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Essaouira fishing port

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Essaouira fishing port

Hundreds of blue fishing boats, gulls overhead and grilled sardines straight from the sea.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free (Skala du Port small fee)
Best time
Morning catch · lunch
Area
Port

Hundreds of blue boats and a lively fish market.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Port of Essaouira, Bab el-Marsa, Essaouira

  • On foot: At the southern end of the medina, through Bab el-Marsa.
  • Fish grills: Stalls near Place Moulay Hassan grill fish to order.
  • Skala du Port: The harbour fortress gives views over the boats.

The story of the fishing port of Essaouira

Fishing has kept Essaouira alive for centuries. Its harbour is filled with small wooden boats painted in bright blue, and the shipyard still builds traditional wooden vessels by hand.

Every morning and afternoon the catch is unloaded and sold on the quay, from sardines to sea bream and spider crabs, while seagulls circle over the boats.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Morning, when boats return with the catch.

Lunch

Grilled fish stalls are busiest at lunchtime.

Tips before you go

  • Choose fish and have it grilled on the spot.
  • Choose your fish at the stall and agree the price per kilo before grilling.
  • Climb the Skala du Port for the classic photo of the blue boats.

Best hotels near the fishing port of Essaouira

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Heure Bleue Palais

Palace hotel with a rooftop pool inside the medina.

See prices

Riad Mimouna

Riad on the ramparts facing the ocean.

See prices

Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa – MGallery

Beachfront hotel with a thalasso spa.

See prices
All hotels near the fishing port of Essaouira

What's around the fishing port of Essaouira

  • Skala du PortHarbour fortress with sea views.
  • Place Moulay HassanMain square by the port.
  • ShipyardWooden boats under construction.
  • MedinaBehind the port gate.

Questions travellers ask

Can I eat fish at the port?

Yes, grill stalls cook fresh fish to order.

Is it free?

Yes, except the Skala du Port.

When is the port busiest?

In the morning and early afternoon.

More in Essaouira

Skala de la Ville (Essaouira ramparts)

Skala de la Ville (Essaouira ramparts)

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Essaouira medina

Essaouira medina

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Essaouira beach

Essaouira beach

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Back to the Essaouira guide
Travel Plan · Essaouira fishing port Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure