ESSAOUIRA FAQ'S
The nearest airport is the Essaouira-Mogador Airport (IATA code ESU),
located about 9 miles southeast from the city. Taxis are readily
available at the airport outside arrivals, and the ride to the city
center is relatively short, taking about 20-30 minutes. These taxis are
flat-fared, meaning it will only cost 150 dirhams ($15) to get you to
or from the airport and Essaouira city center. To get to Diabat, this
flat fare rises to 200 dirhams ($20). The taxis you want are petits
taxis, blue in color with a white roof.
For those who have already begun their Moroccan journey, a private
transfer will be taking you to your accommodations in Essaouira.
The
public transport system in Essaouira is called LimaBus, and it runs
nine different routes across the city and environs. These are useful
for people who want to explore away from the compact coastal medina and
the surrounding area. To catch the bus at the northern end of Essaouira
to see other parts of town, catch the bus right outside Bab Doukkala.
For more information, visit www.limabusessaouira.com.
Note: Buses stop running in Essaouira very early, at 7:30 p.m. each night, so plan accordingly.
Yes, Essaouira is very much a walking city. The historic medina is enclosed by ancient walls and is entirely pedestrianized, making it perfect for leisurely strolls down winding alleyways. You can explore the bustling souks, charming galleries, and the scenic ramparts all on foot. The medina's compact layout encourages wandering and discovering hidden cafés, art studios, and boutiques.
Is Essaouira a dangerous city? Are there certain areas I should avoid?Essaouira
is known for being a safe and welcoming city for tourists and has had
this reputation for decades. The city's relaxed atmosphere contributes
to a feeling of safety, but don't let this feeling fool you: it's still
advisable to be vigilant, especially at night and in less-frequented
areas.
Regardless
of the destination, travelers should prioritize personal safety
measures. This includes staying alert in public spaces, securing
belongings, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth.
Additionally, maintaining a respectful attitude towards local customs
and traditions fosters positive interactions with residents and
enhances overall safety.
In the Kingdom of Morocco, the official currency is the Moroccan dirham (written as MAD or dh). U.S. dollars are not accepted, and tips should be given where applicable in Moroccan dirhams. Credit card purchases are widely accepted in major urban centers across the country, as are debit card purchases with chip-tap technology. Cash is a better option in traditional markets, although even this is changing in many areas.
I don't speak Arabic or French. Will many people speak English?Arabic
serves as the primary language of communication for Moroccans, with
Modern Standard Arabic used in official contexts and Moroccan Arabic
(Darija) spoken colloquially. Additionally, French holds significant
importance due to historical ties, colonial legacy, and its status as a
language of education and administration. English proficiency levels
among the local population can vary. While English is increasingly
taught in schools and universities, fluency levels may be higher among
younger generations, especially those in urban areas (such as Rabat,
Casablanca, Marrakech, etc.) and tourist-centric establishments.
Given the widespread use of French in Morocco's education system,
government institutions, and business settings, travelers often find
French to be a valuable lingua franca. Attempting French can facilitate
smoother interactions with locals, particularly in formal settings such
as hotels, restaurants, and administrative offices. While English may
suffice in tourist hubs and upscale establishments catering to
international visitors, travelers venturing into local markets,
neighborhoods, and non-touristy areas may encounter a preference for
Arabic or French. Embracing basic French phrases or using translation
apps can bridge communication gaps and foster meaningful exchanges with
Moroccans.
We recommend brushing up on such phrases as hello/goodbye (bonjour and au revoir), excuse me, please, and thank you (excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît, merci, respectively), "where is..." (où est...), "where are the toilets" (où sont les toilettes?), "how much is this?" (combien ça coute?), numbers from 1-10 (un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix)
and similar phrases you can look up on your own time. These will help
grease the wheels with locals, as they will appreciate your attempt at
French.
Morocco has a similar approach to diet as in other Mediterranean nations, with a large meal (or "djej") eaten between 1 and 3 p.m., with many businesses even closing momentarily for it. Dinner occurs at 8 p.m. or later, and is a much lighter meal (albeit with still substantial portions) and more social in scope. Restaurants in most urban areas accept walk-ins but for certain places you have your heart set on, it's advisable to not only call ahead for reservations for dinner but for lunch as well. Considering the Moroccan custom of lingering, it's best to reserve your table for 1 p.m. during lunch or "djej" and at 8 p.m. for dinner, as many people will want to eat, talk, and have fun just like you.
Should I be mindful of specific Moroccan customs before arriving?Morocco
is a popular tourist destination and locals know that not every tourist
will necessarily respect their local customs, but if you want to put
your best foot forward, there are some basic customs you should learn
before departing.
Morocco, with its predominantly Muslim population, observes Islamic
customs and traditions. Travelers should be mindful of Islamic
practices, such as modest dress when visiting religious sites like
mosques and mausoleums. It's respectful for both men and women to dress
modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women may consider wearing
a headscarf when entering mosques. Dress outside religious sites can be
more relaxed, but showing off too much cleavage or skin can make you
the center of attention in ways you might not like (for men and for
women), so look around and note what is the spectrum of dress for
locals and choose from your outfits accordingly. For example, a bathing
suit at the beach would be fine, but maybe not in a medina.
Moroccan culture places great importance on greetings as a gesture of
respect and warmth. When meeting someone, a handshake accompanied by a
sincere greeting, such as "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or
"Sbah khir" (good morning), is customary. Maintaining eye contact
during greetings conveys sincerity and goodwill. Keep in mind that a
handshake might not be immediately extended to a female traveler from a
man, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule the same way it might
have been 20 years ago.
Sharing a meal in Morocco is a communal experience steeped in
tradition. When invited into a Moroccan home for a meal, it's customary
to wash hands before and after eating, often with a bowl of water
brought by the host. During the meal, using the right hand for eating
and refraining from touching food with the left hand is considered
polite. Tea holds a special place in Moroccan hospitality, and the tea
ceremony is a cherished tradition. When offered tea, graciously accept
and savor the aromatic brew served in small glasses. It's customary to
take at least three sips to demonstrate appreciation, and engaging in
leisurely conversation while enjoying tea fosters camaraderie.
Moroccans value personal space and tend to stand closer during
conversations compared to some Western cultures. While this proximity
may initially feel unfamiliar to travelers and even anathema to the
idea of personal space, respecting personal boundaries and adapting to
local norms fosters smoother interactions and mutual respect. Likewise,
explaining your own personal space needs (politely) will result in your
Moroccan acquaintance accommodating those needs once they are made
aware. When capturing moments in Morocco, particularly in more intimate
settings or with locals, seeking permission before taking photographs
is essential. Respect individuals' privacy and refrain from taking
pictures in sensitive areas such as mosques during prayer times or
markets without consent.
Bargaining, or "haggling," is a common practice in Moroccan souks and
markets. While negotiating prices is part of the cultural experience,
doing so with grace and respect is key. Maintain a friendly demeanor,
engage in lighthearted banter, and be mindful of fair prices while
appreciating the craftsmanship of goods. If you feel you are being
hustled or get the feeling you are being price-gouged, disengage and
leave. Do note that haggling outside the souks and markets of Morocco's medinas does not occur; prices are fixed everywhere else. You won't be able to talk down a price in a department store or boutique, for example.
Essaouira's
medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the epicenter of the city's
shopping scene. This historic area is lined with a diverse array of
shops and boutiques that showcase a mix of traditional Moroccan
craftsmanship and modern artistic expression. Visitors can discover a
rich assortment of items such as beautifully-crafted woodwork (a
specialty of Essaouira, thanks to the local abundance of Thuya wood).
The woodworkers of the Skala de la Ville area, in particular, are
renowned for their intricate designs and fine craftsmanship.
In addition to woodwork, the medina offers an impressive selection of
leather goods ranging from handbags to elaborately-decorated belts, and
jewelry crafted from silver and beautifully set with local stones. The
marketplaces also feature stalls featuring locally-sourced spices and
bottles of the region's famous Argan oil, prized for both its culinary
and cosmetic qualities. For those interested in textiles, Essaouira's
shops provide a wide array of clothing options, from traditional
Moroccan garments to contemporary pieces influenced by the colors and
textures of Morocco.
Nightlife
in Essaouira is laid-back; it's always been like that, since the days
of Jimi Hendrix. While party options do exist (and are open late), they
are south of the medina and the city, closer to Diabat.
The focus of nighttime revelry in Essaouira is on enjoying live music
and good food rather than late-night partying. Many cafés and
restaurants host live bands, especially Gnaoua music, which is
indigenous to this part of Morocco. The terraces along the beach also
offer a perfect setting to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over
the Atlantic.