1. Explore the Essaouira Medina

You only need to spend a fleeting moment in the Essaouira Medina to become enchanted by its unique appeal and authentic character. 

Marked by an iconic blend of whitewashed buildings, cobalt-blue doors, and narrow alleyways that guide you through, Essaouira’s medina is unlike any medina I’ve visited in Morocco, making it truly something special.

Though not as extensive as the Marrakech Medina, stepping into the Essaouira Medina is in many ways like entering a different world, one where every corner reveals a captivating story and time slows down.

It’s a place where getting lost is somewhat of a blessing, as every alley offers a chance to stumble upon something unexpected, whether it’s a friendly spice merchant, a small art gallery, or a hidden cafe waiting for you to enjoy.

One of my favourite parts of the medina was Skala de la Ville, a charming sea bastion that protects the medina from the Atlantic, where plenty of handicraft shops are sheltered just below.

2. Admire the Skala Du Port

Those who binge-watched HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones will most likely recognise Skala du Port, as it served as the filming location for the city of Astapor. 

Located at the heart of the lively harbour area, this historic sea bastion was constructed under the rule of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah in the 18th century, with one clear goal: defending the city, its people and their trade from potential danger coming from sea.

With its strategic position, allowing the monitoring and controlling of maritime activity, its ramparts thick and sloped, and its overall appearance both imposing and attractive, Skala du Port easily reflects the strength and authority of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah’s rule. 

Marked by the most elaborate arched passageways, intricate geometric layouts, and the shimmering Atlantic as its backdrop, Skala du Port rises as a true testament to the expert craftsmanship of Théodore Cornut.

With that being said, it is easy to see why Skala du Port caught HBO’s eye for Game of Thrones, and whether a fan of the series, a photography enthusiast, or a history buff, visiting the bastion is a perfect way to capture the essence of Essaouira.

For those into photography, make sure you visit later in the afternoon, when the light is gentle and the crowds have thinned out, making for a more tranquil experience.

3. Snap the iconic blue boats of Essaouira

Who would have thought that marvelling at vividly painted blue boats, bobbing gently in the water, would be one of the most iconic things to do in Essaouira? Not me.

But I am glad it is. 

You see, those iconic boats, along with the fishermen who navigate them, reveal the story of how Essaouira and the ocean are tied together like knots in a rope, their chipped paint reflecting countless trips to the open sea.

Beyond its historical significance, Skala du Port also makes for a postcard-perfect scene, where every angle offers a unique perspective of those vessels, with every moment embodying the passage of time in a truly authentic fashion.

It’s an absolute dream for photographers and culture enthusiasts alike, and an essential stop for everyone visiting the coastal gem that is Essaouira.

4. Roam around the fish market

Given Essaouira is perched right on the Atlantic, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the city is celebrated for its incredibly fresh and delicious fish and seafood offerings.

While I am, to put it lightly, not a fan of eating fish by any means, visiting the fish market in Essaouira is, in my opinion, truly essential, as it provides a unique glimpse into the daily labour that has kept this city thriving for ages.

Every day, the blue boats gradually come back ashore; meanwhile, weary fishermen pull and drag nets heavy with the day’s catch, while the aromas of the ocean project pungently in the air.

While authentic as can be, this experience might not be for the faint of heart (or stomach if you’re sensitive to tangy smells), as the fish market at Skala du Port is as intense as it is vibrant.

Also, it is the perfect place to watch the daily hustle and bustle unfold, and an absolute playground for photographers like myself.

For the best experience, I recommend visiting in the early morning, when you have the opportunity to witness the complete process: from the return of the boats to the sorting of the catch, to the spirited negotiations between fishermen and merchants – it’s a unique affair not to be missed.

5. Have brunch at Mandala Society Essaouira

One morning, when wandering through the Essaouira medina with my camera in hand, slightly weary, craving a much-needed caffeine fix, I stumbled upon Mandala Society.

Nestled in the heart of the lively medina, Mandala Society is an absolute treasure. Here you can feast on nourishing smoothie bowls, savoury avocado toast, and, more importantly, speciality coffee made from high-quality single-origin beans, which is somewhat rare to find in Morocco.

Mandala’s extensive menu embodies the café’s core values: fair trade produce, artisanal cooking, and a commitment to organic food. Meanwhile, its bohemian-chic interior creates a calming atmosphere that invites you to unwind, watch the world go by, and soak in Essaouira’s quaint coastal charm.

If you’re like me and prefer to get some work done while travelling, Mandala Society’s inviting serenity also makes for the perfect spot for an hour – or two – of deep work and focus.

7. Spent a day on Essaouira beach

As wild as it is beautiful, the coastlines found around Essaouira are shaped by the powerful winds coming straight from the Atlantic, hence Essaouira’s nickname ‘the Windy City’.

Thanks to this constant ocean breeze, the coast of Essaouira is pleasantly cooler, with summer temperatures rarely passing the 28°C mark – while the rest of Morocco basks in the African heat.

While not particularly suited for a lazy, sun-drenched day on a lounger, the wide golden sands of Essaouira are perfect for long walks, a refreshing dip in the Atlantic, or a quick, spontaneous game of footy with some locals.

The same wind that makes sunbathing feel like a full-body sandblasting experience turns Essaouira into one of the world’s leading spots for those into kite surfing and surfing, with plenty of surf shops offering lessons and board rentals perched right along its charming seafront.

In short, spending a few moments on the beach is one of the best things to do in Essaouira – I mean, honestly, have you truly visited Essaouira if you haven’t dipped your toes in the sand?

8. Take a stroll along the city walls

Towering high above Essaouira, the robust city walls have stood watch since the 18th century, protecting the city from both the relentless Atlantic waves and invaders from distant shores.

At present, the Essaouira ramparts, designed by French architect Théodore Cornut, remain an essential feature of the whitewashed city, though their purpose has grown far more serene. 

You see, today the ramparts serve as a spectacular lookout point over the Atlantic, and a leisurely walk along them – especially during sunset – has become one of the city’s most memorable experiences.

From Skala de la Ville, where artists and craft vendors bring life to the walls, the lively medina unfolds beneath you, full of authenticity and local charm. While in the meantime, the bastion’s past quietly endures, offering a subtle hint of Essaouira’s rich heritage.

Truthfully, watching the world go by from the city walls was without question one of my absolute favourite things to do in Essaouira – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did.

10. Take a day trip to Sidi Kaouki

Though it is not actually in Essaouira itself, the stunning coastal village of Sidi Kaouki absolutely earned its spot on this list of things to do in Essaouira.

Nestled along the Atlantic, about 30 minutes south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a hidden paradise, boasting endless stretches of golden sand, excellent surf conditions, and a laid-back ambience that often makes travellers linger longer than initially planned.

Here, camels and donkeys wander freely along the beach, rustic cafés serve freshly grilled seafood, and a relaxed, almost nostalgic feel charms the village, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Essaouira. 

While ideal as a day trip, I personally chose to stop by Sidi Kaouki for just a few hours, before continuing my Morocco road trip in the direction of Taghazout – make sure you give my Morocco road trip itinerary (coming soon) a read too.