Galerie Jama

Top choice in Essaouira


If you don't know your Beni Ourain from your boucharouite (rag rug made from recycled cloth), this is the place to come. The extremely knowledgeable Mustapha has been working with Moroccan carpets for 35 years and specialises in top-quality, vintage pieces from around the country. It's a no-pressure experience and prices are fair but there's always some wiggle room. Antique textiles and pottery are downstairs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Essaouira attractions

1. Medina

0.02 MILES

Surrounded by dramatic, wave-lashed ramparts, the narrow streets, hassle-free souqs, street vendors and vibrant galleries of Essaouira's walled medina…

2. Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum

0.04 MILES

Housed in an old riad, this somewhat fusty museum has a small collection of jewellery, costumes, embroidery, woodcarving and weapons from the region. Its…

3. Simon Attias Synagogue

0.06 MILES

Behind the imposing wooden door (there's no sign) lies a beautifully restored 19th-century synagogue, filled with the scent of fragrant cedar wood. In the…

4. Skala de la Ville

0.06 MILES

You might recognise the ramparts of the 18th-century Skala de la Ville. They, along with the hulking Bastion Nord, had a starring role in Game of Thrones…

5. Fish Auction

0.23 MILES

Head to the port in the afternoon when the sea-blue boats come in for the day and the fishermen auction off their catch. There's always some heated…

6. Fish Souq

0.23 MILES

Join the locals and street cats picking up their fresh fish at this small market. For a cheap lunch, buy half a dozen sardines, and for around Dh10 one of…

7. Port

0.29 MILES

Essaouira's large working port is noisy, pungent and hugely atmospheric. Along with the flurry of sea-blue wooden boats arriving and departing, nets being…

8. Skala du Port

0.3 MILES

This honey-coloured bastion looms over the picturesque harbour and its sea-blue fishing boats. Look back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain…