Solo Female Travel in Essaouira
Essaouira is a stunningly beautiful port city and resort on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Known for its unique blend of Portuguese, French and Berber architecture, its well-preserved 18th-century medina (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with small arts and crafts businesses. Essaouira is also renowned for its fishing harbor, offering fresh seafood served right off the boat. The city's windswept sandy beaches make it a hotspot for wind and kite surfers. With its blend of cultural influences, historic sites, traditional markets, and vibrant music scene, including the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira is an irresistible lure for those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.
Travel rating
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Safety:Safe
Essaouira is generally considered to be safe for solo female travelers. The residents are welcoming and most possible safety issues can be avoided with regular travel precautions. However, like most travel destinations, always awareness and respect for local customs and culture is encouraged. Incidences of harassment are comparatively lower than larger cities but you might experience some mild verbal harassment such as unsolicited attention or comments, mainly in crowded areas such as markets. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
Transport:Easy
Essaouira is fairly navigable due to its compact size, allowing travelers to explore most places on foot. It's also safe, with friendly locals who often offer directions. However, the city's medina may be a bit confusing initially.
Things to do:Interesting
Essaouira is a vibrant and enticing city, boasting an array of activities that consistently captivate travelers. As a solo female, you'll find the city's blend of rich history, cultural sites, pristine beaches, and water sports alluring. The Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers fantastic shopping opportunities, while the welcoming local cuisine provides ample opportunities for culinary explorations. With a thriving art scene, beautiful architecture, and unspoiled nature, there is a unique balance that caters to adventurous spirits as well as those seeking relaxing seaside ambience. The city's overall safety and welcoming locals further extend its appeal for solo female travelers.
Food:Above average
Essaouira boasts an impressive variety of food options, appealing to a wide range of tastes and dietary patterns. The Moroccan cuisine, which dominates the local food scene, is marked by a harmonious blend of Arabic, Berber, and French influences. You'll find plenty of options centered around couscous, tagines, fresh seafood and more, all infused with a plethora of spices and herbs native to the region. The local street food is a must-try too, offering a tasty and authentic culinary experience. However, for more international or vegan/vegetarian-friendly options, the choices might seem less varied but definitely not lacking in flavor and quality.
Budget:Affordable
Essaouira offers a cost-friendly travel experience. Accommodations are generally very affordable, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to moderately priced hotels. The food is also inexpensive, especially if you opt for local dishes at street food stalls or small cafes. Transportation costs are also low. The main costs will come from shopping, as Essaouira is known for its beautiful artisan goods and unique souvenirs.
Is Essaouira worth visiting?
Overall rating
3.7 /5
based on 3 experiences
Rating summary
Things to do
3.3/5
Safety
3.7/5
Food
3.3/5
Budget-friendly
3.5/5
Solo travel experience
I made a day trip from Marrakech, I hired a driver for the whole day. It was beautiful and really peaceful, and I felt very safe the whole time.
Posted: May 24, 2023Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
Group travel experience
I adored Essaouira. I went there after a group tour with a friend and we stayed there for 3 days. We indulged in massages and hammams every day. It was very affordable and definitely one of the most relaxing cities we visited in Morocco. We stayed at a hotel near the beach, which had a sea view from the balcony.
Posted: December 10, 2022Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
Solo travel experience
I considered Essaouira a good place for a day trip, but I didn't want to stay there longer. I loved the area of the sea wall and the local market there. I also recommend visiting the argan oil cooperative near Essaouira and watching goats climb trees along the road.
Posted: December 10, 2022Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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