If it’s your first time visiting Essaouira and wondering where to stay, the good news is that it’s a very small, walkable town. Unlike Marrakech or Casablanca, you don’t need to stress too much about choosing the “perfect” neighbourhood because almost everything is within walking distance.
I spent over a month living in Essaouira and actually stayed in three different areas -two riads inside the historic medina and an Airbnb in the residential neighbourhood near the CTM bus station. Each gave me a completely different experience, and if I were visiting again, where I’d stay would depend entirely on how long I had.
Here’s what I’d recommend.
Quick Answer
If you’re visiting Essaouira for two to four days, stay inside the medina.
You’ll be surrounded by the whitewashed streets, cafes, restaurants and souks that make Essaouira so charming, while still being only a five to ten minute walk from the beach.
If you’re staying for a week or longer, consider renting an apartment just outside the medina instead. It’s quieter, feels much more local and gives you a better sense of everyday life in the city while still being close enough to walk everywhere.
1. The Medina (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If it’s your first time visiting Essaouira, this is where I’d stay without hesitation.
The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow alleyways, artisan workshops, rooftop terraces and beautiful riads tucked behind unassuming doors. Every morning you can wander out for coffee, browse local shops, watch fishermen return to the harbour and finish your day with sunset on the beach—all without needing transport.
One thing I loved about Essaouira is that the medina never felt as overwhelming as somewhere like Marrakech. It’s lively but relaxed, making it an easy place to explore on foot.
Pros
- Walking distance to almost everything
- Beautiful traditional riads
- Great cafés and restaurants
- Easy access to the harbour and beach
- Perfect atmosphere for a short trip
Cons
- Can be noisier during busy periods
- Some accommodation isn’t accessible by car, so you may need to walk a few minutes with your luggage or pay a porter.
Where to Stay in the Medina
🏠 Budget Options: Hostel La Smala (rooftop terrace with ocean views), Hostel Riad Maqam
🏡 Traditional Riad: Riad Borj El Baroud (where I stayed, great location and comfortable space)
🏨 Mid-Range Hotel: Le Palazzo (Stylish decor, well rated)
✨ Luxury Riad: Heure Bleue Palais (a stunning property, world class service and a lovely terrace with a pool)
🛏️ More Great Options: Riad Chbanate, Dar Liouba, Salut Maroc!, Riad Baladin
2. Outside the Medina (Best for Longer Stays & Slow Travel)
For the second half of my stay, I moved into an Airbnb about a 15–20 minute walk from the medina near the CTM bus station.
This ended up being one of my favourite parts of living in Essaouira.
The streets felt much more residential, there were fewer tourists and it was noticeably quieter. I found myself settling into a routine—walking to cafés in the morning, heading to the beach for sunset and wandering into the medina whenever I felt like it.
The beach was only around ten minutes away on foot, and the medina was close enough that the walk became part of my daily routine.
If you’re planning to stay for a week or more or want to experience everyday life in Essaouira rather than just sightseeing, I’d definitely consider this area.
Pros
- Much quieter
- More local atmosphere
- Great for apartments and Airbnbs
- Easy walk to both the beach and medina
- Often better value for longer stays
Cons
- Slightly longer walk to restaurants and attractions
- Less of the traditional riad atmosphere
Where to Stay Outside the Medina
🏠 Apartment: My Airbnb near the CTM station (Beautiful Apartment perfect for longer stays)
🏨 Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Côté Océan Mogador (Beachfront with seaviews)
✨ Luxury Hotel: Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa (A few minutes from the medina & right at the beachfront)
🛏️ More Great Options: Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort, Vent des Dunes, Villa Quieta
Should You Stay Near the Beach?
Honestly, unless you’re visiting primarily for kitesurfing or a beach holiday, I wouldn’t worry too much about specifically booking beachfront accommodation.
Essaouira is so compact that even from the medina you’re only around five to ten minutes from the sand.
I found it much nicer to stay somewhere with character and simply walk to the beach each day.
My Recommendation
If I were helping a friend plan their trip, here’s what I’d suggest:
- 2–4 days: Stay inside the medina.
- One week or longer: Stay just outside the medina in a residential neighbourhood.
- Digital nomads or slow travellers: Consider an apartment rather than a hotel – you’ll get more space and settle into local life much more easily.
No matter where you stay, you’ll rarely be more than a 20-minute walk from anywhere in Essaouira.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay inside or outside the medina?
For most first-time visitors, I’d recommend staying inside the medina. It’s beautiful, convenient and close to everything. If you’re staying longer, the quieter residential neighbourhoods outside the walls offer a more local experience.
Is the medina safe?
I found Essaouira to be one of the most relaxed cities I visited in Morocco. The medina felt calm, and I was comfortable walking around solo during both the day and evening.
Do you need a car?
No. I walked everywhere during my month in Essaouira and only used transport when travelling to other cities.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Planning more time in Morocco? These guides might help:
- Is Essaouira Worth Visiting?
- My Favourite Cafés in Essaouira
- Living One Month in Essaouira: The Slow Reset I Didn’t Plan
Alexx
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, hotels and services that I’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your trip.
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