Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira is a bright and inspiring city where time seems to slow down. With its lively Medina, windswept beaches, refined crafts and seafood cuisine, Essaouira invites you to immerse yourself in an authentic experience. This singular destination is one of the iconic addresses in our collection of villas and riads in Morocco, offered with Villanovo’s concierge service to fully embrace the Essaouira experience.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina of Essaouira charms with its narrow white and blue streets dotted with art galleries, beautiful riads and lively souks. These markets of the city formerly known as Mogador are laden with crafts, argan oil and unique items, all in an easygoing and luminous atmosphere.
The fishing port of Essaouira in Morocco, outside the city walls, is one of the most iconic places. The blue fishing boats, fresh fish and bustling activity as the fishermen's trawlers return make it an authentic destination, particularly magical at sunset.
One of the filming locations for the TV show Game of Thrones, the 18th-century ramparts are the perfect place for a spectacular walk along the Skala du Port and Skala de la Kasbah, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and Essaouira's changing light.
Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum traces Essaouira's rich history and Moroccan folk art. Nearby, the city centre comes to life at Moulay Hassan Square thanks to its cafés, restaurants, music, and locals.
Long and wild, Essaouira Beach is the perfect place for walking, playing with children or spending an afternoon facing the ocean. The beach is beloved by fans of water sports such as surfing all year round.
Sidi Kaouki charms people with its peaceful atmosphere and vast open spaces overlooking the Atlantic, while Cap Sim reveals wild cliffs and panoramic views. In Diabat, dunes and ocean set the scene for horse rides leading to the sand-covered palace of Dar Sultan. Further inland, the Domaine du Val d'Argan completes these getaways with preserved nature and sweeping argan groves.
Essaouira is renowned for its thuja wood crafts, which are made in the souks and workshops of Essaouira's Medina. Sculptures and decorative objects reflect the soul of this unique city.
Shops, art galleries and markets showcase elegant local creations. The old Jewish quarter bears witness to the city's cultural riches, while Gnaoua music adds rhythm to the streets all year long and at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival - one of the top things to do in Essaouira in June.
Thanks to its mild weather and strong winds, Essaouira is the perfect place for surfing lessons and kitesurfing, particularly with Océan Vagabond.
Traditional hammams, argan oil massages and spas such as Azur Art & Spa offer a soothing wellness interlude and a true moment of relaxation. Enjoyed at the pace of the city and the ocean, these special moments invite you to fully unwind in a calm and authentic atmosphere.
At the fishing port, savour just-caught seafood and the freshest fish grilled in front of you. The souks, the city's markets, brim with spices, dried fruit, argan oil and local foodstuffs.
In the Medina, delicious food like fig tagines, Berber couscous and honey pastries are essential for gourmet breaks between your activities. To enhance your culinary experience, certain restaurants have become veritable culinary destinations, combining refined cuisine, inspiring settings and a friendly atmosphere. Eat at Dar Baba & More for its Mediterranean fusion, La Mouette et les Dromadaires for its sea view, and Salut Maroc to finish with a mint tea on its rooftop at sunset.
Essaouira is a year-round destination that is perfect for a long weekend or weeklong holiday. Spring and autumn have ideal weather for exploring the city and beaches. The high season of summer attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere and music festivals, while winter is the season for exceptional light on the ramparts and the city, the best time to treat yourself to a wellness break and strolls through the Medina.
Villanovo offers a refined collection of villas in Essaouira: houses with private pools, historic riads in the Medina or outside the city, and contemporary villas on the Mogador Golf Course.
Thanks to the dedicated concierge service, each rental becomes a personalised experience. They will happily organise activities, reserve restaurants, or book a variety of activities, like surfing lessons, moped rentals, camel rides, quad biking on the beach, walking tours, excursions and craft discovery tours, Villanovo accompanies each stay with the utmost care, for a trip to Morocco combining luxury, authenticity and a free spirit.
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