My Favourite Things to Do in Essaouira as a Solo Traveller
If you’re exploring Morocco solo, Essaouira offers the perfect blend of calm, creativity and connection. This charming whitewashed town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast is far more relaxed than Marrakech or Fes, and honestly, it’s one of my favourite places in the country
With its ocean breezes and windswept beaches, Essaouira always feels to me like a breath of fresh air after Morocco’s bustling inland cities. Whenever I visit, I love wandering between its art galleries, enjoying relaxed shopping in the souks and feasting on globally-inspired fare at the cafes.
In this article, I’ll highlight 10 of the best things to do in Essaouira as a solo traveller, based on my own experience. It can be used as a guide to help plan your own itinerary in one of Morocco’s most beloved coastal cities.
For more travel planning inspiration, check out my suggested one-day Essaouira itinerary.
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1. Stroll the UNESCO-listed Essaouira medina
The Essaouira medina is smaller and easier to navigate than the medinas in Marrakech or Fes – it has fewer winding streets and more of a grid-like pattern. I find it perfect for solo exploration, as there is far less chance of getting lost (at least, I haven’t yet!)
Ringed by centuries-old walls, its lanes are filled with independent art galleries, artisan stalls and inviting restaurants serving everything from tagines and couscous to Western-style brunch fare.
Not to miss in the Essaouira medina:
- Soak up the Atlantic views from Skala de la Kasbah, a historic sea bastion complete with massive cannons. I always bring friends here to watch the sunset. Be aware that security moves everybody out as soon as the sunset is over, so don’t plan on hanging around after dark!
- Hop between some of Essaouira’s incredible galleries showcasing both local and international artists. You can check out some of my favourites here.
- Browse the local souks and artisan workshops – I love that there are lots of independent makers and I always find unique “souvenirs” by popping my head into hole-in-the-wall places. Essaouira is also a fantastic spot for purchasing argan oil products (argan grows nearby) and goods made from local thuya wood.
Discover why I think Essaouira is one of Morocco’s easiest cities for solo travellers in my detailed article here.
2. Learn to surf or kitesurf
Essaouira has been nicknamed the “Windy City”…and for good reason. Sometimes the wind is so strong that I struggle to stay vertical while walking on the beach!
But it’s that wind that makes Essaouira one of the best places in Morocco for kitesurfing and windsurfing, whether you’re experienced or a complete beginner.
There are plenty of surf schools and shops in Essaouira where you can rent gear (if you know what you’re doing). If you’re a beginner (like me!), book in for a lesson with one of the local pros – they’ll have you flying across the water in no time!
Top surf schools in Essaouira:
- Explora Watersports: Offers kite, surf and windsurfing lessons, plus specialised clinics throughout the year.
- ION Club Essaouira: Provides kitesurfing, windsurfing and foil gear, plus SUP and kayak rentals.
- Bleukite: Specialises in kitesurfing lessons with local and international instructors.
Solo tip:
Group surf lessons are a great way to meet people – many travellers end up hanging out together for post-surf meals or sunset drinks.
3. Explore Essaouira’s art scene
Essaouira has long attracted artists and free spirits – Jimi Hendrix is said to have spent time here – and it’s that bohemian vibe that is a big part of its allure.
One of my favourite things to do when I’m visiting is explore some of the galleries and workshops scattered throughout the medina. They’re filled with paintings, wood carvings and sculptures inspired by Moroccan and African themes, and most are created by local artists.
If you’re an art lover like me, you could spend days hopping between Essaouira’s galleries (check out some of the best here). Many have works available for sale and in my experience, the owners are always great about organising packaging and/or delivery to get your new purchase safely home.
Recommended art galleries in Essaouira:
- Galerie la Kasbah: Occupying an 18th-century riad, this gallery showcases local and international artists.
- Caravane: Combining a cafe/restaurant with an art gallery, this venue regularly hosts live music nights.
- Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador: Beautifully restored, this former Italian consulate showcases local artists, including masters from the Outsider movement.
Solo tip:
Many of Essaouira’s artists work in hole-in-the-wall galleries and workshops that are easy to miss. While exploring the medina, keep an eye out for artworks being displayed outside doors and follow your curiosity.
4. Eat fresh seafood at the port
I know the smell of fish markets is not for everyone. But if you can handle it, I’d highly recommend heading to the Essaouira fishing port to watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch.
A lively fish market pops up alongside the moored boats, and here, you’ll find everything from sardines to eels and octopus.
I often come down here to buy seafood, either taking it home to cook myself or to one of the nearby barbecues where they’ll grill it for you. Most provide bread and a Moroccan salad as part of the deal (as well as tables and chairs), so you don’t have to worry about finding accompaniments.
Sitting there eating, with the smell of the salty air and seagulls circling around, is such a quintessential Moroccan experience that I encourage you to try. The atmosphere is really communal and the people-watching is sublime!
Top tip:
The grilled sardines in Essaouira are amazing! If you’ve never had fresh sardines before (only tinned), this is the place to expand your horizons. My life has never been the same since!
5. Participate in a cooking class
For foodies, Essaouira is a dream, with a diverse choice of globally-inspired cafes and trendy eateries clustered within its whitewashed medina.
It’s one of my favourite places to visit when I’m craving a Western-style brunch and barista-made coffee – sometimes I just need a break from tagines and couscous.
On the other hand, if you want to dive headfirst into the country’s culinary heritage, Essaouira is a fantastic place to do a cooking class. There are heaps of food tours and experiences on offer – I’ve highlighted some of the best below or you’ll find a more extensive choice here.
Best food experiences in Essaouira for solo travellers:
- Occupying a historic almond warehouse, L’Atelier Madaba runs one of the most professional cooking classes in Essaouira. I particularly love the cafe and concept store on-site.
- For more of a local experience, connect with Abdou for his How to be a real Moroccan chef class. It includes a market tour where you’ll meet some of his favourite vendors.
- If you want to join a local family for a meal, consider this guided walk, which takes in an argan-dotted stretch of Essaouira’s countryside.
6. Visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
The Mellah is a historic neighbourhood in the northeast corner of the medina that encompasses centuries-old synagogues, unassuming homes and narrow streets. It reflects centuries of coexistence between Jewish and Muslim communities in Essaouira – it’s a part of Moroccan history that not everyone is aware of.
I always love wandering around the Mellah – it’s much quieter than other parts of the medina and there are some hidden workshops to discover.
If you’re entering through Bab Doukkala, turn right immediately (rather than walking down busy Avenue Zerktouni) and you’re in the Mellah. Simply the follow the lane as it hugs the medina wall and you’ll eventually pop out at Avenue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah – one of Essaouira’s main thoroughfares.
If you want to learn more, I suggest visiting Bayt Dakira, a free museum and one of Essaouira’s best. It’s dedicated to illuminating the city’s history of religious coexistence and the connections between Islam and Judaism. Don’t miss the stunning synagogue at its entrance.
7. Take a camel or horse ride on the beach
Stretching south from the medina is a long sweep of sand overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As it’s facing west, it’s a great place to watch the sunset (if you’re not heading to Skala de la Kasbah).
Personally, I’m someone who just likes to walk along the sand and plonk myself down somewhere to watch the day’s last rays. But Plage d’Essaouira is also a fantastic spot to go camel or horseback riding and sunset is a popular time to do it. The light’s really soft and perfect for photography!
Top tip:
If you’re doing any paid activities on Plage d’Essaouira, always agree on the price beforehand. I would also encourage you to consider whether the animals are being treated ethically – check that they look well-fed and healthy.
8. Experience Essaouira’s music scene
Essaouira is famous for Gnaoua music, a soulful blend of West African, Amazigh and Arabic rhythms.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival (which takes place each June) and it’s an incredible time to be in the city. Live music performances and parades ignite the streets. Some are paid, some are free, so there really is something for everyone.
Even outside the festival season, local musicians often jam in medina courtyards or cafes/restaurants and I’ve seen some amazing Ghaoua music just by stumbling across a venue.
If it’s something that you really want to experience, keep an eye out for posters highlighting local happenings or ask at cafes – staff are usually clued in to what’s going on. Alternatively, check on the events taking place at the Dar Souiri Cultural Center – it occasionally hosts live music shows.
9. Stay in a riad or boutique hostel
Essaouira has fantastic accommodation options for solo travellers – from social hostels to quiet riads and luxury stays. Since my first visit in 2014, I’ve stayed in a variety of accommodations while travelling solo in Essaouira and have always felt welcome (and safe).
Below are some of my recommended hotels and riads in Essaouira for solo travellers. You’ll find more inspiration here.
Recommended stays in Essaouira for solo travellers:
- Luxury: Heure Bleue Palais
- Mid-range: Riad Lyon-Mogador
- Budget: The Chill Art Hostel
Top tip:
Essaouira also boasts some gorgeous villas in the countryside. If you’re self-driving and willing to splurge, you’ll find some amazing villa stays here.
Essaouira: Morocco’s Coastal Soul
After Marrakech, Essaouira was one of the first places I visited in Morocco as a solo traveller when I arrived back in 2014. Since that time, I’ve returned again and again, attracted by the city’s easygoing nature and creative spirit – both of which foster a spirit of connection.
Whether you spend your days exploring the art-filled alleys, dining at the eclectic cafes or learning to surf, there are plenty of ways to meet like-minded travellers, all while still maintaining your independence.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
