The tourist office sells a useful map of town (Dh25) and an interesting guidebook called
Essaouira – La Séductrice (Essaouira – the Enchantress, in French, Dh40), which has
information on everything from local history and arts to traditional music, festivals and
architecture. Another good buy (though not always available locally) is Essaouira de Bab en
Bab: Promenades (in French) by Hammad Berrada, a wonderful book of walking tours. It
provides details of eight different walks, accompanied by descriptive text, photographs and
comprehensive maps of the medina.
Medical Services
Hôpital Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah ( 0524 47 57 16; Blvd de l’Hôpital) For
emergencies.
Pharmacie la Kasbah ( 0524 47 51 51; 12-14 Rue Allal ben Abdellah)
Money
There are several banks with ATMs around Pl Moulay Hassan and along the main road leading
northeast to Bab Doukkala. Most are good for foreign exchange and credit-card cash
advances.
Post
Main post office (Ave el-Mouqawama; 8.30am-4.15pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat)
Post office (Rue Laâlouj; Mon-Fri)
Tourist Information
Délégation du Tourisme ( 0524 78 35 32; www.essaouira.com; 10 Rue du Caire) This
helpful tourist office has lots of information and advice for travellers, as well as noticeboards
with information on events and activities around town.
Getting There & Away
Air Two dairly direct flights to Casablanca leave from Aéroport de Mogador (Route d’Agadir) ,
15km south of town. There are flights to Paris in summer, though the schedule is unreliable.
Bus The bus station is about 400m northeast of the medina, an easy walk during the day but
better in a petit taxi (Dh10) if you’re arriving/leaving late at night. The left-luggage office (Dh7
per item) is open 24 hours.
CTM has several buses daily to the following destinations:DESTINATIONCOST (DH)DURATION (HR)
Agadir 60 3
Casablanca 135 6
El-Jadida 95 4
Inezgane 60 3½
Marrakesh 75 2½
Safi 50 2½
It’s best to book a day in advance for long-distance services.
Other companies run cheaper and more frequent buses to the same destinations as well as