Travel Guide for Essaouira in Morocco: Riads, Discoveries & Street Art
Essaouira is a dream. No matter which route you take to the city walls, you're first greeted by the wind and the cries of seagulls. Behind the walls lies the medina with its countless alleys, small archways, and tunnels. Exotic scents and bright colors mingle with the morbid charm of almost dilapidated buildings, and you immediately sense the vibrancy of this little paradise. Essaouira was once considered a hippie hotspot after Jimmi Hendrix sought inspiration here. This influence can still be felt, with many artists, artisans, and free spirits living and working in the alleys of the medina. If you walk through the city with your eyes open, there's something new to discover around every corner, and it never fails to do so. Essaouira is a city that immediately captivated us. It may be due to the sea, the beautiful blend of authenticity and exoticism, or the warmth of the people. There are probably many reasons, but ultimately, it's simply a feeling for this city that keeps us coming back.
Riads and townhouses
One of our favorite streets in Essaouira is Rue Chbanat. Located along the outer walls of the medina, near the Bab Doukkala gate, it has retained its original Moroccan charm. It's no wonder both of our accommodation tips are located here.
Dar 91
The former watchtower was purchased by two Englishmen and lovingly restored. The building houses three apartments, each uniquely and uniquely furnished. We stayed in the three-story apartment "Zhuzh." Located at the very top of the townhouse, the apartment has a roof terrace offering wonderful views of the medina and a bit of the sea. We booked the apartment through Airbnb, and communication with Jeremy was excellent. We were particularly pleased with the curated city guide, which offers many tips for Essaouira.
On the ground floor is the in-house shop, "Mashi Mushki," where you can discover selected art. The owners have launched a project in which they give a portion of their profits back to the locals. Among other things, they invest in language courses and promote handicrafts.
Dar 91
Rue Chbanat, Essaouira
Dar Les Sirènes
Upon entering the "Dar Les Sirènes," you're greeted by friendly staff, pleasant tranquility, and the enchanting scent of amber. The riad was renovated by an Italian architect in a purist style and furnished with select, understated design elements. The focal point of each of the five rooms is a comfortable bed that you'll never want to get out of. If you do, it's only to slip into your cozy bathrobe or enjoy the sun on the roof terrace. Ah, we'd love to come back!
Dar Les Sirènes
59, Rue Chbanat, Essaouira
www.darlesirenes.com
Pure relaxation
Azur Spa
Entering the small, dark alley leading off from the main square at the harbor, you wouldn't expect the entrance to the stunning Azur Spa to be in the center. Spread across several levels, in a discreet ambiance, you can unwind and enjoy the tradition of the oriental hammam, alone or with your partner. For the ultimate relaxation, we booked a one-hour full-body massage right afterward, which we also highly recommend. Compared to German prices, the treatments are reasonably priced and are always on our to-do list when we travel to Essaouira.
Azur Spa
Ben Walid, 15 Rue Khalid Ibn Oualid
www.azur-spa-essaouira.com
Discoveries & Street Art
In Essaouira, keep your eyes open and be rewarded with new surprises. The cityscape is characterized by quirky houses, as well as small alleys full of street art and enchanted corners.
Have we awakened your wanderlust? Then head to this beautiful city on the Atlantic.
Good to know:
Unfortunately, there are no longer any direct flights from Germany to Essaouira. If you live close to the Belgian border, like we do, Brussels-Charleroi is a good option. Another alternative is a flight to Marrakech. The journey from Marrakech to Essaouira takes about 3-4 hours and costs about €80 by private car.
