Exploring Essaouira, Morocco, With Kids

Cool, compact and creative, Essaouira feels tailormade for a family vacation. Right on the Atlantic coast, its long sandy beach welcomes kitesurfers and windsurfers, who ride the trade winds. There’s a working port to peruse, and an 18th-century medina with souks and boutiques, all within walking distance to each other. However, as I discovered on a recent visit with my young family, the city’s relaxed vibe is what turns this coastal destination into a stress-free vacation spot the whole clan will love.

What to Do in Essaouira

Wandering around the souks is a fine way to become acquainted with the city. There was a smile or wave from every vendor for my kids, while the relative calm (compared to the Marrakech souks, for example) meant I was comfortable letting my children roam without confining them to a stroller. The medina streets are a bit meandering, however, so it’s easy to miss the best bits.

Rather than let your clients go solo, book them a private class at L’Atelier. This stylish workshop, boutique and cafe space is set in an old almond warehouse in the medina, and a traditional Moroccan cooking class here begins with a fun hunt for spices and aromatics in the souks. The group then returns to learn the essentials of local cuisine, with menus changing daily based on what is in season.

For a faster-paced activity, consider an ATV tour with Yassmine Quad. Adventures range from a one-hour fun ride to multiple-night excursions with the option of staying in guesthouses or camping shelters. First-timers to Essaouira should opt for the two-hour tour, which shows off the best of the coast: wild dunes, a fishing village and the chance to have tea with a local fisherman on the beach. Children ages 6 to 12 can sit behind an adult driver, while guests 13 and up can steer their own vehicle.

Other high-octane thrills can be found at Kite Surf Maroc. The operator offers a kids’ kite and surf program (for travelers ages 6 to 17) that includes private courses tailored to each child with the aim of building skills and developing a passion for nature, the ocean and environment. Specially adapted equipment is included, as is transport to level-appropriate locations. Smiles are pretty much guaranteed, too.

Accommodations for Families

The hotel scene in Essaouira is thriving, with options for all budgets and interests. We stayed at Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa, which sits right next to the sand and is within an easy walk of the medina. Its private beach club, with cushy sun loungers, port views and a trendy restaurant and bar, gave us the break (and peace) we needed. Freshly squeezed orange juice and digging in the sand kept our children happy.

The major draw for our little ones, though, was the large palm-wrapped pool (and mini pool for younger kids) back at the hotel, where they could happily splash while we kept watch. The hotel also has a spa with thalassotherapy treatments — all guests receive a one-hour dip in the heated indoor saltwater pool.

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For all-out luxury, Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is hard to beat. Our children adored the kids’ club, where the friendly team helped my daughter create a painting masterpiece, while my son tried to touch the sky on the trampoline. It also has a small pool, a mini soccer field and plenty of other sports and board games. That leaves time for the grown-ups to make use of the So Spa, which has a traditional Eastern hammam (Turkish bath) and treatments inspired by Moroccan wellness. For a best-in-class experience, book one of the villas with a private pool and views over a Gary Player-designed Mogador Golf Club.

Dining in Essaouira 

With an Atlantic address and busy port, Essaouira is of course a seafood hotspot. La Table in the Madada Mogador  boutique hotel, which was often the first recommendation we received from in-the-know locals, is in an old carob warehouse close to the medina, and the menu makes excellent use of the daily catch. The spider crab gratin is the chef’s special, and there’s an innovative selection of cocktails to consider.

For a special family celebration, Salon Oriental at the Hotel Heure Bleue Palais offers old-world elegance with tables in a sophisticated Moroccan lounge. The food is innovative, with head chef Ahmed Handour blending national flavors, local produce and modern cooking techniques. Expect mouthwatering dishes such as local lobster with argan oil.

When to Visit Essaouira 

Essaouira is mostly comfortable year-round, so clients might book travel based on their interests. Winters are pleasant and the hottest summer months are regulated by the trade winds. July and August winds make that an ideal time to visit for kitesurfing and windsurfing (though this is also high season, so it can be busy). For families craving a mix of beach and culture, consider September and October, when the winds drop and the temperatures are hot, but comfortable.