Essaouira, Morocco Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Essaouira, Morocco?
- Essaouira is known as the “Wind City” due to its strong Atlantic winds.
- Essaouira was featured as the backdrop for several scenes in the Game of Thrones series.
- Essaouira is a walled city, and has been a fortified port since the 18th century.
- Essaouira is home to a vibrant music scene and is a great destination for music lovers.
- The town of Essaouira is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Essaouira, Morocco Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
65° F
|
° F
|
| February |
66° F
|
° F
|
| March |
69° F
|
° F
|
| April |
69° F
|
° F
|
| May |
71° F
|
° F
|
| June |
73° F
|
° F
|
| July |
77° F
|
° F
|
| August |
78° F
|
° F
|
| September |
76° F
|
° F
|
| October |
74° F
|
° F
|
| November |
70° F
|
° F
|
| December |
67° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
1.2 inches
|
| February |
1.1 inches
|
| March |
0.9 inches
|
| April |
0.9 inches
|
| May |
0.2 inches
|
| June |
0 inches
|
| July |
0 inches
|
| August |
0 inches
|
| September |
0.1 inches
|
| October |
0.6 inches
|
| November |
1.4 inches
|
| December |
1.4 inches
|
Transportation on Essaouira, Morocco
Getting to Essaouira, Morocco and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Many nationalities do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Proof of return or onward travel may be requested.
Departure Tax
A departure tax of 220 MAD (~$22) is included in most airline tickets, but confirm with your carrier.
Driving
- Driving License: Foreign licenses are valid for up to one year; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
- Driving Side: Right.
- Roads: Well-maintained highways connect major cities, but rural roads may be uneven.
- Speed Limits: Typically 60 km/h (37 mph) in cities and 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Be cautious of pedestrians, animals, and scooters, especially in busy areas. Parking can be limited in urban centers.
Know Before You Go...® - Essaouira, Morocco Travel Tips
Before making their way to Essaouira, Morocco , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Essaouira, Morocco even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
1 word
Mogador |
| Population: |
2019
Unknown |
| Size: |
2019
Unknown. |
| Electric Current: |
220 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Essaouira is Arabic, specifically Moroccan Arabic (Darija). However, due to its history as a French colony, French is also widely spoken and considered a secondary language. Additionally, many locals also speak English, esp |
| Currency: |
Essaouira, a charming coastal town in Morocco, offers a unique blend of traditional Moroccan culture and modern convenience. When it comes to currency and payment options, visitors can expect a mix of cash and card transactions, providing a hassle-free experience for tourists.
The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which can be easily exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, and post offices throughout Essaouira. It is recommended to exchange currency at official establishments to avoid scams and receive the best exchange rate.
Cash is widely accepted in Essaouira, especially for small transactions and in local markets. Small shops and restaurants may not accept credit or debit cards, so it is always advisable to carry some cash with you. ATMs can be found in most areas of the town, and major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger establishments.
For a more convenient and secure option, tourists can use prepaid travel cards, which can be |
| Tipping and Taxes: |
Essaouira is a popular tourist destination in Morocco known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant markets. As with most tourist destinations, tipping and taxes are an essential aspect of the local economy. Here is a summary of tipping and taxes in Essaouira.
Tipping:
In Essaouira, tipping is not mandatory but is considered a gesture of appreciation for good service. It is customary to tip service providers such as restaurant staff, hotel staff, and tour guides. The amount to tip varies depending on the quality of service, but a 10% tip is generally acceptable. However, it is always a good idea to check if a service charge has already been added to the bill before tipping.
Taxes:
In Morocco, there are two types of taxes that tourists should be aware of - the value-added tax (VAT) and the local tax. The VAT is a 20% tax that is added to the price of goods and services. This tax is usually included in the price displayed, but it is always a good idea to confirm before maki |
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Essaouira is generally relaxed and casual, but it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites. |
| Topography: |
Essaouira is a coastal city in Morocco with a flat and sandy terrain, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and characterized by a medina (old town) surrounded by fortifications and a bustling port. |
| Telephone: |
The telephone country code for Essaouira is +212 and the area code is 44. |
Essaouira, Morocco Weddings and Honeymoons
In Morocco, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.
Application: File a marriage application at the local Adoul (notary public) or court in Morocco. Non-Moroccan citizens must obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice for the marriage.
Required documents include:
- Valid passports.
- Birth certificates.
- Police record from the applicant’s country of residence.
- Affidavit of freedom to marry (from the embassy, translated into Arabic, and certified).
- Medical certificate issued in Morocco.
- A divorce decree or death certificate from a previous marriage (if applicable).
Translation and Certification: All foreign documents must be translated into Arabic and certified by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ceremony: A religious or civil ceremony must be conducted in the presence of two Muslim witnesses, as per Moroccan law.
Registration: Register the marriage with Moroccan authorities to obtain an official marriage certificate.
Costs: Marriage fees vary depending on translations, certifications, and officiants. Costs typically range from $50 to $200.
Optional Religious Ceremony: Can be held in addition to the civil registration process. Traditional Moroccan weddings often involve multi-day celebrations.
