Language
Currency
Discover Essaouira's must-do experiences with a selection of excursions carefully chosen by our local teams. From camel rides and surfing at Essaouira Beach to a visit to the Medina and a wellness break in a hammam, each activity is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Let Villanovo's concierges take care of everything for a problem-free holiday.
Nestling on the Atlantic coast between Safi and Agadir, the coastal town of Essaouira is renowned for its relaxed way of life, its Medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and its long beaches swept by the trade winds. Organising a stay at a villa in Essaouira with Villanovo means ensuring optimum comfort, a top-of-the-range concierge service and, above all, perfectly orchestrated excursions.
Essaouira enjoys a pleasant, breezy climate all year round, perfect for water sports, cultural walks, or relaxing by the sea in the warmer months. Between annual music festivals, local craftsmen and stays in charming villas, each season is ideal for discovering the town from a different angle. Whether you are travelling with kids or a group of friends, there's something for everyone.
Situated at the southern gateway of Essaouira, the Ranch de Diabat offers unforgettable horseback rides along Essaouira Beach or in the sand dunes. For a more typical experience, opt for a camel ride or a quad bike adventure through the countryside. Diabat’s palace ruins are rumoured to have inspired Jimi Hendrix's song "Castles Made of Sand."
Kids will love the treasure hunt in the Medina, led by the ranch team. You can also practice yoga outdoors or go hiking through breathtaking landscapes – one of the best immersive experiences in Essaouira.
Just a few kilometres from Essaouira, the road to Safi is home to a wine-growing treasure: the Domaine du Val d'Argan. This family-run estate cultivates vines on land bathed in sunshine. A day trip here blends a stroll through the vineyards, wine tasting (gris, red, rosé and white) and lunch by the lagoon pool. A perfect activity to organise via your Villanovo concierge, with transfer provided by private chauffeur.
Between Essaouira and Agadir, the forests are home to a tree that is emblematic of southern Morocco: the argan tree. Precious argan oil is extracted from its fruit and used in both cooking and cosmetics. Numerous women's cooperatives in the region perpetuate this ancestral know-how. Visiting them is one of the best things to do in Essaouira and a great way to discover authentic local craftsmanship.
Looking for sea, wind and thrills? Ocean Vagabond is located at the far end of Essaouira Beach. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can rent equipment or take a surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Thanks to its strong trade winds, Essaouira is one of the best places for kite surfers and a sporty afternoon on the beach and in the waves.
In between sessions, settle into lunch at a restaurant just steps from the sea, overlooking one of Morocco's most picturesque towns. The à la carte menu features local produce: seafood, vegetables and fresh fish. Live Gnawa music is played in all the city's cafés during Essaouira's annual Gnawa festival, a truly national event.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira's Medina is a must-see for any day trip. Start your tour of the city centre at the Porte de la Marine, stroll along the ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then discover the narrow streets, fish market and port. People like visiting Moulay El Hassan Square, the vibrant heart of the city, lined with cafés and boutiques.
For a more artistic immersion, visit the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum, the Le Real Mogador Art Center or the Institut Français. Do not forget to make a detour to Derb Lealouj, the old Jewish quarter, which bears witness to Essaouira's multicultural richness and shared history. With so much to do in the Medina, you will want to plan for plenty of time to explore.
A must-see for fans of Game of Thrones, Essaouira is the setting for the fictional city-state of Astapor. Two of the ancient town's most picturesque sites were used as film locations: the 18th-century ramparts along the Atlantic Ocean and Sqala du Port, one of Essaouira's principal fortifications that was used as an artillery platform. Strolling these breathtaking edifices is a trip to a TV set - and back in time.
After an active day, there is nothing like a moment of calm in a traditional hammam. Le Jardin des Douars is the ideal place for an authentic experience: hammam, argan oil massages, mint tea, and traditional treatments. For a more contemporary twist, Azur Art & Spa combines well-being and art in a refined setting. Your Villanovo concierge can arrange a private session.
Villanovo offers a unique selection of villas and riads in Essaouira. Whether you are dreaming of a villa with house staff, a riad in the Medina with a private pool or a house beside Golf de Mogador south of Essaouira, our collection has something for everyone. Our villas are designed for families with kids, or for groups of friends looking for peace and quiet.
You can choose between a riad in the heart of the city, just a stone's throw from the market and great places to eat, a villa on the road to Agadir for more space and peace and quiet, or a rental right next to the beach.
With Villanovo, every holiday becomes a personalised experience. Our concierges take care of everything for your Essaouira experiences: organising restaurant reservations in high season, day trips with a local guide, boat hire, camel rides, and visits to argan tree cooperatives. You can also count on a private chauffeur for your journeys between Agadir, Safi or Essaouira Beach.
Need tips? On arrival, you will be given a personalised travel guide with all our recommendations for Essaouira restaurants, activities, markets, and places of interest in and around town.
18 (21 max.)
9
6
8
4
3
