Not only does Essaouira boast an atmospheric medina but also 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 head to the beach for a swim or surf in the afternoon before returning to the city for dinner and live music in the evening. 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 some 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.
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BEST BEACHFRONT HOTELS IN ESSAOUIRA
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Essaouira beachfront hotel recommendations:
Best luxury beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira for families
Best budget beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Baberrih Hotel $$$
Best luxury beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Tucked away from the bustling medina, this luxury beachfront hotel in Essaouira is ideal for those seeking a high-end stay. It boasts a peaceful, secluded setting perched atop a cliff, allowing guests to recharge amidst the gentle sounds of the waves crashing below. An outdoor pool provides a refreshing oasis in between sightseeing excursions while the on-site Tissa Restaurant serves up both French and Moroccan cuisine.
The Baberrih Hotel’s beautifully appointed guest rooms seamlessly blend modern comforts with eco-friendly design, making this a great choice for those seeking a sustainable stay in Essaouira. Beyond exploring the historic medina, the hotel's friendly staff can easily arrange everything from horseback riding treks 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)
Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira for families
Perched atop a hillside at the southern end of Plage d’Essaouira, this luxury Essaouira apartment offers impressive views back toward the medina. In addition to its two bedrooms (making it ideal for families), it features a private patio, a fully-equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge, equipped with sofa beds for additional guests to stay.
Families traveling with kids will appreciate the play equipment provided, not to mention the flatscreen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. Sprawling across more than 100 square metres, this contemporary apartment receives rave reviews for its modern comforts and helpful hosts, making it an ideal home base for exploring Essaouira.
"Excellent location, brilliant views, right on beach, close to the centre.” - Ahmad (read more reviews here)
Best beachfront hotels in Essaouira
Best beachfront hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Located in the coastal village of Sidi Kaouki, La Maison des Vagues offers a serene retreat for travellers looking to chase waves. At the heart of the property is an inviting swimming pool, surrounded by a garden where you can unwind in between surfs. The hotel also features a shared lounge and an expansive terrace, providing 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 truly shines, offering a selection of both French and Moroccan culinary delights at its on-site restaurant. The nearby coastline is renowned for its exceptional kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions, particularly from April to October.
"Loved everything about our stay. Clean, comfortable, lovely owners and the best chicken tagines! Easy to walk around the neighbourhood and see donkeys, camels and horses roaming around.” - Danica (read more reviews here)
Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira medina
Boasting spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, this 18th-century Jewish merchant's house has been lovingly restored to preserve its rich heritage and character. It lies on the edge of the medina (just five minutes’ stroll from the harbour) and while 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 but still amidst all the action of the medina.
Each of the apartments at this beachfront Essaouira hotel is adorned with antique furnishings that evoke 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 vistas of the shimmering sea.
"Beautiful riad with excellent location and amazing rooftop view.” - Claudia (read more reviews here)
Best beachfront hotels in Essaouira
Villa Quieta $$$
Best beachfront hotel in Essaouira for design enthusiasts
Nestled within a garden opposite Plage d’Essaouira, Villa Quieta effortlessly blends the timeless allure of traditional Moroccan architecture with luxurious amenities and modern comforts. It occupies a former family palace and boasts a 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, with the property’s stunning design making it a true museum of Moroccan art. Each of its fifteen 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! The room was super spacious with comfy beds.” - Gintare (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Located in the village of Sidi Ouassen, the Dav Mahal Eco Lodge offers a sustainable getaway for travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. 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, seamlessly blending sustainable features like raw earth domes, solar-heated hammams and dry toilets.
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. 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)
Best beachfront hotels in Essaouira
Best budget beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Overlooking Essaouira’s main stretch of sand, this beachfront hostel provides a vibrant base for travellers wanting a social atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for kite surfers to stay, as well as being within easy access to Essaouira’s whitewashed medina. Guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the owners, as well as the rooftop terrace with its 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. Additionally, there’s a shared kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals, as well as a restaurant serving up Moroccan favourites.
"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)
Staying at a beachfront hotel in Essaouira
Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly stay or a luxury escape, there are plenty of beachfront hotels in Essaouira to choose from. I love that the city offers everything from contemporary apartments to historic riads and laid-back hostels, all with the Atlantic Ocean as their backdrop.
For more information about visiting Essaouira, including things to do in the city and the best time to visit, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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