7 Best Beachfront Hotels in Essaouira for a Seaside Escape

Looking for the best beachfront hotels in Essaouira? Explore this curated collection of seaside properties designed for all types of travellers.

Not only does Essaouira boast an atmospheric medina but an enviable beachside setting, making it a deservedly popular destination in Morocco.

I love that you can spend the morning getting lost in its whitewashed alleys. Then, you can head to the beach for a swim or surf in the afternoon. In the evening, return to the city for dinner and live music.

Alternatively, you can make the beach your base and just pop in and out of the medina when the fancy takes you. 

It’s with this idea in mind that I’ve put together a list of the best beachfront hotels in Essaouira, catering to those who love being beside the ocean.

Aside from hotels overlooking Plage d’Essaouira (the beach that stretches south from the medina), I’ve included several in the nearby surf village of Sidi Kaouki. 

For more information about visiting Essaouira, including things to do in the city and the best time to visit, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira.

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Baberrih Hotel $$$

Best luxury beachfront hotel in Essaouira

Boasting a spectacular cliffside setting to the north of the medina, this luxury beachfront hotel in Essaouira is ideal for those seeking a high-end stay. It’s the perfect spot to recharge, lulled by the sounds of waves crashing below. All while being within easy reach of all the action.

Baberrih Hotel’s beautifully appointed guest rooms blend modern comforts with eco-friendly design. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a sustainable stay in Essaouira.

The outdoor pool provides a refreshing oasis in between sightseeing excursions. Meanwhile, the on-site Tissa Restaurant serves up both French and Moroccan cuisine. 

Beyond exploring the historic medina, the hotel’s friendly staff can easily arrange everything from horseback riding and windsurfing lessons to adrenaline-fuelled quad biking adventures.

“It’s the perfect place to disconnect from city life – a magical oasis where you feel very welcomed. It’s a home away from home.” – Moussaoui (read more reviews here)

If you’re visiting Essaouira, discover some of the best tours and day trips you can take from this coastal city.

Prestigia Essaouira Mogador $$$

Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira for families

Perched atop a hillside at the southern end of Plage d’Essaouira is this luxury Essaouira apartment. From the outset, let me say that it offers impressive views back toward the medina.

In addition to its two bedrooms (making it ideal for families), it features a private patio for relaxation. Additionally, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge, equipped with sofa beds for additional guests to stay. 

Families travelling with kids will appreciate the play equipment provided, not to mention the flatscreen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. It really is a “home away from home” experience at this beachside Essaouira apartment.

Sprawling across more than 100 square metres, Prestigia Essaouira Mogador receives rave reviews for its modern comforts and helpful hosts. In my opinion, it’s an ideal base for exploring Essaouira. 

“Excellent location, brilliant views, right on beach, close to the centre.” – Ahmad (read more reviews here)

Foodies visiting Essaouira should check out these highly-rated food tours and experiences in the city.

La Maison des Vagues $

Best beachfront hotel in Sidi Kaouki

Located in the relaxed village of Sidi Kaouki (around 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira), La Maison des Vagues is a serene retreat for travellers looking to chase waves. The nearby coastline is renowned for its exceptional kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions, particularly from April to October. 

At the heart of the property is an inviting swimming pool, surrounded by a garden where you can unwind in between surfs. La Maison des Vagues also features a shared lounge and an expansive terrace. In short, there’s ample space for guests to mingle, relax and take in the views. 

While some of the rooms at this beachside Sidi Kaouki hotel feature private balconies, all have ensuite bathrooms, safety boxes and complimentary Wi-Fi.

When it comes to dining, La Maison des Vagues dishes up both French and Moroccan cuisine at its on-site restaurant. You don’t have to go out for meals if you can’t be bothered!

“Loved everything about our stay. Clean, comfortable, lovely owners and the best chicken tagines!.” – Danica (read more reviews here)

Heading to Sidi Kaouki? You’ll find more inspiring hotels and guesthouses in this beachside town here.

Riad De La Mer $$

Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira medina

Offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, this 18th-century Jewish merchant’s house has been lovingly restored to preserve its unique character. It lies on the edge of the medina (just five minutes’ stroll from the harbour). While Riad De La Mer is not technically beachfront, it’s so close I had to include it!

For me, Riad De La Mer is the perfect choice if you want to be oceanside in Essaouira but still amidst all the action of the medina. 

Each of the apartments at this beachfront Essaouira hotel is adorned with antique furnishings. They reflect the building’s storied past while providing all the modern conveniences of home.

In addition to private living areas, dining spaces and fully equipped kitchens, the apartments enjoy access to a stunning rooftop terrace offering panoramic ocean views.

“Beautiful riad with excellent location and amazing rooftop view.” – Claudia (read more reviews here)

Villa Quieta $$$

Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira for design enthusiasts

Nestled within a garden opposite Plage d’Essaouira, Villa Quieta occupies a former family palace. It effortlessly blends the charm of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern comforts and luxurious amenities.

I particularly love the centrepiece pool where you can take a refreshing dip and soak up the Moroccan sunshine. 

Owners Imane and Mourad take immense pride in welcoming guests. Additionally, the property’s stunning design makes it somewhat like a museum of Moroccan art.

Each of its 15 rooms (including two elegant suites) is admirably furnished in warm cedar wood and with beautifully curated handicrafts decorating each space. 

“We loved our stay in this villa – the property is just beautiful!” – Gintare (read more reviews here) 

Dav Mahal Eco Lodge $

Best eco-friendly beachfront hotel in Essaouira

Located in the village of Sidi Ouassen (around 30 minutes drive from the medina), the Dav Mahal Eco Lodge offers a sustainable getaway near Essaouira. Thoughtfully designed with eco-friendly principles in mind, the property’s architecture pays homage to the visionary work of American architects Richard Neutra and Buckminster Fuller.

In addition to its raw earth domes, you’ll find a solar-heated hammam and dry composting toilets. In my opinion, this is an eco-warrior’s dream!

Beyond its eco-friendly lodging, Dav Mahal also caters to wellness-minded travellers, offering yoga classes and retreats throughout the year. There’s a communal kitchen for preparing healthy meals, as well as a social dining area for connecting with other guests.

On the doorstep of this Essaouira eco-lodge is an almost-private beach to explore, not to mention endless walking trails.

“Beautiful views over the ocean, very clean and well looked after. Incredible breakfast (the best we’ve had in Morocco). Hammam is a great extra touch. Very peaceful with direct access to the beach.” – Aleksandra (read more reviews here)

Essaouira Beach Hostel $

Best budget beachfront hotel in Essaouira

Overlooking Essaouira’s main stretch of sand, this beachfront hostel provides a lively base for travellers wanting a social atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for kite surfers to stay, as well as being within easy reach of Essaouira’s whitewashed medina.

Guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere of Essaouira Beach Hostel and the friendliness of the owners. Plus, there’s a convivial rooftop terrace with incredible sunset views. 

In addition to the standard doubles, there are triple rooms and dormitories for those seeking a budget stay in Essaouira. Regardless of the chosen accommodation, all guests can enjoy the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, making this an ideal spot for digital nomads.

Adding to the appeal of this beachside Essaouira hotel is the shared kitchen where you can prepare some (or all) of your own meals.

“The atmosphere is really nice, the staff is kind and helpful. Free luggage storage and they even let us shower when we went to retrieve the luggage.” – Greta (read more reviews here)

Tips for finding the best beachfront hotel in Essaouira

When searching for the best beachfront hotels in Essaouira, there are a few important factors to keep in mind to help you find the perfect seaside escape. First, establish your budget and the kind of property you want. Maybe it’s a family-friendly apartment, an affordable riad or a luxury villa.

Next, think about the location that would be most suitable. Do you want to stay within the medina or within easy reach along Plage d’Essaouira?

Alternatively, you could pick an Essaouira beach hotel on the coastline to the north of the city or head south to the surf village of Sidi Kaouki. If it’s the latter, you’ll need a rental car (or rely on taxis) to get around. 

Before booking, think about the amenities that are important to you, such as a swimming pool, an onsite restaurant or a full-service spa. If there aren’t dining options at the property, check if there are cafes and restaurants within walking or driving distance.

For families, consider whether the property is kid-friendly – are there family suites and/or babysitting services available?

After finding a property you like, I recommend checking out reviews from past guests. This will help you to understand their experiences and see whether the hotel lived up to expectations. How were the rooms? Was the property really close to the beach? What about the hospitality and service?

Additionally, keep in mind that every hotel in Essaouira imposes a government-mandated tourist tax. This needs to be paid directly to the property. This fee is separate from the nightly room rate and is usually settled at check-in or check-out. This small charge applies to each guest per night, except for children under 12 years old.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.

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