The oceanside city of Essaouira exudes an easygoing, carefree spirit that feels worlds apart from the frenetic energy of Marrakech and Fes. Drenched in the warm glow of the Moroccan sunshine, this former Portuguese trading outpost is enclosed within impressive stone walls that give it an undeniable old-world allure. Stretching beyond the ramparts is the golden sweep of Essaouira Beach where endless water activities await in the warmer months.
It’s this combination of seaside fun and medina explorations that make Essaouira such an appealing family destination, particularly for those seeking adventure. The city's accommodation options have evolved to meet this rising demand, with a growing number of riads, villas and apartments offering family-friendly stays. Whether you want to be in the heart of the medina or near the surf breaks of Sidi Kaouki, there are options to suit all types of travellers.
In this article, I’ll highlight 7 of the best hotels in Essaouira for families, including boutique riads in the heart of the medina and retreat-like villas in the surrounding countryside.
To learn more about visiting Essaouira, including things to do and the best time to visit, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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BEST HOTELS IN ESSAOUIRA FOR FAMILIES
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Essaouira family hotel recommendations:
Best Essaouira family hotel in the medina
Best Essaouira family hotel for design enthusiasts
Best boutique Essaouira hotel for families
Best Essaouira family hotel in the medina
With a setting that’s hard to beat overlooking Essaouira’s main square, this recently renovated riad is ideal for families. It features spacious rooms with all the creature comforts, as well as suites that can accommodate parents travelling with two children. Moroccan ceramics and tiles give the spaces a distinctly local flavour while the included breakfasts are delicious. At the end of the day, you can relax with a drink at the rooftop bar while watching the sunset before heading out to dine at one of the nearby restaurants.
“Absolutely gorgeous interior. The attention to detail is very impressive.” - Noha (read more reviews here)
Best boutique Essaouira hotel for families
Tucked away in the heart of the medina, this family-friendly Essaouira hotel is ideal for those craving a boutique feel. It features a deluxe family suite that can accommodate up to three kids, with a mezzanine level that gives it an added playfulness. In addition to a coworking cafe and onsite restaurant, there’s a rooftop terrace with cosy lounges where you can relax at the end of the day. Cots are also available on request for those travelling with young kids.
“Ideal location right in the centre of the medina and just a short walk to the harbour.” - Julia (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Essaouira for families
Best Essaouira hotel for a small family
Beautifully decorated with lots of traditional touches (the rugs here are particularly impressive!), this new Essaouira riad is fast becoming a family favourite. Many of the rooms have a sofa that can be converted into a bed while the suite has two additional sofa beds for families of four. Complimentary breakfasts are served each day on the rooftop terrace, accompanied by sweeping views across the medina. The welcoming hosts at Riad Babette receive rave reviews from guests.
"We loved the location and most importantly the staff.” - Marielle (read more reviews here)
Best Essaouira hotel for large families
If you don’t have your heart set on staying in the middle of the medina, this five-bedroom villa to the south of Essaouira is ideal. It’s located just a stone’s throw from Essaouira Mogador Airport and within easy access to the surf at Sidi Kaouki. There’s a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering and an inviting swimming pool, as well as a dining terrace with sweeping views across the countryside. With its spacious living areas, Villa Maison des Arts is the perfect Essaouira accommodation for extended family stays.
"The best experience of hospitality I’ve ever had anywhere else in the world.” - Gladys (read more reviews here)
Best family-friendly hotels in Essaouira
Best Essaouira family hotel for design enthusiasts
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Essaouira, this family-friendly riad nestles in the picturesque countryside to the city’s southeast. The two-bedroom bungalow is perfect for those travelling with kids and comes complete with a private patio. The interior of Riad Yanitri is a design lover’s dream, with a gorgeous array of Moroccan handicrafts decorating the spaces. Outside is a sparkling swimming pool fringed by loungers where you can relax after a long day’s sightseeing.
“Great ambiance for a family stay.” - Maria (read more reviews here)
Best family-friendly villa near Essaouira Airport
Surrounded by tranquil countryside dotted with argan trees, this family hotel near Essaouira Mogador Airport exudes a distinctly serene atmosphere. It has a couple of triple rooms that can accommodate parents travelling with one child and cots are available on request. Aside from having access to a swimming pool, Villa des Arganiers is just a short drive from the sands of Sidi Kaouki. If you’re after a retreat-like atmosphere, this luxury Essaouira villa ticks all the right boxes.
“Beautifully decorated suite in a green oasis and an incredible swimming pool.” - Dave (read more reviews here)
Best family-friendly hotels in Essaouira
Best contemporary apartment in Essaouira for families
Offering sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean, this contemporary Essaouira apartment features two bedrooms (one double and one twin) - ideal for a family-friendly stay. In addition, there are four sofa beds in the living room that can accommodate additional kids and cots are available on request. This spacious Essaouira apartment boasts a fully-equipped kitchen for self-catering and a contemporary dining space, as well as a fireplace to keep you warm during the winter months. It’s conveniently located 20 minutes’ walk from the medina.
“The apartment is stunning and the ocean view is unmatched.” - Cynthia (read more reviews here)
If you’re seeking laidback seaside pleasures within a distinctly Moroccan setting, Essaouira can’t be beaten. This coastal city is fast becoming one of the country’s most popular destinations and has long been one of my favourite places to visit. There are great cafes, a thriving arts scene and irresistible shopping, as well as an abundance of inspiring hotels, riads and villas for family-friendly stays.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.