Riad Dar Maya

Top choice in Essaouira


Sleek and sophisticated, this riad-turned-boutique hotel is decorated with a mix of modern Moroccan crafts and souq finds. The five, neutral-toned rooms are spread over three floors; some come with private balconies and all have smooth tadelakt (waterproof-plaster) walls, deep tubs, underfloor heating and log fires. The rooftop terrace has a hot tub; there’s even a small hammam.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Essaouira attractions

1. Fish Souq

0.1 MILES

Join the locals and street cats picking up their fresh fish at this small market. For a cheap lunch, buy half a dozen sardines, and for around Dh10 one of…

2. Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum

0.15 MILES

Housed in an old riad, this somewhat fusty museum has a small collection of jewellery, costumes, embroidery, woodcarving and weapons from the region. Its…

3. Simon Attias Synagogue

0.16 MILES

Behind the imposing wooden door (there's no sign) lies a beautifully restored 19th-century synagogue, filled with the scent of fragrant cedar wood. In the…

4. Medina

0.16 MILES

Surrounded by dramatic, wave-lashed ramparts, the narrow streets, hassle-free souqs, street vendors and vibrant galleries of Essaouira's walled medina…

5. Skala de la Ville

0.17 MILES

You might recognise the ramparts of the 18th-century Skala de la Ville. They, along with the hulking Bastion Nord, had a starring role in Game of Thrones…

6. Fish Auction

0.39 MILES

Head to the port in the afternoon when the sea-blue boats come in for the day and the fishermen auction off their catch. There's always some heated…

7. Port

0.45 MILES

Essaouira's large working port is noisy, pungent and hugely atmospheric. Along with the flurry of sea-blue wooden boats arriving and departing, nets being…

8. Skala du Port

0.46 MILES

This honey-coloured bastion looms over the picturesque harbour and its sea-blue fishing boats. Look back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain…