Forget the aggressive souks of Marrakech. Shopping in Essaouira’s medina is a relaxed, enjoyable experience — with better quality, lower prices, and vendors who actually let you browse in peace. From thuya woodwork boxes for just 10 MAD ($1) to locally pressed argan oil, the town is packed with authentic Moroccan souvenirs at budget-friendly prices.
This guide covers what to buy, how much to pay, where to find the best deals, and essential bargaining tips to make sure you don’t overpay.
What to Buy in Essaouira (With Prices)
Thuya Woodwork
Essaouira’s signature souvenir. Thuya is a beautiful reddish-brown wood with intricate natural grain patterns, and local artisans have been crafting it for centuries. You’ll find boxes, chess sets, picture frames, and decorative items on almost every street in the medina.
- Small decorative box: 10-30 MAD ($1-3)
- Crafted jewelry box: 70-150 MAD ($7-15)
- Chess set: 200-500 MAD ($20-50)
- Large decorative piece: 500-2,000 MAD ($50-200)
Where to find it: Rue Skala (alongside the main ramparts) has the best selection. Visit the woodworking workshops near the Skala de la Ville to watch artisans at work and buy directly — cutting out the middleman.
Argan Oil
Essaouira is at the heart of Morocco’s argan oil region. You’ll find two varieties: culinary (roasted, with a nutty flavor for cooking) and cosmetic (unroasted, for skin and hair). Always buy from women’s cooperatives when possible — the quality is guaranteed and the money goes directly to local women.
- Small bottle (100ml) cosmetic: 50-80 MAD ($5-8)
- Large bottle (250ml) cosmetic: 120-200 MAD ($12-20)
- Culinary argan oil (1 liter): 200-350 MAD ($20-35)
Amlou (Moroccan « Nutella »)
This addictive spread made from almond paste, argan oil, and honey is Essaouira’s tastiest souvenir — and unlike a ceramic plate, it definitely won’t gather dust on the shelf.
- Small jar: 40-60 MAD ($4-6)
- 1 liter: 200-240 MAD ($20-24)
Raffia Shoes & Bags
Handwoven from natural fibers, raffia shoes (babouches) and bags are a specialty of the region. They’re lightweight, colorful, and make great gifts.
- Raffia sandals: 80-150 MAD ($8-15)
- Raffia bag: 100-250 MAD ($10-25)
Spices
While not unique to Essaouira, the spice selection here is excellent and much cheaper than tourist shops in Marrakech. Ras el hanout, cumin, saffron, and curry blends make lightweight, easy-to-pack souvenirs.
- Spice packets (100g): 10-30 MAD ($1-3)
- Saffron (1g real saffron): 20-40 MAD ($2-4)
Local Art & Paintings
Essaouira has a thriving art scene, with dozens of small galleries in the medina. You can find original paintings from local artists at surprisingly affordable prices — from 200 MAD for small canvases to several thousand for larger works.
Where to Shop in Essaouira
- Avenue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah — The main shopping street for tourist souvenirs. Good for quick browsing but prices are slightly higher.
- Side alleyways off the main street — Detour into the narrow backstreets for better prices and fewer crowds.
- Rue Skala — Along the main ramparts. Best for woodwork, ceramics, and art.
- Fish port area — Local artisans sell directly near the working port. Less tourist-oriented, better prices.
- Argan cooperatives — On the road between Marrakech and Essaouira, or in town near Bab Doukkala. Guaranteed quality and fair trade.
Bargaining Guide: How to Get the Best Price
Haggling is part of the culture in Morocco and is expected at souk shops. Here’s how to do it effectively in Essaouira:
- Start at 50% of the asking price. This gives you room to negotiate upward while still landing at a fair price.
- Aim for 70-85% of the stated price. In Essaouira, final prices typically settle around 75-85% of the initial quote — the markups here aren’t as extreme as Marrakech.
- Be friendly, not aggressive. Essaouira vendors are notably more relaxed than in other Moroccan cities. A smile and genuine interest go further than hardball tactics.
- Walk away if needed. If you can’t agree on a price, politely walk away. If the vendor calls you back with a lower offer, you know their real bottom price.
- Compare prices first. Browse 2-3 shops selling similar items before buying. This gives you a baseline for fair prices.
- Cash is king. Always bargain with cash in hand — it makes the negotiation more concrete and vendors prefer it.
Important: Fixed-price shops do exist, especially cooperatives and some boutiques. Look for posted prices — if they’re displayed, there’s usually no bargaining.
Budget Shopping Tips
- Buy from workshops directly. Artisan workshops along Rue Skala and near the souks sell directly to customers — no middleman markup.
- Visit the Had Draa Sunday Market. If you’re in Essaouira on a Sunday, the weekly market in Had Draa (30 minutes south) offers incredibly cheap local goods. Book a Sunday Market tour on Viator from $59.
- Avoid the first shop on a tourist street. Walk deeper into the medina for better prices.
- Pack light souvenirs. Spices, argan oil, and amlou are lightweight and easy to pack. Large ceramics are risky in luggage.
- Shop in the afternoon. Morning vendors sometimes hold firm on prices; by afternoon, they’re more flexible.
Book an Artisan Workshop Experience
Hands-On Artisan Workshops on Viator
- 💍 Filigree Jewelry Workshop — Make Your Own Ring — from $78
- 🧶 Traditional Carpet Weaving Class — from $56
- 🪡 Embroidery & Sewing Workshop — from $59
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shopping in Essaouira cheaper than Marrakech?
Yes, generally. Essaouira’s medina is calmer and less tourist-inflated than Marrakech’s souks. Many items — especially thuya woodwork, argan oil, and artisanal goods — are better quality and 20-40% cheaper. The bargaining experience is also more relaxed and enjoyable.
Do I need to bargain in Essaouira?
Yes, bargaining is expected at most souk shops and market stalls. Start at about 50% of the asking price and aim to settle around 70-85%. Fixed-price shops and cooperatives are the exception — look for posted prices. Be friendly and treat it as a social interaction, not a confrontation.
What are the best souvenirs from Essaouira?
The most iconic Essaouira souvenirs are thuya wood boxes (from 10 MAD/$1), argan oil (from 50 MAD/$5), amlou spread (from 40 MAD/$4), raffia shoes and bags, and local artwork. Spices are also great lightweight souvenirs that are easy to pack.
Where is the best place to buy argan oil in Essaouira?
Buy from women’s cooperatives for guaranteed quality and fair trade practices. You’ll find cooperatives in town near Bab Doukkala and along the road from Marrakech. Avoid buying from street vendors or unmarked bottles — the quality is unreliable.