Essaouira, Morocco 🇲🇦
#450
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Essaouira is a coastal city in western Morocco, known for its historic medina, beaches, and vibrant arts scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 77,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 7-10 Mbps, with options for higher speeds at coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD. ATMs widely available, major cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Attijariwafa Bank and Banque Populaire, allowing expat accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from riads and hotels in the medina to modern apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but cash is preferred in markets and small shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate services. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Essaouira - dorms from 100 MAD/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah area has modern amenities and proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space Essaouira – offers good internet and a community atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Falaise – known for its views, reliable Wi-Fi, and friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups through Facebook groups or at coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Essaouira Expat Hub on Facebook offers meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and ride-hailing services like Careem are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Various shops in the medina offer rental bikes and scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Essaouira Beach is just steps away from the medina. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia offers flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Ryanair operate to/from Essaouira. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Essaouira to Marrakech and Agadir. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local buses and taxis serve the town; train access is available in Marrakech. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available for local travel; no formal passes but tickets are inexpensive. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly to Marrakech, Agadir, and other towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Mohammed V is the main public hospital in Essaouira. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Essaouira Yoga offers classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Essaouira – local gym with basic equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available in the medina. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Essaouira for delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood Tagine is a must-try along the coast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Table by Madada offers excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Mommies serves delicious Moroccan pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Medina market offers affordable food and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is popular for online shopping in Morocco. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Options limited; local supermarkets are reachable and well-stocked. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is centered around the medina, especially in bars like Taros. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Maroc craft beer can be found in select bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vin et Merveilles serves local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Plenty of stalls near the beach serving fresh seafood and Moroccan snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Cantina offers a mix of international dishes including pizzas and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Essaouira's Medina, Ramparts, and Moulay Hassan Square. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Moroccan Arts showcases local crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Skala de la Ville features fortifications with stunning ocean views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The historic Moulay Hassan Mosque is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gnaoua World Music Festival is held every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the art galleries in the medina for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events often take place at the Essaouira Citadel. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Had represents the vibrant local market scene. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Rotating live music events at various bars in the medina. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals around the medina for local artistry. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops are available at various local hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie la Kasbah features contemporary Moroccan art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the historic ramparts and well-preserved bastions. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is recognized for its rich Berber and Portuguese heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Essaouira-Atlas Nature Reserve offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Argan Biosphere Reserve is easily accessible from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several scenic coastal paths are suitable for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The ramparts provide panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Many species can be seen in the nearby wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas outside the city allow for bonfires with local permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and laptop repairs in the medina. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers or cafes. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French and Arabic classes can be found at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are few libraries; cafes often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural spaces host gatherings and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; cafes sometimes host tabletop game events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; gaming is limited to local entertainment spots. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 MAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 MAD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 MAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 MAD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,600 MAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 96,000 MAD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 MAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 MAD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 MAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 MAD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 MAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 MAD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applied to foreign dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Moroccan tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 38% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits but overall cost of living is affordable. |