ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is a charming coastal city located approximately 180 kilometers west of Marrakech, Morocco. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, beaches, bustling fishing port, and historical architecture, Essaouira is a popular destination for travelers seeking a different Moroccan experience.

MARRAKECH EVENTS is well-acquainted with this former Portuguese colony and can expertly organize your stay in Essaouira as part of an incentive trip or team building event.

Its colors, unique ambiance, and hidden gems, which we are well acquainted with, make Essaouira the perfect destination for an influencer trip. Marrakech Events will arrange a stay around highly Instagrammable locations and situations!

Essaouira combines a rich history, fascinating architecture, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a description of some aspects of Essaouira:

1 The Historic Medina: The heart of Essaouira is its UNESCO-listed medina. Encircled by fortified walls, the medina unfolds with its narrow winding streets, white houses adorned with blue shutters, and bustling souks. Numerous artisans offer handcrafted products such as rugs, silver jewelry, clothing, and more.

2 The Ramparts and the Scala: Essaouira’s medina is surrounded by imposing ramparts dating back to the 18th century, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The Scala, an old fortress, is located at the entrance to the port and also provides magnificent views.

3 The Fishing Port: Essaouira is renowned for its lively fishing port, where you can watch local fishermen unload their daily catches and see colorful boats. It’s an ideal place to savor fresh seafood and witness the daily lives of fishermen.

4 The Beaches: Essaouira boasts a beautiful golden sandy beach that stretches for several kilometers. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing, strolling along the shore, and engaging in water sports like surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing.

5 Artistic Atmosphere: Essaouira has an artistic and bohemian atmosphere that attracts many artists and artisans. The city is home to numerous art galleries, artist workshops, and annual art festivals where you can discover and purchase local artworks.

6 Gnawa Music: Essaouira is the birthplace of Gnawa music, a rhythmic and spiritual tradition of African origin. You can attend Gnawa musician performances in the medina’s streets and cafes and even participate in traditional music festivals.

Essaouira is a unique destination in Morocco, offering a relaxed atmosphere and timeless charm. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, the beach, culture, or simply a beautiful vacation, Essaouira has much to offer.

Here are some highlights and activities to do in Essaouira that make it the perfect destination for an incentive trip or corporate seminar!

1 Essaouira Medina: Essaouira’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and whitewashed houses. You can stroll through the medina, explore different neighborhoods, visit the ancient ramparts, and admire the unique architecture.

2 Essaouira Beaches: Essaouira is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches. You can relax on the beach, sunbathe, enjoy water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, or kiteboarding, or simply take a walk along the shore and breathe in the sea breeze.

3 Fishing Port: Essaouira’s fishing port is a lively place where you can watch local fishermen unload their daily catch and buy fresh seafood. You can walk along the docks, visit the fish stalls, and savor fresh seafood in local restaurants.

4 Scala Visit: The Scala is a former Portuguese fortress located at the entrance to Essaouira’s port. You can visit the ramparts and cannons, and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the city from this impressive historical structure.

5 Art Galleries and Crafts: Essaouira is known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. You can explore the many art galleries showcasing works by local and international artists, as well as local artisans selling their handmade products, including rugs, silver jewelry, wood marquetry, and more.

6 Local Food Tasting: Essaouira offers a wide variety of traditional Moroccan dishes. You can savor fresh seafood, tagine dishes, fish-based specialties, delicious Moroccan pastries, and the famous mint tea at the city’s numerous restaurants and cafes.

Essaouira is a must-visit destination to discover Moroccan culture, enjoy the beach, and explore a city with a unique atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or simply relaxing by the sea, Essaouira has a lot to offer.

ACCOMODATIONS IN ESSAOUIRA

In Essaouira, there is a wide variety of hotels suitable for seminars or incentive trips. Here are some accommodation options in Essaouira:

1 Traditional Riads: Essaouira is renowned for its riads, traditional Moroccan houses converted into charming hotels. These riads offer beautiful settings with inner courtyards, rooftop terraces, and authentic decor. Some riads also provide services such as hammams and spas.

2 Luxury Hotels: Essaouira also features many luxury hotels that offer high-end services, gourmet restaurants, pools, spas, and panoramic sea views. These hotels provide a luxurious atmosphere and are perfect for those seeking a high-end stay.

3 Mid-Range Hotels: For a more affordable stay, numerous mid-range hotels are available in Essaouira. These hotels offer clean and comfortable rooms, as well as amenities such as restaurants, pools, and Wi-Fi.

Here are some options for luxury riads in Essaouira that would be perfect for an executeve committee or an influencer trip organized by MARRAKECH EVENTS:

1 Riad Dar Maya: Located in the heart of the medina, Riad Dar Maya is a beautiful luxury riad offering a peaceful atmosphere and stylish design. It features rooms and suites with modern amenities, a terrace with panoramic views of the medina, and an on-site spa.

2 Riad Madada Mogador: This luxury riad enjoys a privileged location with stunning views of Essaouira’s port. It offers elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant serving Moroccan and international cuisine, and a terrace with a heated pool.

3 L’Heure Bleue Palais: Situated near the medina, this upscale hotel with a refined atmosphere offers tastefully decorated rooms and suites, a spa, a beautiful inner courtyard, elegant restaurants, and a terrace with panoramic sea views.

4 Riad Chbanate: This luxury riad, located in a quiet area of the medina, offers a high-end stay experience with spacious rooms and suites, an inner courtyard with a fountain, a hammam and spa, and a rooftop pool with views of the medina.

5 Riad Al Madina: This luxury riad combines traditional charm with modern luxury. It features elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a restaurant serving refined Moroccan cuisine, a spa with a hammam and massages, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the medina.

RESTAURANTS IN ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is home to a wide range of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including traditional Moroccan cuisine, international dishes, and fresh seafood. Here are some popular restaurants in Essaouira:

1 La Table by Madada: Located in the Madada Mogador hotel, this restaurant offers fusion cuisine combining Moroccan and international influences. You can enjoy creative dishes prepared with high-quality local ingredients while savoring an elegant atmosphere and a beautiful view of Essaouira’s port.

2 Elizir Restaurant: Situated in the medina, Elizir is known for its contemporary Moroccan cuisine. The dishes are prepared with fresh local produce and traditional spices, providing a refined and authentic culinary experience. The restaurant also features a terrace with stunning views of the medina.

3 L’Atelier Madada: Located in the Riad Dar Maya, this restaurant offers modern and creative Moroccan cuisine. The dishes are prepared with seasonal fresh ingredients and presented artistically. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the riad while savoring a delicious meal.

4 Taros Restaurant: Situated near the medina’s ramparts, Taros offers a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. The restaurant offers a diverse international menu, ranging from fresh seafood dishes to Mediterranean cuisine. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a view of the sea.

5 La Table des Doukkala: This restaurant offers traditional Moroccan cuisine in a warm and friendly setting. You can taste classic Moroccan dishes such as tagines, couscous, and grilled meats, prepared with high-quality local ingredients.

6 Alizés Restaurant: Located on Essaouira’s beach, Les Alizés specializes in fresh seafood. You can savor deliciously prepared fish and seafood dishes while enjoying ocean views.

There are many other restaurants in Essaouira offering a variety of dishes and atmospheres. Feel free to explore the medina and the beach promenade to discover more culinary options.

SHOPPING

Shopping in Essaouira is a delightful experience, especially in the medina, where you’ll find numerous souks (markets) and shops specializing in local craftsmanship. Here are some suggestions for your shopping excursion in Essaouira:

1 The Medina Souks: Essaouira’s medina is brimming with small souks where you’ll find a variety of handmade products, including carpets, fabrics, pottery, silver jewelry, carved wooden items, baskets, traditional clothing, spices, and much more. Get lost in the narrow streets and explore different stalls to discover unique treasures.

2 Home Decor Shops: Essaouira is renowned for its quality craftsmanship and decorative items. You’ll find many stores specializing in furniture, lighting fixtures, carpets, metalwork, ceramics, and textiles. Whether you’re looking for traditional or modern pieces, you’ll likely find something to stylishly decorate your home.

3 Art Galleries: Essaouira is a destination favored by artists and artisans. You can visit the numerous art galleries scattered throughout the medina and discover contemporary art, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. You may even meet local artists in their studios and learn about their creative process.

4 Fashion Boutiques: Essaouira also offers a selection of fashion boutiques offering unique clothing and accessories. You can find cotton clothing, dresses, tunics, leather bags, hats, jewelry, and more. Explore different shops to discover one-of-a-kind pieces and add a Moroccan touch to your wardrobe.

5 Fish Markets: If you’re a seafood enthusiast, don’t miss visiting Essaouira’s fish market. You’ll find a variety of fresh fish and seafood that you can purchase to cook at home or enjoy in one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.

Remember to negotiate prices when shopping in Essaouira, as it’s a common practice in the country. Enjoy your shopping experience to discover local craftsmanship, support artisans, and bring back unique souvenirs from your trip to Essaouira.