8 reasons to visit Essaouira this Fall

1. Set down your bags at the Jardin des Douars

Hidden in the hollow of a small valley inhabited by silversmiths, the Jardin des Douars is a beautiful secret hotel with an extraordinary garden. Encompassing around 20 rooms, 6 suites and 3 villas available for private hire, the hotel displays the interiors of the perfect Moroccan house, with its artisanal wooden furniture, its Berber throws and its warm color scheme. The has a homely atmosphere, each guest living at their own pace. Whether you prefer setting yourself up by the poolside to soak up the autumn sun or wish to set off to explore the region (horse hacks along the beach, afternoon golf, quad-bike tours…) with the help of the hotel staff, experts on all the hot spots in the area. Another delight in this hotel is its sizeable spa, where you can enjoy the traditional hammam and oriental argan-oil massages – it truly is a must during any stay here.

http://www.jardindesdouars.com

2. Have breakfast at the Chalet de la Plage

Just a stone’s throw away from Medina, the Chalet de la Plage, also known as “Chez Jeannot”, a nod to its charismatic owner, is an essential stop for any visitor to Essaoira. Specializing in shellfish and fresh fish, the restaurant offers its guests the very best of the day’s catch, which you can then enjoy on an azure-blue terrace.

Tel. +212 5244-75972

3. Go bargain-hunting at the Elizir complex

A middleground beween Aladdin’s cave and the décor of a Jacques Tati film, the Elizir shopping center teems with decorative nuggets. Just some of the things you can discover here include black leather bean bags, 70s-style lighting, vintage TV, and consoles carved out of wood – all with the advantage of having them delivered directly to France.

Avenue centrale Souk Jdid, 44000, Essaouira

4. Go surfing, and more, at Océan Vagabond

Giving onto the blue waters of the Atlantic, the Océan Vagabond injects a boho atmosphere into Essaouira. Consisting of a hotel and a charming café which sits right on the water’s edge and provides deck chairs, this destination offers surfing lessons as well as lessons in kitesurfing an windsurfing for all levels. It is the ideal place to spend a day by the ocean.

https://www.oceanvagabond.com/fr/

5. Eat dinner at La Table Madada

At the end of the maze of streets that weave through Medina, La Table Madada immediately draws its guests in with its subtle décor. Perched on woven armchairs, visitors come to taste an innovative menu based around the sea: lobster pastilla, fresh fish tajine, octopus and ginger carpaccio, sardine tagra – and everything is accompanied by light wines from the surrounding vineyards.

http://www.latablemadada.com/fr

6. Sip on a cocktail at the Heure Bleue Palais

Nestled in the heart of Medina, the five-star Heure Bleue Palais provides everything that belongs to modern luxury. Belonging to the Relais & Château group, this is the place to head towards in the evening for a relaxed cocktail on its panoramic rooftop terrace which boasts views far across the town’s white walls and, beyond that, the ocean.

http://www.heure-bleue.com/

7. Go horseriding at the Ranch de Diabat

Just outside of Essaouira, this small, typical ranch offers horse riding excursions on the beach, in the dunes or even into the surrounding countryside. Lasting between one and three hours, these trips are led by a team of pleasant guides who are extremely well-acquainted with their safe and gentle steads.

https://www.ranchdediabat.com/

8. Visit the Val d'Argan

More than just your average day trip, in the Val d’Argan you can stroll in the midst of its vines before enjoying lunch next to its lagoon pool. Here you can also taste its amawing wines including its light vins gris, as well as its red, white and rosé wines. These are the wines that you will moreover find at any good restaurant in Marocco. Another attraction of the Val d’Argan is its authentic couscous dish which is served every Friday.

http://www.valdargan.com/