Shopping Guide for Essaouira in Morocco: Inspiration, Colors and Crafts
Colors, patterns & textures
Morocco is known for its "souks." The simple translation means market, and these can be found in all cities and rural areas. A wide variety of items can be discovered in the souks: from leather goods such as babouches (Moroccan leather slippers), belts and bags made of raffia, to carpets and interior products. The souks are often divided into sections, with traders of a specific product group located in close proximity to one another. This makes orientation easier, as it can be quite difficult to find your way around.
Shopping in the souks of Essaouira is very pleasant compared to other cities such as Marrakech or Fez, as the traders do not insist on sometimes annoying, time-consuming haggling and remain friendly, even if you don't buy anything.
Our secret recipe is: go with the flow, walk through the streets with your eyes open, admire the colors and discover beautiful things.
In addition to souks and street shops, Essaouira also has lovely shops, galleries and studios that are worth a visit.
Essaouira Shopping Guide
HIYA – Art of Living
This beautiful shop will make interiors enthusiasts' hearts beat faster. Across four floors, you'll find a curated selection of stylish products that will enhance any home. Pillows meet high-quality ceramics, tablecloths meet exquisite room fragrances. The trip up to the in-house roof terrace is also worthwhile: the view over the Medina and the cool furnishings are worth every step.
Hiya - Art de Vivre
4 Rue Qadi Ayad, Essaouira
Le Comptoir Oriental by Madada
Located in an old Souri house, Le Comptoir Oriental by Madada welcomes visitors to an atmosphere of oriental perfumes and a nomadic spirit. Discover select products from creative Maghreb artists. The product range of this chic, oriental bazaar includes lanterns, vases, rugs, furniture, paintings, and much more.
Le Comptoir Oriental by Madada
3, Rue Youssef el Fassi, Essaouira
Elixir Gallery
Owner Abdelatif designed his shop for all retro and vintage lovers. Across three winding floors, you'll discover furniture, art, fashion, and curiosities from bygone eras. This successful blend of shop and gallery offers inspiration around every corner and is a highlight for collectors.
Elixir Gallery
Avenue de l'Istiqlal
Stories of the Girls
"The Story of the Girls" is a concept store near Bab Sbaa, offering a selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and small interior treasures in a beautiful setting. The products on offer are designed by Moroccan and international designers.
Stories of the Girls
1, Rue Mohamed Ben Messaoud
Essaouira Shopping Guide
Baskets and bags at the fish market
The alley leading to the fish market is home to many small shops selling spices, tea, argan oil, and cosmetic products. In the main square, you'll find fresh fish and a small shop selling handmade basketry.
Colorful Berber baskets meet raffia bags, woven plates, trivets, and shopping baskets of all sizes. All products in this small shop come from villages in the surrounding area and are lovingly handcrafted.
Chez Makki
The five Makki brothers took over their father's herbal business and opened two shops in Essaouira. One is located at the old slave market, the second in the spice souk near the fish market. The brothers know their products and are happy to share their knowledge. Every consultation is complemented by a delicious cup of tea.
Chez Makki
221, Souk Laghzal, Spice Market
Custom-made clothing
A truly special souvenir from your vacation is a piece of clothing that is tailored to your exact measurements. Luckily, Essaouira has two friendly tailors who can fulfill any wish. Their shop has several samples that can be adjusted or altered. Once you've decided on a style, choosing the fabric yourself in the fabric souk is a special experience. The various vendors offer a large selection of affordable fabrics in all materials and in all possible colors and patterns. There's something for everyone! You then take the purchased fabric back to the tailors, and your favorite piece is made within 24 hours. On our last trip, I had a blue kimono coat with a checked pattern made for me—so beautiful!
You can find the tailors on the main street in the lower third of the street near the Elixir Gallery.
