Digital Nomad’s Guide to Essaouira, Morocco: Work, Wander, and Thrive on the Atlantic Coast
You're replying to emails as the Atlantic breeze drifts through the windows of a sunlit café, the scent of mint tea and grilled sardines floating in the air. Outside, the hum of local life blends with the sound of waves crashing along the old medina walls. Welcome to Essaouira—Morocco’s laid-back, bohemian gem, and your next remote work haven. Whether you're a seasoned digital nomad or just starting out, Essaouira offers an irresistible mix of affordability, culture, surf, and strong WiFi—yes, that last one matters.
Valentina Mazzone
3 min read
Why Choose Essaouira?
Essaouira is the kind of place that captures your heart quietly. It doesn’t try too hard. Unlike bustling Marrakesh or over-touristed coastal towns, this small port city maintains an authentic Moroccan rhythm with a dash of artistic soul.
Here’s why it works for remote workers:
Chill Vibe, Low Cost: It’s significantly more affordable than Europe or North America.
Reliable WiFi: A growing number of cafés and coworking spots cater to online workers.
Safety & Walkability: Essaouira is compact, safe, and easy to explore on foot.
Pleasant Climate Year-Round: Thanks to ocean breezes, summers are mild and winters are sunny.
🏡 Where to Live: Neighborhoods & Accommodation
Essaouira offers a range of living options depending on your style:
🌿 The Medina (Old Town)
Live in the heart of it all. Stay in a traditional riad (guesthouse) or Airbnb tucked inside winding alleyways. It’s noisy and alive—perfect if you love cultural immersion.
Best for: Walkability, culture, nightlife
Tip: Choose a riad with a rooftop terrace—you’ll thank yourself later.
🏖️ Quartier des Dunes
A quieter, more residential area near the beach. Great for surfers and those looking for peace without being far from the action.
Best for: Surf vibes, chill mornings
Popular spots: Look into Airbnb listings with fiber optic connections.
🛏️ Coliving Spaces
Noqta Space – Coliving and coworking space designed for digital nomads. Located near the medina, it offers private rooms, shared workspaces, fast WiFi, and a built-in community.
Work and Beach Morocco - Welcoming staff, the quiet and great views of this space will help you focus.
☕ Coworking Spaces & Laptop-Friendly Cafés (WiFi Heaven!)
This is where Essaouira shines. You’ll find a surprising number of work-friendly cafés—each with its own unique charm. Below are top picks tested and loved by remote workers:
🧑💻 Coworking Spaces
Noqta Space
The go-to for serious work sessions. Quiet, professional, and very nomad-oriented. They also host events and skill shares.Work and Beach Morocco
A boutique-style coworking lounge tucked inside a traditional riad. Think beautiful tiles, comfy chairs, and great espresso.
☕ Laptop-Friendly Cafés with Strong WiFi
Pâtisserie Chez Driss
A charming 1920s-era café with French pastries, Moroccan mint tea, and surprisingly good WiFi.Mandala Society
Healthy bowls, good coffee, and lots of plugs. Popular with the international crowd—expect to meet fellow nomads here.Vague Bleu
A beach-facing café with reliable internet and a surfy vibe. Come for the cappuccino, stay for the sunset.Mega Loft by OthmanChic
Artsy and eclectic. Their rooftop is a hidden gem for a quiet, productive afternoon.Café L’Esprit
Cozy, stylish, and local. Don’t miss their avocado juice—it’s legendary.
🤝 Community Events & Networking
Even in a small city, the digital nomad scene is growing—and connected.
How to Find Your Tribe:
Facebook Groups:
“Essaouira Digital Nomads” – Share tips, events, and meetups.
Surf Classes = Social Gold: Join a surf school like Explora Morocco or Ion Club and bond over beach breaks.
Local Workshops: Keep an eye out for artisan workshops—Essaouira is full of craftspeople and creators.
🧭 What to Do in Essaouira & Surroundings
Wander the Medina: Shop for handmade argan oil, rugs, and local art.
Surf, Kitesurf, Repeat: The wind is strong and the swells are reliable. Join daily lessons or rent gear.
Take a Day Trip to Sidi Kaouki: A quiet beach village just 30 minutes south.
Visit the Skala de la Ville: Iconic sea bastion with views straight out of Game of Thrones.
Chill at the Port: Watch fishermen bring in their catch and grab fresh grilled seafood for under $5.
🙏 Local Etiquette & Practical Tips
Language: French is widely spoken. Arabic (Darija) is the local dialect. English is understood in tourist areas.
Dress Modestly: While it’s relaxed, respecting local customs goes a long way.
Cash is King: Some cafés accept cards, but keep cash handy.
SIM Card: Get an Airalo eSim (use the code VALENT2242 to get a discount) to have a smooth experience. Get Maroc Telecom or Inwi for strong coverage and affordable data.
Time Zone: GMT+1 — a sweet spot for syncing with Europe and early US clients.
💪 Staying Healthy & Balanced
Food: Eat local—think tagines, grilled sardines, fresh fruit. Vegans will do fine with couscous, lentils, and veg tagines.
Fitness: Surfing is your workout, but some riads offer rooftop yoga. Check out Yogarden Essaouira for group classes.
Mental Health: The pace is slow—lean into it. The ocean, the wind, and the sunsets are good medicine.
Insurance: Invest in travel or digital nomad insurance before you go. I always use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, which covers extended travel and global health needs.
✅ Quick Checklist: Key Takeaways
📍 Best Neighborhoods: Medina (culture), Dunes (beachy peace)
💼 Top Coworking: Sundesk, Dar Digital Nomad
☕ Best Cafés for Work: Mandala Society, Tara Café, Chez Driss, Vague Bleu
🌐 Community Spots: Sundesk dinners, surf schools, Facebook groups
🌍 Must-Do Activities: Surf, explore medina, eat fresh seafood, day trip to Sidi Kaouki
💡 Pro Tip: Book a riad with a rooftop—perfect for sunset journaling or team Zoom calls.
✨ Final Words: Work Where You Feel Alive
Essaouira isn’t just a destination—it’s a mindset. It invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and get creative. Whether you’re debugging code or writing your next novel, this salty-aired sanctuary has space for your work and your soul.
The world is your office—Essaouira might just be your favorite desk yet.