La Rencontre
Medina (near Skala) · Essaouira, Morocco. A laptop-friendly cafe verified for remote workers and digital nomads.
Essaouira has 5 laptop-friendly cafes in our guide, and La Rencontre ranks #4 with a work-friendly score of 7/10. WiFi runs at 20 Mbps. Power outlets are available throughout the cafe. Perfect for casual working sessions.
Work-Friendly Assessment
👍 Solid Pick
Score is close to the Essaouira average of 7.8/10.
20 Mbps · city average 55 Mbps
About La Rencontre
La Rencontre sits right next to the medina walls overlooking the Skala de la Ville and the Atlantic Ocean, offering one of Essaouira's most photogenic work-with-a-view experiences from its multi-level terrace. The top floor provides an unobstructed panorama of the ramparts and sea that is especially breathtaking at sunset — a daily reward for anyone who times their work session to catch the golden hour. The cafe serves Moroccan and Spanish-influenced cuisine and stays open late into the evening, giving remote workers long, flexible sessions that most Essaouira spots cannot match. The crowd is a mix of tourists drawn by the view and longer-stay visitors who have discovered the terrace's productivity potential.
WiFi runs at 20 Mbps with a good-quality connection, and power outlets are available at terrace seating areas. The moderate noise level reflects the terrace's open-air exposure to wind, conversation, and the faint sounds of the ocean below — atmospheric rather than distracting for most workers. Seating comfort is rated good across the multi-level terrace layout, with tables and chairs that handle laptop sessions of several hours. The open-air setting provides natural light and fresh ocean breezes, though screen glare can be an issue during bright midday sun.
La Rencontre is at 88 Rue Laalouj near the Skala in the medina, open from 9 AM to 11:30 PM with coffee averaging $2 USD. The late closing is the latest on this Essaouira list, covering evening and night-owl work schedules. Best for remote workers who want Essaouira's most scenic workspace with the longest evening hours — the rampart and ocean views from the top terrace are unmatched, and the $2 coffee makes extended sessions budget-friendly even by Moroccan standards.
Key Highlights
Rampart and Ocean Views
Multi-level terrace overlooking Skala de la Ville and Atlantic with sunset panorama
Open Until 11:30 PM
Latest closing in Essaouira, covering evening and night-owl work schedules
$2 Budget-Friendly
Cheapest coffee on this list with Moroccan-Spanish cuisine at medina prices
20 Mbps Terrace WiFi
Good-rated connection with outlets at open-air seating near the historic ramparts
Top Floor Best Spot
Unobstructed panorama from the highest level, especially stunning at sunset
Compare to Other Cafes
| Feature | La Rencontre | Noqta Space | Mama Lova | L'Atelier - Cafe Boutique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Score | 7/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| WiFi Speed | 20 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Power Outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Price | $2 | $2 | $2 | $3 |
| Noise Level | moderate | moderate | quiet | quiet |
Why Essaouira for Remote Work?
Wind-swept and walkable with a score of 9 out of 10, Essaouira's traffic-free UNESCO medina creates a uniquely calm setting for cafe-based remote work along Morocco's Atlantic coast. Fixed broadband averages 69 Mbps nationally, though cafe WiFi in Essaouira performs better than expected at 55 Mbps across the five top laptop-friendly spots, with coffee at just $2.20 per cup. The medina's narrow streets hold most workspaces within a ten-minute walk, from dedicated spots like Noqta Space to rooftop terraces overlooking the ramparts and ocean.
A medium-sized nomad community of creatives, kitesurfers, and remote workers has settled into the town's relaxed rhythm, attracted by the $1,400 monthly cost of living and the safest atmosphere in Morocco. English proficiency sits at a medium level, sufficient for tourist-facing businesses but limited in local shops and traditional cafes. The art galleries and bohemian creative scene give the town a cultural depth that distinguishes it from pure beach destinations, and the mild year-round temperatures moderated by Atlantic breezes keep outdoor terraces usable across most seasons.
The constant strong wind that makes Essaouira famous for kitesurfing also blows sand into laptop keyboards and rattles cafe infrastructure, causing WiFi drops on gusty afternoons. Summer wind from June through August reaches 25 knots, making the beach unusable for sunbathing and outdoor cafe work uncomfortable. Morocco has no digital nomad visa, limiting stays to 90-day tourist stamps that require border runs to reset. Internet speeds outside the best cafes and coworking spaces can be inconsistent, with riad WiFi often struggling at 5 to 15 Mbps during evening hours when guests stream video.
Tips for Working From Cafes in Essaouira
Noqta Space at Under $6 Daily
Essaouira's purpose-built coworking space charges just 55 MAD ($5.50) for a full day with fast WiFi, private rooms, and a rooftop terrace. It even offers overnight accommodation, making it the most complete nomad setup in town.
Inwi Unlimited Data for $20
Inwi offers unlimited mobile data for 200 MAD ($20) monthly, the best value among Moroccan carriers. Essential as a tethering backup since medina WiFi drops are common during windy afternoons when infrastructure gets rattled.
Target September and October
These months bring warm 25-26 degree days, calmer winds than summer, and fewer tourists. Riad prices drop from peak season rates and cafe terraces become comfortable workspaces without sand blowing across your screen.
Buy Every 2-3 Hours
Order a drink or snack every couple of hours to support the cafe and keep your seat.
Test WiFi First
Run a quick speed test before settling in to avoid surprises during important calls.
Visit Off-Peak
Arrive 8-11am or 3-5pm to grab the best seats and the fastest WiFi.
Bring Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for blocking lunch rushes and chat.
Carry a Power Bank
Outlets aren't guaranteed everywhere — a backup keeps you working.
Respect Quiet Zones
Take long video calls outside or in coworking spaces, not in quiet cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essaouira less hectic than Marrakech for remote work?
How do digital nomads handle the 90-day visa limit in Morocco?
Can you work from cafes during Ramadan in Essaouira?
Are cafes in Essaouira laptop-friendly for remote workers?
Do I need to buy something to use WiFi at cafes in Essaouira?
What's the average WiFi speed at cafes in Essaouira?
Which neighborhood has the best cafes for working in Essaouira?
Are power outlets common in Essaouira cafes?
Plan your stay in Essaouira
Get the full city guide with cost of living, neighborhoods, visa info, and more — everything a digital nomad needs.