Anyone been to Essaouira in Morocco?

[Inthefuckitbucket]

I’m looking for somewhere to go on holiday in April next year, with three teens, and have come across Essaouira. It looks like it might have the right blend of culture, relaxation, good food and interesting activities for the children. Has anyone been and would April be a good time weather wise? I know if can get very windy and cool! thank you ☺️

I love Essaouria. Medina is great. Huge beach. Amazing sunsets. Loads of interesting shops and food. I’ve been in February, April and August. All good but is always much cooler in Essaouria than Marrakech also is much cooler in the medina and seaside as opposed to the countryside places. Always been nice and sunny in the daytime but could be chilly in the evening and the Atlantic is always freezing. Countryside places also have the best pools and most have a shuttle into town anyway. Last time I went was when my kids were small and am thinking of going next year now they are teens.

Yes and it's amazing. Definitely go.

We went there and it was lovely for a day or two to wander round, well worth a visit. It's very small though, I'm not sure there is much to do for a longer stay unless you are in your hotel sitting around a pool. There is no beach from memory, just the sea and the pretty white sea walls. I think there was a small fort and canon to look at.

For me it’d depend on teen boys or teen girls.

There's a huge beach. It's popular with surfers.

I went there about 15 years ago. It's a really charming place, nice vibe and quite 'arty' feeling. Made famous by Jimi Hendrix visiting, I believe. We had been in Marakesh just before and it was a lovely contrast to the bustling city. Can't help on the weather.

There's a massive beach, we went there for a day on a uni trip.

All of the other students got sunburnt as the wind made it feel cooler than it was, I had lived on the coast for most of my life so was slathering factor 50 on and being mocked for it - but it was Africa in August. I was the only one that could enjoy the flight back feeling suitably smug as everyone else had badly sunburnt backs.

Yes and it's lovely. Lots of hassle though from all males 8-80.
Though I was a young thing then.

Thanks so much for all of these comments! This all sounds really positive. We’re planning on renting a small villa with a pool, but love the idea of wandering the medina, visiting the fort and wall, water sports and quad biking during the day. The children will be 12 (girl), 14 and 15 (both boys).

The villas that we’ve looked at are all about 11km away from the medina. Did you find taxis/ public transport easy enough or would you suggest renting a car?

Apparently women with children get hassled less, from what I’ve read of other women’s experiences in Morocco. I believe this is due to mothers being idealised.