Where to Stay Seaside in Morocco: Essaouira’s Best Riads & Hotels

When staying overnight in Essaouira—Morocco’s historic, laid-back coastal town where the UNESCO-listed medina meets the Atlantic breeze—time seems to slow down.

Choosing the best place to stay in Essaouira can shape your experience, as the city and beach area (beyond the medina) is quite spread out.

For first-timers, booking your accommodation inside the old city’s fortified walls will allow you to make the most of your weekend or Essaouira itinerary.

After all, Essaouira’s historic medina is why people visit (other than for the surf tides)!

That said, where in the medina is great for short weekends or long-term stays for nomads?

Below, I’m sharing my favorite picks for Essaouira’s cutest riads and dars (yes, there’s a difference!), boutique hotels, budget-friendly backpacker hostels, plus neighborhood tips for exploring beyond your doorstep!

Where to Stay in Essaouira, Morocco for First-Timers

When you look at Essaouira on the map, you’ll notice how the city is shaped like an arrow (<), with the Medina of Essaouira bunched together at the tip.

It’s here, within the old city’s fortified walls, where you’ll find the heart of Essaouira—and where you should plan to stay.

Within the Old City, you can see Essaouira’s lively fishing port and colorful souks, and enjoy the best artisanal shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars—all within walking distance!

For digital nomads, I also recommend finding accommodation inside the medina. We spent two weeks in Essaouira’s residential south, by the beach in the El Borj neighborhood, and also had an enjoyable stay, but I preferred the atmosphere of the medina.

Also, if you’re thinking Essaouira is a “beach town,” think again. Yes, while it has a gorgeous, long stretch of sandy beach, the wind can make relaxing challenging.

The beach is best for surfing, kitesurfing, horse/camel watching, and sunsets!

So, to summarize, the best areas to stay in Essaouira will be within the medina.

• Medina: Undoubtedly the best place to stay in Essaouira for culture, lodging, food, hammams, and being close to everything. You’ll be steps from the souks, port, ramparts, cafes, and artisan workshops.
• Beach area: Ideal for surfers, with easy access to the sand. There are a few beachfront restaurants, notably, but not much else. Ideal for families or those with a car.
• Diabat, Borj (Residential): If you’re looking to cut costs, the residential areas are peaceful, with very local bakeries, markets, and mini stores.

Next, I recommend choosing between a Moroccan riad (recommended), a dar, or a budget hotel/hostel.

The Best Riads (& Dars) in Essaouira’s Medina

Basically, anywhere you stay in the medina will mean you’re a 15 to 20-minute walk from one entry gate to the other.

That said, you really can’t go wrong with the location inside the medina, but it all depends on what type of atmosphere you’re looking for—lively with rooftop bars around, quiet with peaceful plazas, etc.

Now, did you know the difference between a Moroccan riad and a dar?

–> A riad is a traditional Moroccan home with a central garden or inner-facing courtyard. In Arabic, it literally translates to “garden.” Most riads have been converted into boutique-style hotels with luxurious touches.

–> A dar is also a traditional Moroccan home, but the distinction is that it won’t have a garden or central courtyard. Instead, it may have an atrium, light well, or small hallway. Typically, these guesthouses are more modest, like a local B&B.

When you see hotel names using “dar” or “riad,” now you’ll know the difference!

Riad Emotion

If you want a beautiful, classic riad stay that’s smack-dab in the center of it all, but slightly located down a quieter side street, then check out Riad Emotion.

With gorgeous tiled flooring and a central fountain, rooftop terrace, and breakfast, you’ll not want for much!

We would pass by here all the time on our way to the Mandala Society cafe, which is located right on the “main drag” of Avenue de L’Istiqlal.

Salut Maroc!

This is the place to stay if you want to envelop yourself in Morocco’s bold, vibrant colors and textures. Seriously, just look at the place!

Salut Maroc is part boutique riad, part stunning rooftop restaurant and bar. Sipping on a cocktail (or mint tea) at sunset here is a must-do!

The best part? The location overlooks Essaouira’s historic ramparts and the beautiful ocean.

If you want to stay on this side of Essaouira’s medina, but are working with a tighter budget, consider the cute Hostel La Smala just next door.

Madada Mogador

Beach views and medina views—you can have both here at Madada Mogador. You’ll be located right on the edge, with easy access to both!

A big bonus of staying here is that it’s beside two of my favorite cafes in town: L’Atélier and Picknick. (And an extra big bonus, this area is the epicenter of where the medina cats like to congregate.)

Oh! And one more food win: La Table by Madada (their downstairs restaurant) is one of the best places to eat in Essaouira.

For access to the beach, the ramparts, the medina, and the port, you really can’t beat this hotel’s location in Essaouira.

Two more riad stays that you may really like are:

• For a minimalist stay, check out Riad Baladin‘s boho-chic, all-white decor. I’d stay here solo or with my partner!
• For more luxury, Riad Chbanate has drool-worthy, indulgent-looking bathtubs.
• And finally, for my fellow nomads, check out Noqta Space! Or, book a private room in La Smala.

Hotels Nearest Essaouira’s Beach

If you want to stay beachfront, then you can do that, too! Again, I would really recommend staying inside the medina in a riad or dar.

Also, note: the beachfront gets windy—sure, that’s great for kitesurfing and surfing lessons, but bring layers!

Whenever we would go to Essaouira’s beach, we would take shelter in the airy Ocean Vagabond restaurant. It’s also a cool place to sit and watch the dromedary camels and horses.

Nevertheless, the beach area does have its advantages—you’re closer to the sand, further from the medina crowds, and can be a bit more flexible for day trips if you have a rental car.

However, you have fewer options for accommodation in this area. Of the available choices, most are larger hotel offerings, which (in my opinion) lose their charm but still offer all your comforts.

• Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa
  Sofitel-run hotel with spacious rooms, beach access, and a full spa. Perfect if you want a mix of wellness and wind.
• Riad Zahra
  One of the few beachside riad options. Prime location right by the dunes and surf/kitesurf schools.

Where We Stayed in Essaouira

On my latest visit, we stayed for ten days in the Barj neighborhood in Essaouira’s residential area before moving into the medina.

Once in the medina, we found an apartment owned by a French woman who has lived in Essaouira for over twelve years and worked remotely from there for 2–3 weeks.

We were located on the north end of the medina, beside Sisterhood cafe and a lively little plaza on Rue Boutouil. Actually, the nice Daranur riad/hotel is right nearby.

I loved how tucked away this part of the medina felt without being far from the main souks and avenues!

FAQs About Staying in Essaouira

Is it better to stay in the medina or by the beach?
The medina is by far more atmospheric and central, and has the best riads and hotels in Essaouira. But the beach is closer to the surf and dunes.

Are riads safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Many are family-run and hospitable. My friend stayed solo in the center and was all right. Just be mindful of arriving in Essaouira late at night, or staying out late, as sometimes the smaller medina alleyways can feel deserted after dark.

What’s the average price per night in Essaouira?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 per night up to $150 or more. Riads: $40–$120/night. Beach hotels: $80–$200+. Guesthouses: $30–$100. Budget-friendly and luxury options both exist!

Can I work remotely in Essaouira?
Yes, this is what we did for several weeks and loved it! You can search for local apartments on Airbnb or Facebook, or book a private room in budget hotels and coworking spaces like Noqta or Hostel La Smala. WiFi is decent in Essaouira, but I recommend asking before booking in case you need to make video calls!