ESSAOUIRA

Halal-friendly holidays

Essaouira is a Muslim-majority city and naturally very Muslim-friendly. Almost all restaurants serve halal food, mosques are found throughout the medina and beyond, and alcohol is available mainly in tourist establishments. For Muslim travellers, Essaouira is a comfortable destination with many halal-friendly hotels and modest leisure options.

Halal food is easy to find in Essaouira. Traditional dishes include tajines, couscous, grilled sardines and harira (a Moroccan soup). Seafood is a highlight, with the port offering freshly caught fish cooked on the spot. Vegetarian-friendly choices include lentil stews, zaalouk (eggplant salad) and chickpea dishes. Desserts like chebakia, sellou and almond pastries are also popular.

Many hotels and riads in Essaouira cater to Muslim travellers, offering halal food and alcohol-free rooms on request. Family-friendly riads inside the medina provide authentic stays, while resorts along the beach offer privacy and wellness facilities.

• Essaouira Medina – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets, souks and artisan workshops.
• Essaouira Beach – A wide sandy beach, popular for walks, horse riding and kitesurfing.
• Skala de la Ville – Historic seafront ramparts with cannons overlooking the Atlantic.
• Fishing Port – Colourful boats and lively fish markets, where visitors can watch fishermen at work.
• Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum – Exhibits on local history, art and Berber culture.
• Jewish Quarter (Mellah) – An area reflecting the city’s multicultural past, with restored synagogues.
• Day trips – Nearby attractions include the Argan oil cooperatives and the beach town of Sidi Kaouki.

Yes, Essaouira has several mosques, including the Ben Youssef Mosque in the medina, the Sidi Youssef Mosque, and neighbourhood mosques serving the local community. They are active places of worship and part of the city’s cultural fabric.