Where to stay
Best neighbourhoods
in Essaouira
Every neighbourhood scored for accessibility, value, local feel, and more. Honest trade-offs on each — no superlatives without substance.
Top pick
Place Moulay Hassan & Port
The medina's living-room square and the working fish port — cafe terraces, blue boats, the smell of grilled sardines.
Place Moulay Hassan & Port
Top pickThe medina's living-room square and the working fish port — cafe terraces, blue boats, the smell of grilled sardines.
10/10
Walk
7/10
Price
7/10
Local
10/10
Central
Medina & Ramparts
GoodThe UNESCO-listed walled town and Skala fortifications — blue-and-white alleys, riads inside the 18th-century Portuguese-Moroccan ramparts.
10/10
Walk
6/10
Price
6/10
Local
10/10
Central
Mellah (Old Jewish Quarter)
Trade-offThe northern quarter inside the ramparts — historic Jewish neighbourhood, partly derelict, now a quiet alternative within the medina walls.
9/10
Walk
8/10
Price
8/10
Local
8/10
Central
Marché Jdid & New Town
Trade-offEast of the medina walls — the real working-class Essaouira with the daily Souk Jdid market, bus station and 1970s-era apartment blocks.
8/10
Walk
10/10
Price
10/10
Local
6/10
Central
Diabat & Beach (South)
Trade-offThe 6km Atlantic beach stretching south from the medina to the village of Diabat — kitesurf central, beach hotels, camel walks at sunset.
6/10
Walk
5/10
Price
4/10
Local
6/10
Central
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