Essaouira Holidays

A holiday to Essaouira

Booking last minute breaks in Essaouira is taking you to one of Morocco's most historic and well-loved coastal resorts. 1000 years ago, it was a Moroccan trading post, dealing in everything from exotic wines and perfumes to Arabian slaves. It still retains that timelessness today; the medina, or marketplace, was fortified by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and hasn’t changed much since. Family holidays aren’t complete without a bit of friendly haggling over the jewellery, rugs and spices on sale.

In the 1950s, the town became a Mecca for the arty set. Orson Welles used the massive, ancient ramparts to film Othello, and in the 1960s the town became a hippy haven. The exotic Riad al Medina provided inspiration for Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Cat Stevens, among others.
Its situation on the North African Atlantic coast means temperatures in Essaouira are pleasant but breezy. This is welcome news for parents who want to book family breaks during the summer months, especially if they’re used to windy British resorts!
Outside the high season, Essaouira has some excellent deals on all inclusive holidays. However, you should avoid booking last minute breaks in winter, when the area gets a lot of rain.

Where to take family breaks in Essaouira

If your idea of all inclusive holidays is to dump your bags and head straight for the beach, then there are plenty of smart beachfront hotels. The beach here is more like an activity park, so most choose to do their sunbathing and swimming for the hotel pool.
For a true taste of Morocco, consider booking into a traditional riad for a few days. Behind heavy oaken doors you will find fountains, courtyards, tiled gardens and silken draped bedrooms. It is both very hippy – and very chic.

What to do on family holidays in Essaouira

Essaouira has few wind-free days, so the beach is based around activities like walking, jogging and football rather than relaxation. The sea is a constant mass of windsurfers, kite-boarders and surf-boarders, all taking advantage of the near ideal weather conditions. Further out, racing yachts plough the waves.

Away from the beach you can haggle at the medina, explore the ancient fortress, take a carriage ride or watch the fishermen bring their nets in. Cars are rare here, so you can wander the lanes and alleyways with ease. Arts lovers should book last minute breaks in June, when there’s a world music festival.

We at Future Travel recommend all inclusive holidays in Essaouira for anyone looking for a true Moroccan adventure. We have low cost holidays here for singles, couples and families.