driss, one of the oldest with a nicely decorated coffee area
-Big heart for the Amandine by Souiri pastry shop.

💫Il mare
It is the ideal spot to admire the view of the ramparts at sunset. Often there is a Gnaoua music group. Not to miss !

💫Ocean Vagabond
This beach restaurant is located facing the sea, at the entrance of Essaouira is the favorite place for kite surfers. Between the bar, the tapas bar and the bistro slate, the Océan Vagabond restaurant is perfect for watching the sunset.

💫The Mega Loft
A restaurant, a café and a gallery. The decor is quirky and consists of vintage objects. A trendy bistro with a kitsch decor that is worth the detour.

💫Taros
One of the most popular bar-restaurants in Essaouira for an atmospheric evening.

💫Salut Maroc
This new boutique hotel designed by an Englishwoman deserves a visit all by itself. Resto-pop atmosphere and colorful mosaics on all floors and a superb Rooftop with a view of the sea.

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🍽 La table by Madada

In addition to the magnificent guest house, the brand Madada also offers a chic bar-restaurant: the Table by Madada. One of the best rated in Essaouira.

🍴Under the stone vaults, you can taste dishes concocted with great care and flavors.

🍨The dishes were delicious and the desserts even more!
Great classic of the Table are the flambéed peaches with vanilla ice cream prepared gracefully before our eyes. A beautiful show, and the dessert as beautiful as it is good.
The chocolate fondant is a killer too.

⚠️ Animation, live music... It's not every day. Ask in advance. Otherwise you will be treated to a romantic atmosphere with soft music.

🪕🎶 As Essaouira is a city of art, the table by Madada cultivates this artistic spirit. The restaurant aims to be a place of cultural exchange by regularly hosting exhibitions of paintings or photographs, as well as local artists or groups for an original live music atmosphere.

💰 Although more expensive than other establishments in the area, the enduring popularity of local Madada proves that every penny is worth it. Personally, I find the price/quality ratio reasonable.

📣Although the menu is reduced, a wide choice of fish is offered depending on availability.
Perfect welcome with a very attentive boss. An intimate setting and a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful renovated warehouse.

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🍴 Le love by Caravane

A real favorite of this stay, the Love by Caravane is a new address in the Medina of Essaouira, and already a popular place for lovers of art, authenticity and good service 😍.

🍹A beautiful bar-restaurant decorated with great taste.
Breakfast or dinner, these are two different atmospheres, two magnificent experiences that I recommend.

🎭 At first sight, we fall for the art deco style of this Riad transformed into a harmoniously colored Lounge restaurant. All the staff in colorful uniforms like in the 8o's!

🛋On the ground floor, you have a vintage club lounge with a fireplace and a grand piano. On the patio the tables are carefully set up. Upstairs, comfortable and cozy lounges as well as tables overlooking the patio. This is also where we find the Love by Caravane shop.

🖼The Love by Caravan is a new creation by the painter Didier Splinder. His taste in decoration and his art are recognized and are fully expressed in his new Love by Caravane.

🎉A service that exceeds expectations!
Didier is an excellent conductor, he always has time to spend a little time with his customers. We understand the smile of the waiters. Anas supervises his team in a very professional way, not to mention his permanent smile and his welcome to customers. All the staff are attentive and make sure you feel at home.

🥘 The kitchen is excellent. The dishes are tasty and nicely presented. Even the chef gives it his artistic touch. Unbeatable value for money 🤩 Part of the map in story in hightlight 💰

💃 And the best for the end, the lively evening! The music group, Charlie Chaplin and his magic tricks, the Gnawa dancer, the fire juggler, an exceptional show! Far from the trade, it is a place full of love and joy!

💕I love this place! To try it is to adopt it. We just want to get back there as soon as possible.

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🍽 Dar Baba Restaurant

😍 My second crush after Le Love by Caravane is undoubtedly Dar Baba!

📍Dar Baba est un restaurant raffiné, niché au plein cœur de la médina, dans un ancien Riad plein de charme.

🎀 The place is atypical with its picturesque decoration which takes you away from it all and immediately puts you in a pleasant atmosphere. Harmonious mix of colored objects, chandeliers, armchairs and tables giving the whole a unique touch.

📣 Don't forget to book it's often full even in the COVID period.

➖The place is made up of several rooms separated from each other which gives an intimate and less ambient touch for young people looking for a party.

🍲 The dishes are fresh, well prepared and very well served. There is something for everyone, tapas, fresh fish, lamb cooked at low temperature and much more. The bar is renowned for its cocktails. The chef being Spanish, go for the tapas. I also recommend the Tiramisu 🤤 .

💰 The quality, price and service ratio is unbeatable.

🤵‍♀️The service is impeccably beyond our expectations! The servers are attentive, smiling in an excellent mood. Warm welcome. As everywhere in Essaouira, you are never disappointed.

♥️ Thank you DarBaba and see you soon. Essaouira is a superb city and its magnificent addresses make it exceptional

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

🍴Mandala Café

Brunch is a must at Mandala Café Essaouira 🤤!

📍Located in the main avenue of the Medina, the Mandala Café is a café, tea room and restaurant with neat decoration.

📚 Comfortable and bright, its shelves filled with books, plants, beautiful refurbished furniture gives it an air of "like home".

🥙A la carte: salads, small healthy dishes and dishes of the day, as well as several breakfast and brunch formulas.
Healthy cuisine, bowls made with seasonal products, freshness is found at the menu.

📣Welcome to vegans and other defenders of the planet 🌍.

💰 The menu in photo

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Essaouira" in my instagram pagefor more videos/photos.

Sidi Kaouki

Where to sleep in Sidi Kaouki?

🏠 Gite Rural : Bedobled

I take you to a type of accommodation not very common in Morocco. It is a rural cottage surrounded by nature composed of 3 huts on stilts and a small house + the owner's house in the same area: Bedobled.

🤩 It's quite nice as a concept, because of its location than because of aesthetics, friendliness and comfort.

🛣️ To get to Bedobled, you have to follow the beach of Sidi Kaouki to the south. Once you see a sign on the road "BedoBled", go up the track for 300m and you will find the Bedobled gate.

🛏️ Our red cabin is all wood, on stilts with a beautiful private terrace. Very comfortable and warm with its colors and decoration.

🅿️ In the garden, a large parking lot.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧A play area for children, swing, balls.

🏊‍♀️A swimming pool to cool off near the beautifully decorated common area.

🍴 A shared kitchen made available extremely well equipped.

🍖 A barbecue and a second kitchen in the garden.

🧘 A Yoga room. (yogis I can see you 👀)

👵Dominic, our host, strives to make the moments spent here pleasant: availability, kindness, listening while remaining discreet at the same time. She knows Morocco and its inhabitants by heart: she was born there! She told us all the things to do nearby.

🔍 Possibility of privatizing the place (with all the cabins, 12 people) with a cook on site.

⚠️ Warning: keep in mind that you are in the countryside, bee flies and lizards you will see.

Also as for Essaouira, avoid the windy season (July/August) if you want to enjoy the beach.

🐕‍🦺Finally, animals are also present here: Dominic raises chickens and geese there under the watchful eye of LOL (a dog's love) and Max the discreet cat.

I put here Dominic's AIRBNB link with the different cabins that she rents out.

📸Feel free to check out my highlight stories "Sidi Kaouki" in my instagram page for more videos/photos.

And here are the prices in pictures:

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