Essaouira is not just a pretty medina: it is one of North Africa’s board-sports capitals, a wellness hotspot and the gateway to superb nature trips. Here is our selection of the 10 best experiences to have here, ranked by our local experts.
1. Surfing on Essaouira beach
Steady, gentle waves, ideal both for a first lesson and for progressing. Classes with certified instructors, all year round.
2. Kitesurfing — wind guaranteed
Essaouira is world-famous for its constant trade winds from March to October. An ideal spot to learn safely in a sheltered bay.
3. Guided tour of the medina and ramparts
UNESCO medina, Skala de la Ville, fishing port, mellah: a certified local guide tells you 250 years of history in 3 hours.
4. Traditional hammam & scrub
An authentic wellness ritual: beldi soap, kessa scrub, rhassoul mask and relaxing massage in the heart of the medina.
5. Moroccan cooking class
A visit to the spice souk followed by a workshop with a local chef to learn tagine, couscous or pastilla — lunch included.
6. Boat trip to the Mogador Islands
Snorkelling in crystal-clear water, spotting Eleonora’s falcon (a rare protected species) and sometimes dolphins.
7. Day trip to Sidi Kaouki
The most spectacular wild beach to the south, 25 km away. Dunes, powerful wind, authentic Berber atmosphere — see our dedicated article below.
8. Horse or camel ride on the beach
Nothing beats a sunset ride with hooves in the foam to round off a day in Essaouira.
9. Yoga facing the Atlantic Ocean
A yoga session on a rooftop or by the beach at sunrise — a soothing way to start the day.
10. Argan forest & women’s cooperative
A UNESCO biosphere reserve 20 km away: discover the endemic argan tree, tree-climbing goats and an argan oil tasting.
