Between culture, relaxation and adventure, an Essaouira family holiday will please kids and parents alike. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets to explore, filled with souks, craft shops and welcoming cafés. The fine sand beaches are perfect for water sports or simply relaxing. Kite surfing and quad bikes ensure incredible thrills. What's more, the mild climate and friendly locals add to the pleasant atmosphere. With its picturesque charm and magnificent beaches, Essaouira is an ideal destination for a week-long family holiday.
A week gives families ample time for memorable outings and relaxing in your villa. Here is our 7-day guide to Essaouira to help you discover all the wonders of the city and its surroundings. There is something for everyone when you stay at one of our exceptional villas or riads.
As Morocco's historic port city, Essaouira is a unique destination due to its diverse cultural influences and tranquil atmosphere. The city harmoniously blends Arab, Berber and European heritage for a rich and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Essaouira's historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real architectural gem, thanks to its picturesque alleyways and colourful markets. The magnificent beaches and temperate climate in Essaouira make it an ideal place for adults and kids to relax and recharge your batteries during a weeklong family holiday. Lastly, direct flights from London and the same time zone as the UK means short travel time and no jet lag.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Essaouira's medina, an absolute must. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with white houses dotted with blue doors and shutters, invite you to explore whether solo or on a walking tour. Discover cedar wood craftsmen, fresh seafood from the port, art galleries and souvenir shops in the heart of the medina. The 18th-century ramparts of Skala de la Ville and Place Moulay Hassan are a big hit thanks to their breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Thanks to the strong winds on the Atlantic Coast, Essaouira's beaches are ideal for water sports. Go surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in spectacular natural surroundings. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, take advantage of these perfect conditions to skim across the water and feel the adrenalin of these extreme sports. Your Villanovo concierge can book you a lesson or rental at the kite and surf schools located at the far end of the beach. For those who prefer a relaxing experience, take a long walk on the vast stretch of sandy beach or rent a sun lounger on less windy days. Whether you are more into water sports or sun-bathing, the beaches in Essaouira has something for both thrills or chilling.
Essaouira offers thrilling land adventures from horse riding and camel rides along the beaches to quad biking through the dunes and mountains. Choose the calm of a horse ride or the rush on a quad bike. Or, opt for a camel ride, one of the best things to do with kids. There is something for every family member to have a memorable experience.
Discover the Berber villages around Essaouira, where the friendly people will welcome you to their adobe houses and lively markets. Visit the Sidi M'Barek waterfall, an enchanting place to cool off and enjoy nature. Go sandboarding in the sand dunes north of the city, a brilliant fun time for your Essaouira family holidays.
During your trip to Essaouira, a paradise for gourmets, taste local specialities such as grilled fish and seafood from the port, fragrant tagines and Moroccan pastries. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes. For a gourmet break, cool off at the fresh orange juice stalls and pop into a café for French patisseries. There's a wide offer of food that all the family can enjoy. If you prefer to cook at home, there is a large Carrefour supermarket for staples of milk for the little ones. It is one of the best places to buy alcohol in Essaouira.
Enjoy yoga on the beach, relaxing spas and picturesque golf courses off the main road into Essaouira. Treat yourself to a revitalising massage, a great way to pamper yourself after a day in the busy souks. Perfect your swing while admiring the stunning scenery in Essaouira, Morocco's coastal jewel.
On your last day, stroll through the narrow streets of Essaouira's medina on a walking tour. Shop for artisanal crafts. Relax on the tranquil beaches or soak up the view from a roof terrace. Make the most of every moment of your Essaouira family holiday before heading home.
Villanovo offers a wide range of exclusive villas or riads in the most beautiful locations in Morocco. Enjoy a fantastic family holiday in Morocco in a villa with a private swimming pool, house staff, private chef or cook, and many other amenities.
Choose among our exceptional villas and riads in Essaouira that are near the beach or with a swimming pool, house staff, or private chef. We also offer memorable places to stay in Marrakech and Oualidia.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your holiday. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs: booking excursions like a quad bike or walking tour, kite surfing, a private chef, and more. Last but not least? Our staff will share their handpicked recommendations for great restaurants, shops and other experiences to discover in Morocco. Villanovo also offers guests in Marrakech a beautiful travel diary with our insider picks for where to eat, what to do, and so much more.