Bohemian Essaouira: Nomad Travel Guide

A favourite getaway from the heat of Marrakech in the Summer months is to head to the pretty coastal town of Essaouira. A laid back bohemian walled city on the Atlantic coast with its swaying palms, picturesque white washed walls, and antique blue door ways.

The walled city is surrounded by an 18th century cannon lined fortress. UNESCO heritage site, and major trading port between Africa and Europe. Bookended by wide open beaches for wind surfing and pretty blue fishing boats lining the port.

Also known as the windy city for its salty coastal breeze that blows through in the afternoons, carrying the sound of reggae beats and musicians in the streets. A nod to Bob Marley and the tales of Jimi Hendrix known to have passed through here in '69.

An easy couple of hour comfy bus ride from Marrakech, or a quick flight from Europe, and well worth it for some fresh ocean air.

How many days in Essaouira

You can get around Essaouira in a day or two if you're just passing through - but if you can stay a few more nights to soak in the sun even better.

Essaouira is not a big city, with everything in walking distance. Wandering the winding walled medina will take you through artist's workshops, rug traders, leather ateliers, spice shops and antique stores. Exploring the old rampart walls, the fishing port and the long stretch of sandy beach for swimming.

The vibe of the souks, the local food markets and the shop keepers are a lot more laid back and relaxed than in the big cities, so if you're travelling solo Essaouira is a lovely spot to pull into for a few days.

Where to stay in Essaouira

There's plenty of small guest houses and cute riads to stay right in the city centre within the medina walls. These are great if you want an affordable room, friendly staff or owners there to have a chat with, with breakfast on the terrace usually included.

I can recommend Jack's Apartments for private rental apartments with cute fireplaces and views overlooking either the ocean or the cobbled streets of the old medina.

Riad Baladin is a lovely rustic decorated boutique riad with rooftop for breakfast and sun lounges.

Or Salut Moroc for a colourful boutique hotel stay.

Where to eat in Essaouira

Eating in Essaouria is laid back too - I love eating at the fish stalls in the fishing port where you can choose freshly caught seafood to be BBQd for you, sitting at blue and white striped picnic tables with other families.

The yummiest tagines are from hole in the wall restaurant Khmissa, down a side ally and run by two local ladies, you may need to queue for a table but worth it!

To catch a rooftop sunset beer head to Salut Maroc or to iconic Taros where the band kicks into gear later on.

Mandala Society does a lovely brunch and coffee. A great spot to sit and catch some wifi and a popular meeting spot too.

There's a few cooking classes available in Essaouira like L'Atelier cooking workshop, that will take you for a whip around the food market to buy your produce, then spend the afternoon making tagines and flat breads to eat together.