Essaouira: Morocco’s Bohemian Secret
By Iris Mertens
I have a confession: I’m head over heels for Morocco. Marrakesh will always be magical — losing yourself in the labyrinthine souks, racing jeeps up the Atlas Mountains, and sharing unforgettable nights under the stars in Agafay desert camps. But, Iris Mertens being Iris Mertens, I also love to surprise people with something new. Enter: Essaouira.
This coastal gem stole my heart over the past year. Unlike the polished, ultra-luxury hotspots, Essaouira is for the cool, adventurous, and hyper-social groups — those who crave next-level Moroccan experiences without the stiff formality. Think shabby-chic, bohemian, artsy, with a Medina where you can happily get lost and stumble upon artisan boutiques selling rugs, ceramics, and interiors that whisper, “Take me home!”
Food lovers rejoice: pick up fresh produce at the market and have it grilled at nearby restaurants, savoring tagines, seafood, and smoothies along the way. Rooftops come alive with live music — KSOU for sunset jazz and cocktails is an absolute must, while Le Palazzo, a chic Belgo-Franco spot, blends Moroccan vibes with Amalfi Coast style. Picture a 12-room riad, Italian cuisine downstairs, Moroccan rooftop lounges, and even a fresh oyster bar for that little extra wow-factor.
Essaouira is also about the beach lifestyle. Vintage bikes — electric or classic Harley-style — let you ride along the coastline, and sunset ballads on the sand are pure magic. Day trips, picnics, horseback riding, kitesurfing, cooking workshops, hamams, argan oil massages, and poolside brunches at Le Jardin des Douars create a rich palette of activities.
Yes, the beach may be a little “raw,” a bit unpolished — but that’s part of the charm. Essaouira is up-and-coming, a destination with character, authenticity, and endless Instagram moments. Perfect for creative workations, team-building adventures, or large families seeking something different, where the Medina meets the sea in a magical, artsy embrace.
And I haven’t even mentioned Essaid Faiq of Exclusively Morocco, our local DMC superstar. Essaid makes everything seamless, magical, and just a little bit mischievous — the kind of dmc who turns every activity into a story worth telling.
Essaouira is a destination with attitude, heart, and soul. I’ve fallen hard — I hope you do too.