In which quarter house in Essaouira?

Are you wondering where to sleep in Essaouira during your stay in Morocco? Discover the best areas to stay in Essaouira!

Some nickname it. the Saint-Malo Morocco , because of the ramparts around his Medina, others the city of artists or aisles. The beautiful and authentic Essaouira in Morocco does not lack nicknames. With its high white walls, blue windows and ochre walls, the Essaouira Medina is recognizable at the first glance. The old city formed of winding alleys is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Are you wondering where to stay in Essaouira and what budget? Accommodation prices in Essaouira are on average between 45€ and 90€ depending on the season. However, you will have no difficulty finding a bed in a hostel less than 20€ the nui, or a room in an Airbnb or riad for less than 30€. Even in the city's most coveted neighborhoods!

A small tour of the best areas to stay in Essaouira, the Moroccan pearl on the Atlantic Ocean.

Medina

To enjoy the unique atmosphere of the picturesque Essaouira, it is recommended to stay in the alleys of the Medina. It has the advantage of being located close to the ramparts, beaches and fishing port. In addition to being the best place to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the port city, there is also a high concentration of accommodations, including riads. There are. for all budgets , tighter to easier.

A detail that is not one if you travel with large and heavy luggage: no motor vehicle is allowed to circulate inside the Medina. If this is your case, prefer accommodation near one of the gates of the old town. There are four main ones:

• Bab Sba’a (Porte du Lion): seaside
• Navy Gate (Bab Al Marsa): port side
• Marrakech Gate (Bab Marrakech): new city
• Bab Doukkala (Porte Doukkala): new city

So, where to stay in the Essaouira Medina?

Chbanat

Aunt Northeast of the Medina , we find the alternate and lively neighborhood of Chbanat, and its street of the same name. If you're in this neighborhood, you'll have every chance of falling on talented craftsmen, art galleries and very pretty homes!

Kasbah

The Kasbah district is located in the Southwest of the Medina and extends to Moulay Hassan Square.

Very lively and popular, the Kasbah of Essaouira is the oldest part of the city and therefore its historic heart. In order to appreciate its local life, don’t hesitate to make yourself at any of its many cafes or restaurants. Unless you prefer to visit its museums and galleries, or enjoy the view from the bastion of the port?

Mellah

Aunt North-West of the Medina , is Mellah, the former Jewish quarter of Essaouira. Indeed, from the creation of the city to the 1960s, an important Jewish community lived in Essaouira.

The Mellah neighbourhood is recognized in its narrow alleys, dark arcades and still present synagogues. You will only be a few steps from the imposing Bab (porte) Doukkala, its food market and the main street of the Medina.

The Dunes

Are you wondering where to stay in Essaouira? Don’t you want to be in the Medina? The Dunes district takes place outside the Medina ramparts, to the south. You will enjoy staying here if you are looking for a quiet area and close to the main beach (Tagharte).

The Dunes is also a prime area for lovers of sliding sports, such as surfing ( autumn, winter ), or kitesurf and windsurf ( spring, summer ). The bay, very frequented, is especially suitable for beginners of these water sports. The insiders may prefer the spots around, such as Sidi Kaouki beach, about 30 kilometres from Essaouira.

With its many cafes and restaurants where to eat or drink mint tea, the neighborhood is very alive, especially at sunset!

Diabat

Diabat can be an excellent drop point if you're looking for a place to stay in Essaouira by slightly moving away from the city. This small village is only located a few kilometers south of Essaouira , in a protected natural area. In addition, Diabat became known after hosting a large number of hippies in the 1970s, including the rock legend. Jimi Hendrix . The musician would have stayed in the village and would have even been inspired by the place to write one of his tracks.

You will only be 10 minutes drive about Essaouira Medina, with your vehicle or taxi. Note, however, that the choice of accommodation and restaurants is quite limited and overall higher prices !