Essaouira is a sea-side medieval town. This charming artist colony boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, and traditional thuya wood workshops along with art galleries. Essaouira is one of the best shopping destinations in Morocco for those looking to sample traditional goods at reasonable prices in a laid back atmosphere.

RASSE DES TANNERIE


This concept store located just inside the Bab Sbai gate is one of the best shopping destinations in Essaouira. The sprawling shop has rooms dedicated to women’s fashion and accessories, children’s clothing, menswear, and interior design by some of Morocco’s trendiest designers. We rarely leave this shop empty-handed!
Address: 1 Rue Mohamed Ben Messaoud, Medina 
Phone: +212-524-78-51-93

RAFFIA CRAFT


Colorful and creative, functional yet fashionable are words to describe local designer Miro’s raffia shoe line. With a selection of loafers for men and various styles for women, the shoes made in the local workshop largely shipped to European cities, but locals and tourists have the chance to purchase at this small shop located on Rue d’Agadir for a fraction of what you would pay at home in a department store. Address: 82 rue d’Agadir, Medina Phone: +212-524-78-36-32

BASMA BOUTIQUE


While walking along the Skala in Essaouira, you’re sure to stumble upon this small boutique. The shop sells modern artisanal products including a small collection of quality leather bags and uniquely stylish leather flats. The friendly owner is happy to chat and help you find the perfect piece! Address: 20 bis rue Skala, Medina Phone: +212-524-78-34-66

BABA GI SHOP


Though not what you would typically expect to find on the streets of Essaouira, the imported goods from South America and India curated and presented in this small shop are a pleasant surprise. We love the silk scarves and beaded necklaces, but the clothing and shoes here are fabulous as well. Address: 179 rue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Phone: +212-665-81-50-34

TISSA ARTISANAL


With its cooler climate, Essaouira has an important textiles industry with many of the bed throws, curtains and blankets woven in the small medina streets. Our favorite spot for buying woven goodies in a variety of colors and materials – wool, cotton and vegetable silk is at Tissage Artisanal where Mohammed Oulad el Hajja has been working for over 30 years. Local women are often in the workshop weaving on the loom, creating a special shopping experience. Address: 15 rue Oudja, Medina Phone: +212-665-20-92-97

OTHMAN SHOP


The latest trend in décor seems to be colourful straw food storage baskets and platters, and at Othman Shop, the space is literally filled with baskets in a variety of colors, geometrical patterns, sizes and shapes. While they may not be the easiest souvenirs to pack, they are trendy and with diverse uses, it’s hard to resist. Like his father, who sits outside and crochets hats, Othman also designs and creates unique fashion using traditional textiles. Address: 86 Rue Laaljou, Medina Phone: +212-666-09-05-28

POUPA LITZA

Behind the unassuming door is a cavernous traditional douiria housing Litza Chemla’s line of handbags and accessories. Locally made by hand, the collection also sells in Europe. It’s worth a visit if only just to see the building that houses the showroom and the wonderful boucherouite carpets that adorn the floor. The shop is closed from lunch daily from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Address: 135 bis av. Mohamed el Qouri, Medina Phone: +212-524-78-35-65

HAPPY SHOP

It’s impossible to wander through the Essaouira medina without hearing the famous Gnaoua beats playing. If the music puts a bounce in your step you may just want to take a musical instrument home with you. If so, be sure to stop by Happy Shop where you can not only purchase the instruments, but also take lessons before returning home! Address: Corner of rue ibn Rochd and rue Mohammed Diouri, Medina Phone: +212-677-32-57-55

MASHI MUSHKI

Meaning ‘no problem’ in Darija, Mashi Mushki is the place to stop for socially responsible shopping. This gallery/ shop sells a changing collection of jewelery, various handmade items including colourful scarves and the collection of boucharouite carpets is quite extensive. And you can feel good about your shopping as 10% of the proceeds support Project 91, a UK-based charity that supports at-risk youth in Essaouira to improve their job and education prospects. Address: 91 Rue Chbanat, Medina

VILLA MAROC SHOP

If Argan oil, both cosmetic and edible, is on your list, head to the small boutique in Villa Maroc open to both residents and non-residents. The argan oil here is produced by the owners on their area farm and is one of the best argan oils we’ve tasted. The shop also sells a line of tunics and clothing as well as small gift items. Address: 10 Rue Abdellah Ben Yassine Phone: +212-524-47-61-47

Category: Best Of, Shops: Where to Shop in Morocco