Luxury Essaouira Tours made for you
Morocco's coolest coastal retreat
An inviting, laid-back port town
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a little under three hours due west of Marrakesh, Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean.
Once known as Mogador, the town took its current name from the 18th century medina – ‘souira’ meaning small fortress – with crenelated walls enclosing a handful of palmed-lined avenues and connecting atmospheric alleys.
As Marrakesh’s closest harbour, Essaouira linked caravans from sub-Saharan Africa to the rest of the world and it became a cultural melting pot. Jews from Europe were encouraged to settle here to handle trade with Europe, at one point comprising nearly half of the population, and historic synagogues and walled cemeteries can be found in the old Jewish ‘Mellah’. Fortunes faded, but Essaouira’s well-worn charm brought Hendrix, Cat Stevens, the Rolling Stones and a trail of hippies in the 1960s, and while things maybe be better heeled today, its rich atmosphere and bohemian vibe are still strong.
A mass of blue fishing boats undulate in the protected harbour whose catch can be found grilled on open air stands, while the planned streets of the medina contain restaurants, galleries, boutiques and an altogether more relaxed place to browse.
Sandy beaches extend for miles out from either side of the town, swept by near perfect breezes drawing in wind and kite surfers from April to August. Inland there are a handful of more rural retreats, argan tree plantations and even vineyards to discover.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Essaouira specialists
Buggy hike from Essaouira to Cap Sim
Set off on a buggy hike from Essaouira to Tagenza via the unmissable and breathtaking Cap Sim
Trek through the thuya forest to a Berber house
Go trekking in the coniferous thuya forest and enjoy a tea break at a Berber house
Take a sunset boat trip from Essaouira
Enjoy a relaxing traditional boat trip at sunset from the picturesque port of Essaouira
Shop the market and cook a Moroccan meal
Visit a local market to gather ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop and delicious meal
A word from one of our experts
Allow yourself to be transported to a place of warm culture and timeless seaside tranquility. While away the hours listening to the waves of the Atlantic crash on the shores, browse a market or two, or wander down picturesque streets lined with blue and white buildings.
Rosie Beckford
Luxury accommodation in Essaouira
There are many incredible places to stay in Essaouira. Here is one of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Morocco example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure.
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Agafay Desert
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Casablanca
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Fes
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High Atlas
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Marrakesh
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Moroccan Sahara
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Oualidia
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Skoura
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Tangier
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Meet your North Africa team
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Angela Thomas
Client Experience Manager for Africa
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Charlie Cottar
Travel Designer
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Chloe Ainscow
Travel designer
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David Drayton
Travel Designer
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Ellie Smith
Travel Designer
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Emily Wallington
Senior Travel Designer
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Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
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Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
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Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
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Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
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Kamogelo Dolo
Africa concierge
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Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
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Robynne Trueman
Africa Concierge
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Sara Bellemore
Travel Designer
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Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
When to visit
A dry climate means anytime from March to October is pleasant to visit. July and August’s heat is cooled by the breeze, making the town popular with inland Moroccans during the summer, and the end of June sees Essaouira host the renowned Gnaoua Music Festival.
Exploring souks
March–May
Go hiking
September–November
Sahara camping
October - May
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
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Read moreDon't take our word for it
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
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Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.