Hotels and alternatives
Essaouira has plenty of hotels, covering all classes. All through the year there can be a certain demand for hotel rooms, and you are advised to check around no later than early evening. My last experience here in April 1998 left me with a clear impression that there is nothing to gain in terms of cheap prices from staying at unclassified hotels.
Essaouira also has a camping ground very close to town centre, and even closer to the beach. It is simple but adequate.
In the summer season, there are also some offers for bungalows for rent. These are normally not very cheap – aiming at groups of young Moroccans or families – but offer more privacy than most hotels.
Restaurants and alternatives
The first time I visited Essaouira in 1990, we experienced that there were few places to eat good food. This has changed a lot now, and there are many restaurants all along the tourist trail, and they often offer good food at friendly prices.
Many of Essaouira's restaurants experiment more than average tourist restaurants in Morocco, something that reflects that visitors to this town has more of the traveller's attitude than the package attitude.
Activities
The main activity in Essaouira is windsurfing, due to the constant winds that pass this cape. You should bring your own equipment, but there are many hotels and clubs that will help you with the rest.
Nightlife
There is no European-style night life in Essaouira, but a couple of bars serve alcohols.
Change money
All necessary banks, and some of the hotels will help you too.
Transportation
It should have been easier to come to, and leave Essaouira by public transportation. The bus and taxi stations are placed north of town centre, and you will have to catch a small taxi to get out here. But as soon as you have come this far, it is easy to find appropriate transportation in order to move on to your next destination.
