Town in Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Essaouira
Breezy walled Atlantic port with a relaxed medina, fresh seafood and kitesurfing, good for slow stays and day trips. Wind, cool evenings and limited nightlife are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$810–1,320Comfortable, one person · DH8,000–13,000Details
- Value for money85/100Better value than 84% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 25°CDetails
- Internet57 MbpsFixed broadband, Morocco medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated and chlorinated; drink bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–30Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCTM / Supratours busVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash for souks, cafés and taxis; cards in riads and some restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Essaouira
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Medina | Walkable riads, cafés, galleries; the main base |
| Skala and port area | Seafood grills, ramparts and sunset views |
| Beach / Moulay Hassan | Kitesurf schools and newer hotels |
| Diabat | Quiet nature and surf; needs transport |
Apps that work in Essaouira
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ONCF: Train times and e-tickets
- CTM: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: No dependable ride apps. Taxis are cheap; agree fares first or use the meter on petit taxis.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Morocco.
- Mostly cash Cash for souks, cafés and taxis; cards in riads and some restaurants. ATMs are in the new town; cash can run out in July.
- Currency: Dirham (MAD). US$1 ≈ DH9.88 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plentiful in cities, scarce in desert and mountain villages; dirhams can't be bought abroad, so withdraw on arrival.
- Tipping: Expected: about 10% in restaurants, 10–20 DH for porters and small help, more for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in cities; local wallets need a Moroccan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-required nationalities can often apply online through the official eVisa portal (acces-maroc.ma); avoid paid look-alike sites.
- Passport must be valid at least 3 months on arrival and undamaged; damaged passports have been refused entry.
- Make sure your passport gets an entry stamp; travellers without one have had trouble leaving.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150
Plugs
Type C, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi kiosks at airport arrivals and shops everywhere; data top-ups are cheap. Passport needed to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Morocco
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.