Living in Essaouira, Morocco. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Welcome to our comprehensive digital nomad guide to Essaouira, Morocco, with monthly cost of living around $812 and average internet speeds of 90 Mbps. Whether you're planning a short stay or considering Essaouira as your next long-term base, this guide covers everything remote workers need to know.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Essaouira, Morocco, my home for several months. This charming coastal town has won the hearts of many remote workers, and for good reason. With its unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences, Essaouira offers a fascinating cultural experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. The city’s laid-back vibe, stunning natural beauty, and thriving expat community make it an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to escape the chaos of city life. As an Essaouira digital nomad, you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, a growing community of like-minded individuals, and a cost of living that’s hard to beat.
Essaouira’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine are just a few reasons why nomads love it here. The town’s picturesque medina, surrounded by ancient walls and filled with colorful souks, is a treasure trove of local crafts, fresh produce, and traditional restaurants. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, try your hand at water sports, or simply unwind in a beautiful setting, Essaouira has something for everyone. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the town’s excellent internet connectivity, a range of coworking spaces, and a thriving community of digital nomads who are always up for a coffee or a collaboration.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Essaouira, digital nomads have a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Here are three areas that are particularly popular with remote workers:
One of the biggest advantages of living in Essaouira as a digital nomad is the low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
Overall, the cost of living in Essaouira is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. As an Essaouira digital nomad, you can expect to live comfortably on a budget of 8,000 - 15,000 MAD (~ $830-$1,550 USD) per month.
Essaouira has come a long way in terms of internet connectivity, with many cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces offering fast and reliable Wi-Fi. Here are a few of our favorite spots to work from:
Internet speeds in Essaouira are generally good, with average speeds of 47 Mbps. However, it’s worth noting that speeds can be slower in some areas, particularly outside of the medina.
Essaouira has a thriving community of digital nomads, with many remote workers calling the town home. There are several Facebook groups and meetups for digital nomads in Essaouira, including the Essaouira Digital Nomads group and the Morocco Digital Nomads group. These groups are a great way to connect with other remote workers, find out about local events and activities, and get tips and advice on living and working in Essaouira.
Some popular events for digital nomads in Essaouira include the weekly coworking days at The Hub, the monthly digital nomad meetups at Beach House, and the annual Essaouira Digital Nomad Festival.
Essaouira is a town that’s deeply rooted in tradition, but it’s also a place that’s embracing modernity and change. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, from the vibrant souks and traditional restaurants of the medina to the modern cafes and coworking spaces of the Bab Doukkala neighborhood.
The local culture in Essaouira is warm and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and community. You’ll find that many locals are eager to practice their English and learn about your culture, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local way of life.
In terms of dating, Essaouira is a relatively conservative town, but there are still plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make connections. The town’s expat community is active and social, with many events and activities organized specifically for foreigners.
Nightlife in Essaouira is relatively low-key, but there are still plenty of options for those who want to go out and have a good time. Some popular spots include the rooftop bar at The Hub, the live music venue at Beach House, and the traditional Gnawa music clubs in the medina.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter Morocco. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the tourist visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. You can apply for a tourist visa at the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your home country, or you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.
If you plan to stay in Morocco for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a residence visa. This type of visa requires more documentation and can take several months to process.
It’s worth noting that Morocco does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but there are plans to introduce one in the near future. As an Essaouira digital nomad, you’ll need to stay up-to-date with the latest visa requirements and regulations.
Here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your time in Essaouira:
More cities like Essaouira for remote work.
MOROCCO
