A traditional Riad in the Medina of Morocco’s favourite beach town, Essaouira.

5 Columns is in the ancient medina of Essaouira, Southern Morocco’s favourite beach town. A beautiful 200-year-old house in the authentic and friendly Chbanat area, famous for its textile and craft workshops, and near to the main gate of Bab Marrakech. The house is located at the back of the souks with lots of local shops nearby, with helpful shopkeepers on hand to provide all you will need for your stay. Essaouira is a food-lovers heaven, with cafés and restaurants all within walking distance from the house, and the beach just a 10-minute stroll.

The Medina, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the beautiful fishing harbour are great places to explore. There is a stunning sandy beach, with many beachside cafes and restaurants, and the bustling harbour, all within walking distance from the house. The beach is great for kite and windsurfing, along with camel and horse rides to the famous crumbling fort, Bordj El Berod. If you love fresh fish and seafood, the fish stalls by the harbour offer a wide variety of local produce. Simply choose your fresh fish from the stand and they will cook it and bring to your table. Unlike the big city that is Marrakech, Essaouira is laidback and timeless with sandy-coloured ramparts, whitewashed avenues, French-style piazzas, and a port full of azure blue fishing boats.

The house has been sympathetically restored, retaining all the original features such as the sandstone columns, thuya wood ceilings and the antique tiled floor of the inner courtyard. It is furnished with a mix of vintage & modern European furniture and art, with some beautiful Moroccan antiques and paintings by local artists, alongside works by contemporary British artists. Split over four floors, the house has two garden roof terraces; one with a kitchen and bar - great for outside dining and looking out across the medina rooftops, the other terrace is perfect for late afternoon sun. There are four double bedrooms, all with en-suite wet room bathrooms, and two cosy snug lounge rooms with large open fireplaces, and comfortable chairs. The bright covered courtyard dining area with a large dining table seating eight, is surrounded by mature plants, and is located next to the fully equipped kitchen, ideal for long lazy breakfasts, and dinner at home.

Our housekeeper Fatima will provide general cleaning during your stay and is also available to prepare food on request, at an additional cost. You will be met on arrival by our house manager Rachid, who will also be your point of contact during your stay. On your arrival, you will be taken on a short tour of the medina by Rachid, who can also help arrange excursions, taxis, or anything else you may need.

We offer a minimum 7-night stay, but shorter stays are available on request, and will be quoted based on the number of guests, and the number of nights. The minimum would be 3 nights for 3 people for shorter stays.
Also available for location shoots on request.

Essaouira airport is a short 20-minute taxi ride to the house. You can also fly to Marrakech airport; the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours to Essaouira. We can arrange taxi transfers from all airports - costs will be provided upon request.

LOCATION: Essaouira, Morocco.

CLOSEST AIRPORT: Essaouira (20 mins drive); Marrakech (2.5hrs drive).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Essaouira has a pleasant temperature all year round with high temperatures from early April, through to late November.

POPULAR EVENTS: The Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira's biggest annual event, is held for three days, every June - early booking is recommended. Moga Festival - October

ADDRESS: 90, Rue Moulay Ismail, Medina, Essaouira, Morocco.