Essaouira

Morocco

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Essaouira port in Morocco. Shot after sunset at blue hour.; Shutterstock ID 469077956; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Essaouira BiT

Essaouira port in Morocco. Shot after sunset at blue hour.; Shutterstock ID 469077956; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Essaouira BiT

Why visit Essaouira

Easy, breezy Essaouira makes the perfect seaside escape. Its laid-back vibe, artsy atmosphere and sweep of golden sand have long attracted artists and musicians; there is a thriving local arts scene and lively music festivals throughout the year. Omnipresent wind gusts and consistent rollers mean that it attracts plenty of kitesurfers in spring and summer, and surfers over autumn and winter, although water sports are a draw year-round for beginners. Plan your trip to Essaouira with our travel inspiration, top attractions and expert tips.

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Meet Morocco: 10 Days in Marrakesh, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and the Agafay Desert

highlights

  1. 1 Riding a camel through the Agafay Desert dunes at sunset
  2. 2 Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Medina during a guided Marrakesh walking tour
  3. 3 Cooking traditional cuisine in a Berber village with a local resident
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Top places to visit in Essaouira

Discover the best attractions in Essaouira from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Essaouira travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Things to Know

How one writer combined free activities with luxury meals and a spa day in this coastal Moroccan city.

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Money and Costs

How one writer combined free activities with luxury meals and a spa day in this coastal Moroccan city.

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5 Shops

Laid-back Essaouira may have fewer shops than Marrakesh, but if you want to spend more time chilling than haggling, then the seaside city’s hassle-free…

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