Essaouira is small, but a week goes quickly here. Between sessions on the water there is a lot to fill the days with, most of it within walking distance of the beach. Here is what we usually recommend to guests.
Walk the medina
Start with the old town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it still feels lived-in rather than staged: spice stalls, woodworkers carving thuya, small galleries, jewellery makers, and the smell of grilled sardines drifting up from the port. Go with a guide if you want the history, or just wander and get lost; it is walled, so you always find your way back.
Get on the water
The bay is a natural playground. Steady side-shore wind, a wide sandy beach and gentle waves make it a good place to start kitesurfing or surfing, and a fun one if you already ride. Our instructors are IKO certified and we run lessons for all levels, plus wingfoil for anyone curious about flying. See the lessons or ask us about a package with accommodation.
Yoga by the ocean
Many of our guests combine surfing with yoga, and it works well: it loosens what a morning in the waves tightens. Sarah Lucia runs holistic yoga sessions overlooking the water, alone or as part of a stay. You can reach her on Instagram or ask us to add a session to your week.
Take a hammam
No trip to Morocco is complete without one. The hammam is a ritual: heat, black soap, a serious scrub, then an argan oil massage if you want to go further. Essaouira has everything from neighbourhood hammams to spa versions. Do it on a rest day; you will sleep like a stone afterwards.
Quad or buggy in the dunes
South of town the coast turns into dunes, argan groves and small villages. A quad or buggy tour gets you out there in an hour or a full day. It is the loud option, and a lot of fun.
Horse or camel at sunset
The quiet option: a horse ride along the beach at low tide, or a slow camel walk as the sun goes down over the Atlantic. We work with local guides who look after their animals properly.
Putting a week together
Surf in the morning, medina in the afternoon, hammam on the rest day, dunes or a sunset ride when the wind drops. If you would like us to organise any of this around your lessons, send us a message and we will sort it out.