Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Morocco doesn’t have to mean Marrakech. While most travellers choose the red city, New Year’s Eve in Essaouira offers a quieter and more balanced option. The atmosphere stays relaxed, the prices are more reasonable, and the coastal setting adds a different rhythm to the celebrations. Many people overlook Essaouira, but it’s a solid choice if you prefer good food, live music, and a calmer evening.
The charming, more bohemian-like Essaouira, with its beautiful fisherman’s port, is about 3 hours from Marrakech. You can read more about Essaouira in my article here. This city is a practical alternative if you want to escape the crowds and expensive NYE menus in Marrakech. And if you want to compare both options, you can read my popular guide on where to celebrate New Year’s in Marrakech here.
Below are my recommended places in Essaouira for New Year’s Eve.
Salut Morocco
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Essaouira programme: a welcome cocktail, a delicious 4-course dinner, live music entertainment throughout the evening. Event Timing: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price: 1295 dh per person. Book via email contact@salutmaroc.com
Salut Maroc in Essaouira is a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century riad overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A funky, very colourful design-led interior created by local artisans, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern elements. Salut Maroc rooftop restaurant overlooks the ocean and works well for a New Year’s Eve Essaouira dinner or drinks.
Ocean Vagabond
Ocean Vegabond restaurant in Essaouira is located directly on the beach, about a 20-minute walk from the Essaouira Medina. They often have live music and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It’s a pleasant place to celebrate New Year’s Eve Essaouira, looking at the ocean and watching camels walk along the shoreline. Their food menu is simple (not for a fancy dinner), service is sometimes a bit slow, but I love the atmosphere, the location and vibes.
Dar Baba
Dar Baba in Essaouira is situated in the Medina, run by the same team behind Kabana in Marrakech. The menu is great, with good food (their menu never disappoints me, even for fancy tastes) and a boutique, slightly funky environment and great music. They serve classic cocktails, making it a nice option for a cosy dinner in town during New Year’s Eve Essaouira.
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