Essaouira Hotel Guide. Hotels in Medina, Essaouira, Morocco

Top reasons to visit Medina

• Stunning Beaches: Medina boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing and watersports, offering a relaxing coastal experience.
• Vibrant Local Markets: Explore the bustling markets, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts, immersing yourself in the local culture.
• Rich Historical Charm: Wander through the historic quarter of Essaouira, filled with charming architecture and a captivating atmosphere.
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in various outdoor pursuits, including golf and watersports, catering to adventure enthusiasts.
• Delightful Accommodations: Enjoy a range of inviting riads and guesthouses, providing a unique and memorable stay.

Find great hotels in and around Medina

Discover the enchanting charm of Medina, Essaouira, where a range of delightful accommodations awaits. From inviting riads to cosy guesthouses, you’ll find the perfect base for your family, adventure, or pet-friendly getaway. Notable options include the esteemed Hotel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa and various charming riads, each offering unique experiences and exceptional services to ensure a memorable stay in this captivating coastal city.

• Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort: A luxurious 5-star retreat, Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort is situated a mere 1.4km from Medina, offering guests a blend of adventure and relaxation. With direct beach access, this hotel is ideal for those seeking a premium seaside experience. The resort boasts an array of adventure sports such as horse riding, sailing, and windsurfing, perfect for thrill-seekers. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with opulent furnishings, alongside top-notch facilities including a spa and multiple dining options that celebrate Moroccan cuisine.
• Océan Vagabond: Just 483m from Medina, Océan Vagabond is a welcoming 4-star hotel that caters especially to families. This charming property provides a variety of child-friendly amenities including babysitting services and dedicated children's activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families. The relaxed, coastal atmosphere is complemented by spacious rooms and a delightful on-site restaurant, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with children looking to unwind and explore the beauty of Essaouira.
• Riad Al Madina: Located within the heart of Medina, Riad Al Madina offers a quaint 3.5-star experience with a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10. This charming riad features direct access to the beach, making it a suitable option for families and beach lovers alike. With amenities designed for children, including cribs and babysitting services, it provides a nurturing environment for families. The riad’s traditional Moroccan decor and intimate atmosphere create a warm and inviting space for guests to relax after a day of exploring.

Where to stay near Medina

Medina, located in the enchanting coastal city of Essaouira, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and trendy vibes. Visitors can explore the vibrant Medina quarter, teeming with local culture and friendly people. This area is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A trip to Medina promises stunning sights and a unique atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in Morocco.

• Chbanat: Nestled a mere 322m from the bustling Medina, Chbanat offers a delightful escape for beach enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. The area experiences consistent visitor traffic throughout the year, with peaks in March, August, and October. Travellers flock to Chbanat for its beautiful beaches, vibrant dock port, and lively marina. Here, you can unwind at the sandy shores or engage in various water sports. The neighbourhood's laid-back vibe makes it perfect for leisurely strolls along the coast, where the sea breeze and picturesque landscapes provide a refreshing backdrop to your holiday.
• Essaouira: As a prominent city that encompasses the historic Medina, Essaouira is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Visitor numbers rise in January, March, and July, drawn by the city's stunning beaches and recreational offerings. Essaouira is renowned for its golf courses and vibrant markets, making it a hotspot for both sports enthusiasts and shoppers. The local attractions, including family-friendly beaches and a charming marina, create a lively atmosphere perfect for families and solo travellers alike, ensuring an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
• Essaouira Coast: Located 1.3km from the Medina, Essaouira Coast is an idyllic neighbourhood that captivates visitors with its stunning coastal landscapes and outdoor experiences. Similar to nearby areas, it enjoys consistent visitor numbers year-round, peaking in March, August, and October. Here, you can indulge in activities such as golfing and relaxing at local spas while enjoying the beautiful beaches and family-friendly seaside. With its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to the marina, Essaouira Coast is a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational offerings of Morocco.

Things to do in Medina

Shopping

Venture into the vibrant Medina, where you can explore the bustling souks filled with handcrafted goods, spices, and textiles. Don’t miss the historic markets like Souk Semmarine and Souk El Attarine, which offer a rich selection of traditional Moroccan souvenirs and unique gifts.

Recreation

The Medina offers a range of wellness retreats, including traditional hammams where you can indulge in rejuvenating steam baths and skin treatments. Enjoy yoga sessions in tranquil gardens and partake in mindfulness workshops that immerse you in the local culture while promoting relaxation and inner peace.

Adventure

Explore the vibrant souks of Medina, where you can haggle for unique handicrafts and spices. Visit historical sites like the Ben Youssef Madrasa to admire intricate architecture. For a taste of local culture, consider a traditional Moroccan cooking class to create delicious tagines.

Nightlife

In Medina, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife at Le Jardin, where you can enjoy live music in a lush setting. Alternatively, visit La Bodega for a lively atmosphere and tapas, or unwind at Café de France, perfect for people-watching in the bustling square.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Medina

When visiting Medina, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation prices. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and look out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are generally the most economical days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and accommodation type, and consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Medina are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Medina is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Medina is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Medina is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in Medina with your flights and activities by purchasing an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Medina

Medina offers a fantastic mix of beach, sports, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for your vacation. Key attractions include Essaouira's stunning beaches, the historic port, and the charming old medina. Additionally, the piazzaSquare and artGallery provide cultural experiences for those keen to immerse themselves in city life. Don't miss exploring the Marrakech medina for a complete Moroccan experience.

• Place Moulay Hassan: This vibrant square serves as the heart of Medina, bustling with life and energy. Surrounded by cafes and shops, it’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying a traditional Moroccan mint tea.
• Skala de la Ville: A remarkable historic site, Skala de la Ville showcases impressive ramparts that date back to the 18th century. Stroll along the fortifications for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the vibrant medina, enriched by its captivating history.
• Essaouira Clock Tower: This iconic clock tower stands as a testament to Essaouira's rich heritage. Located centrally in the medina, it provides a picturesque backdrop for photographs and is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

Best time to go to Medina

The best time to visit Medina can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Medina falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Medina falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	59.2°F (15.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	61.7°F (16.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
August	75.6°F (24.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	61.7°F (16.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Medina

Accessing Medina in Morocco is convenient via two major airports. Essaouira Airport (ESU-Mogador) is located approximately 14.5km from Medina, with excellent hotel options nearby such as the 5-star Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort and the Maison kasba bonheur & bien être, both offering 24-hour airport shuttle services. Agadir Airport (AGA-Al Massira) is about 136.8km away, with nearby accommodation including the 3-star Hôtel Marjane and the luxurious Tikida Golf Palace, which provide various transportation services, including on-request airport shuttles for a fee. Both airports offer easy access to the beautiful sights of Medina and its surroundings.