day trip essaouira from marrakech

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How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Essaouira From Marrakech

Last Modified: September 8, 2023 //  by  Anda //   Leave a Comment

One of the highlights of our Morocco itinerary was a day trip to Essaouira – a port city in the western region of Marrakech-Safi. This relaxed and laid-back town on the coast of the Atlantic stole our hearts right from the start! Blessed with a beautiful coastline, diverse culture and exciting sights, Essaouira has something for everyone. From stunning beaches and a bustling fishing port, to a walled Medina with colorful bazaars, striking art galleries and tiny restaurants, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Essaouira to keep you busy for a day.

But before I tell you what to see and do in Essaouira – Morocco’s Windy City – let me give you some insight into its history.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Essaouira

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Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira (pronounced ‘ essa-weera ’) is one of Morocco’s most charming towns. Its history goes back more than 2500 years. The city’s initial name was Mogador, after the Muslim saint Sidi Mogdoul, a religious leader from the Middle Ages whose tomb is in Essaouira.

The Bay of Mogador has been a peaceful harbor on the Moroccan coast since ancient times. In the 6th century BC, the Phoenicians founded here a settlement and named it Migdal ( Migdol  meaning “ watchtower “). But the port itself was established much later, in the 5th century BC, by Hanno the Navigator, a Carthaginian explorer.

The fortifications and walls that surround Essaouira today were built by Mohammed III in 1767. The sultan wished to turn this small Atlantic town into a royal port and international commercial center. And Mogador remained the most important port of the Moroccan kingdom until the 19th century, when Casablanca and Agadir developed into better ports for modern ships. After 1956 the port of Essaouira began loosing its importance.

Today Essaouira is a Unesco World Heritage site and an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town. Even though its importance as a port has decreased, the city is still an international trading seaport, linking Morocco with Europe and the rest of the world.

Essaouira is very easily accessible by plane from many European airports that operate direct flights to this city seasonally. However, most people visit Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech, which is located only 190 km (119 miles) away. You can do the trip it either by car or by bus, as there are no trains between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Traffic in Morocco seems very chaotic, especially around the big cities, which is why you won’t see many tourists driving here. If you come to Essaouira by car, the most direct road from Marrakech is via R207 which takes about 2.5 hours. In Essaouira you won’t be needing the car, so you can park it in big car park next to the fish market, right outside the Medina.

The advantage of coming by car is that you can stop at some interesting points along the way. Like search for the the mysterious tree-climbing goats that made Morocco famous in recent years.

Private Tour

If you don’t want to do the driving yourself, you can book a small group day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira. Prices of course vary according to the level of comfort you choose. Another option is to rent a car with a driver . This is a great option if you like privacy and want to travel at your own pace, without the hassle of driving the car yourself. Hiring a local driver is always a good idea when you visit Morocco and it’s not even as expensive as you may think.

Bus travel is the cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Essaouira, so the vast majority of visitors use the Supratours Bus. The journey takes 3 hours, with a 20 minute comfort break enroute. There are six buses per day between the two cities and the cost is 80-100MAD/person.

If you choose to visit Essaouira independently, consider allowing some extra time to stop along the way to take pictures, or visit some other small attractions in the Souss-Massa-Draa region. You’ll want to arrive in Essaouira before the bus tours arrive. The driving takes roughly 3 hours and even though we left Marrakech very early in the morning, we only arrived in Essaouira around 11:30 a.m.

If you book a tour, you may be given the choice to visit the city with a local guide, before having some free time. The tour guide will take you to see the highlights of Essaouira and also gives you some insights into its history, which is very useful.

In most cases the walking tour in Essaouira is included in the price of your trip from Marrakech. However, if it’s not included don’t pay extra for a guided tour. Essaouira’s Medina is much smaller and friendlier than the medinas of the big cities in Morocco. Definitely more fun to roam!

The 10 Best Things to Do in Essaouira on a Day Trip

In contrast to Marrakech, which is crazy and chaotic, your trip to Essaouira will seem like a relaxing break. It is calm and peaceful, with beautiful beaches, blue and white houses, and colorful stalls filled with all kinds of souvenirs . Just perfect for a lazy summer day!

However, if you only have one day in Essaouira, my advice is to skip the beach and head straight to the port and the Medina, where all the action is!

The first place that you’ll come across in Essaouira is the old fishing harbor, so you can’t miss it. Wandering through the harbor is like a trip back in time, when fishermen lacked the modern technology. You can see these hard working men mending their nets, building or repairing their boats, and bringing their daily catch ashore.

The port is incredibly picturesque, filled with small blue wooden boats, as far as the eye can see. You have endless opportunities for photography in the port – people, boats, fish and other creatures – all on the background of the ancient fortress walls.

Right next to the fishing harbor is one of Essaouira’s most colorful (and smelly!) attractions: the fish market. Early in the morning, this place bustles with local fish lovers and buyers. Take time to browse through stands piled high everything from fish, shrimp and lobster, to eel, squid and octopus.

The fish market is a very animated place! Quite smelly, dirty and slippery from fish residue though, so wearing sandals or flip flops around here is not a good idea.

One of the first things that will catch your eye in Essaouira is the Skala du Port fortification, a military platform built to defend the city against invasions. The fort was also used to store weapons and ammunition.

Perched on the ramparts you can still see the centuries old cannons pointing out to sea. The cannons in Essaouira were a gift of the European merchants to the Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah of Morocco.

There are plenty of lookout points up on the city walls, so on a sunny day you’ll enjoy great panoramic views of the Bay of Essaouira and the Medina. From a specific point, you will be able to see the island of Mogador. 

If you climb the ramparts early morning, you’ll hear the sound of waves crushing into the walls. And if you don’t have to return to Marrakech in the evening, you’ll have the ramparts all to yourself after those who came to Essaouira for a day trip have left the city.

And if you are a fan of the “Game of Thrones,” you will probably remember these fantastic walls as of one of Khalessi’s fortresses. 

Access to the Skala costs 10 dirham/person, which is roughly €1.

Surrounded by the 18th-century ramparts, the old Medina of Essaouira looks like something out of a storybook. Always buzzing with activity, this is the perfect place to observe the culture of Morocco. Getting lost in the narrow labyrinth of streets with tiny shops and fragrant stalls is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.

Unlike the Medina of Marrakech, where you can’t take two steps without being pressured to buy something, the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere in Essaouira allows you to walk around without feeling that you must stop to shop in order to make your trip worthwhile.

Because of its authentic atmosphere, Essaouira’s Medina was used as a filming location for many movies, such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Hanna, or Othello.

Essaouira is known as a gathering place of art and artists. So not surprisingly, you’ll find art galore everywhere you turn in this city. From beautifully painted walls and doors, to street art vendors and art shops, there is plenty of art to admire here.

But we didn’t expect to find sophisticated art galleries in this small port town on the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these galleries are housed in obscure shops, on the narrow streets of the Medina. But others are located in large halls and spacious riads with unique architectural designs.

The galleries in Essaouira display exhibitions of both foreign and local artists from Morocco. We were in awe of these art pieces and wished we could have bought some. Unfortunately, what we liked was too big and difficult to ship overseas.

After wandering the streets of the Medina, head to Le Souk (Essaouira’s bazaars) to barter for jewelry, rugs, pottery, and other tempting crafts take home from Morocco . The small and compact area of the Souk is easy to navigate, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost in it.

Mogador (today’s Essaouira) was once home to a very important community of Jewish merchants. They were famous for promoting the trans-Saharan caravan trade, so the King of Morocco encouraged them to settle here. At one point almost 40% of Essaouira’s population was Jewish, living either in the Mellah (Jewish quarter) or the Kasbah (the citadel).

Changes in trade and the founding of the state of Israel in 1948 determined the Jews to leave Morocco. Today there are only a few Jewish families in Essaouira today.

Jewish Museum & Simon Attias Synagogue

If you are interested in the importance of Jewish history and their coexistence with Muslims in Morocco, don’t miss this small, but interesting museum in Essaouira. This place is a vivid reminder that people can live in peace and harmony even when they don’t share the same religious or political beliefs.

Besides the museum, which has a beautiful collection of pictures, books, stories and artifacts, you can also visit the tiny Simon Attias synagogue, which is a gem in itself. Unfortunately all the explanations are in French, but the museum is free and well worth a visit.

Old Jewish Cemetery of Mogador

This is a historic relic well worth a short visit if you have the time. The Old Jewish Cemetery is located outside the wall of the Medina. Since there are no Jews left in Essaouira and very few visitors show interest in visiting this site, the cemetery gate is closed most of the time. However, if you want to gain access to the graveyard, there is a contact phone number just above the entrance.

The Old Jewish Cemetery is not a tourist site, but rather a piece of history of Morocco and its tolerance for all religions. In the middle of the cemetery there is a blue and white Mausoleum for Rabbi Haim Pinto.

Moulay Hassan Square is Essaouira’s the most lively and vibrant square. Formerly known as Place du Chayla, the square now bears the name of the current crown prince of Morocco. Located between the port and the entrance to the Medina, the square offers scenic view of the ocean as well as a number of cafés and restaurants.

All around the square, you can see children playing, musicians performing, seagulls flying, and tourists photographing. There is a parking lot nearby and the square is completely pedestrian.

One of the most interesting things to do in Essaouira is visit an Argan oil cooperative. Here can witness how they produce many of the famous products based on Argan oil. Most Argan oil in Morocco comes from the local cooperatives of Berber women around the cities of Agadir and Essaouira.

It’s very interesting to watch these women use ancient tools to hand press oil from the kernels and complete the elaborate process of creating Argan cream. You can also buy some of these products in their store.

Essaouira is full of street food stands, cafés, and restaurants, all selling delicious Moroccan dishes and seafood. Since we were in Essaouira for only a short trip, we only had the chance to eat here once before returning to Marrakech. But some of the best sea food we ever tried was here, in Essaouira.

We only spent one day in Essaouira, but I wish we had more time in this picturesque town. A day trip seemed too fast paced and we missed out on the beaches. Considering that the trip from Marrakech to Essaouira takes almost 3 hours, I suggest spending at least two days here if you want to enjoy the sights at a relaxed pace.

Having said this, Essaouira is a small place so if you simply plan to visit the Medina and enjoy the coastal fortifications, a full day is sufficient.

READ NEXT : The Magic of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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How to plan a perfect day trip to Essaouira

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by

Essaouira is as small picturesque city facing the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Famous for being perpetually crossed by the Alizée s. Strong trade winds that will make your lovely hat useful as a pen without ink. Essaouira is beautiful as the sound of its windy name. Located at less than 3 hours drive from Marrakech, Essaouira is the ideal location for a day trip or a short weekend away. In this guide, you will discover how to plan the perfect day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech for a full day of fun. Ready for exploring? Let’s go!

Essaouira has always been in my bucket-list of places to visit in Morocco. So, when we planned our 10-day road trip around the country, I decided to “sacrifice” one of the days in Marrakech for a nice day trip. What a great decision! Essaouira is charming and full of lively places. From the animated area of the port, to the (much easier to navigate) medina, to its lovely walls. A walk at sunset in its Atlantic promenade and you will feel like in a movie set with the wind blowing its fresher breeze.

Table of Contents

A (short) history of Essaouira

Essaouira, is different from any other city you can visit in Morocco. Indeed, it has a strong European influence because its proximity to the coast and the past Portuguese and French presence. This shaped its history and architectural appereance since the Middle Ages making it the city that is today. When entering the medina, I had like a sort of déjà vu . Indeed, the city looked somehow similar to Faro in Algarve. Not sure if it was for the type of architecture of the Clock Tower, but the vibes were very similar.

History of a name

There is no better way of knowing a place than by its name. Essaouira’s one have quite an interesting twist. Indeed, we can say that the current name Essaouira (spelled as ESS-ə-WEER-ə) is the modern name of the more ancient city of Mogador . This was actually the official name of the city until the 1960s, when it was changed to the current Essaouira. There’s a debate about the origin of this name. In fact, some believe it originates from the Phoenician word “ migdol ,” meaning “small fortress.” Some others, assume that the name came from a Muslim saint buried in the city called Sidi Mogdoul. The truth is yet to be determined.

Portuguese and French Mogador

Portuguese, started the occupation of the Moroccan coastal cities in 1415. By 1515 they were already occupying 6 different cities and 6 other stand alone fortresses. Cities included Tangier and Azamor at just 15 mins from Casablanca. Fortresses included Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué that later became Agadir and Castelo Real of Mogador in what it would become Essaouira. Nevertheless, the fortress had a short life. Indeed already in 1541, after the fall of Agadir, was abandoned to its destiny and fell in the hands of local pirates. French tried to occupy Mogador in 1629 but this initial occupation never happened as they returned back to Sale’ after gaining a good trade agreement with the Sultan. The fortress of Mogador was later destroyed in the late 18th century.

The foundation of Essaouira

The current city of Essaouira is relatively modern compared to the rest of Moroccan cities. Indeed, it was founded by the Moroccan King Mohammed III in the mid 18th century. His main objective was that of building a royal port known to the world that was as close as possible to Marrakech. The construction of the city started in 1760 under the direction of the French architect Théodore Cornut in collaboration with other European and Moroccan architects.

It is widely recorded that Cornut’s work was influenced by the work of the military engineer Vauban at Saint Malo. Indeed, both cities have similar appearance with their large bastions and the citadel enclosed within the walls. Cornut itself wanted to be in charge of the Kasbah area’s construction. Since its completion in 1770 till the 19th century, Essaouira was regarded as Morocco’s most important port. It was famous as the Port of Timbuktu thanks to its straight road to the central Morocco leading to the Atlas Mountain and desert.

Even after the bombardment and destruction of the Mogador fortress in 1844 and the French Protectorate until 1956, Essaouira remained a central location for sea trade.

Today, the medina of Essaouira (former Mogador) is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This because it represents an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context.

Essaouira travel information

Here below you will find all the essential information to plan a perfect day trip to Essaouira.

How many days do I need in Essaouira?

Essaouira is a relatively small city. We found that one day trip for us it was satisfying to check-off all its main landmarks. However, if you want to savour more the local cuisine or have a better understanding of the city off the main beaten path, 2 days would be the right amount of time to explore.

Getting to Essaouira

Reaching Essaouira is very straightforward. Indeed, the city has been purposely built to be the closest port city to Marrakech. So, it proposes itself as a natural destination to visit for a day trip. We personally drove from Marrakech but, if without car, Essaouira is well-connected also by public transport.

Driving to Essaouira

Driving to Essaouira is very simple. The city is at less than 3 hours from Marrakesh and you’ll drive a route called N8 than R207 that is all straight (so you can’t get it wrong). As the route is straight and boring, I recommend you to download a podcast or a playlist to listen along the way.

We rented a car from Avis Downtown in Marrakech and this is my recommended rental for the trip as they were very professional with zero attempt to scam us (yes, I am looking at you Jordan ).

The only thing you should pay attention when driving along this road, are speed cameras and police checkpoints. Indeed, it looks like this is one of the most surveilled routes in Morocco and speed infringements are heavily fined. The maximum speed you can go is 80 mph. Therefore, don’t expect to arrive earlier than you should. At the entrance of Essaouira, you’ll see a big police checkpoint where the maximum speed is 20 mph. Don’t go faster, or they’ll stop you and fine you.

Key swingers in Essaouira

As soon as we entered the city and passed the main police check-in, we saw something very unusual. Quite a lot of people jumped in front of our car or tried to approach us while driving by swinging some keys up in the air. I looked at Alessio and I literally said “what’s going on with these people?”. Some of them swinged their keys in the distance, some others were more aggressive and literally jumped in front of the car (yes we risked a few times to hit one of them trying to find parking). It took a while for us to figure it out what was going on. Especially because there was no info online about this weird “phenomenon” and nothing similar happened during our days in Marrakech.

We later discovered those people were trying to sell rental accommodations to possible tourists/local visitors in Essaouira. I honestly never seen anything like this before. In fact, it wasn’t just a matter of 1 or 2 people. A single road had at least 20 swingers. So, imagine how many we had to avoid until reaching the parking.

They are totally harmless, of course (if one doesn’t consider the possibility of getting hit by a car). But I thought I would write a few words about them because you will likely encounter them, yet finding information about them is difficult.

We saw some key swingers also in Chefchaouen but not as many as in Essaouira.

Parking in Essaouira

Parking in Essaouira, particularly during summer, can be a problem. Indeed, the city is quite popular for its beaches and summer festivals, so many Moroccans head there in summer. In this regard, on my map I saved a parking called “Parking Moulay Al Hassan” that turned out to be closed for some kind of festival that day. This was the biggest parking close to the city. After a moment of panic, we found another parking that on the map is just called “Parking lot”.

This is free to use (the other parking has a fee) and it’s just by the beach and just 6 mins walk from Sqala du Port. I pinpointed it on the map above. Not sure if the other parking will open on regular days but this one is a great alternative.

Arrive by public transport

Essaouira, is well-connected by public transport. In fact, there are two main coach services you can use to reach the city if not self-driving.

These are CTM and Supratours . CTM is the national company in Morocco, they provide newer and reliable buses with routes all around the country. The only downside is that they don’t have multiple departure times for certain destinations (e.g. for Essaouira), therefore if a slot is complete you should check different providers.

Soupratours is managed by ONCF and the tickets can be bought from the same website . Conversely to CTM they have multiple departures for certain destinations and their bus stations are generally closer to the city centre/medina than CTM. Soupratour bus tickets are 100 MAD one way. CTM tickets are slightly cheaper (90 MAD) but there is only one departure for Essaouira at 8.30 am.

Day trip to Essaouira. Getting around the city

Getting around Essaouira is very easy. In fact, the city is fully walkable and you don’t need a car or public transport to move from one place to another. However, if you have mobility problems, please note some part of the city are not accessible. This regards particularly a part of the ramparts and walls.

A perfect day trip to Essaouira

The below is exactly the itinerary we followed for our day trip to Essaouira. If you depart early enough from Marrakech (e.g. around 8/8.30 am), you should arrive by 11/11.30 am. This will give you plenty of time to explore the medina before heading for lunch.

If you arrive by 11 am, you have at least 2 hours to spend around the medina before lunch! This is perfect to explore the Medina markets and the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum .

Explore Essaouira Medina and its souks

The Medina of Essaouira corresponds to the former Mogador. It’s surrounded by the 18th-century bastions and regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you have already visited Marrakech, you will notice a lot of differences between the two medinas. Indeed, Marrakech is chaotic and loud, full of vendors and tourists walking any walkable space (without counting the motorbikes!). The Medina of Essaouira couldn’t be more different. In fact, most of it is made of very quiet roads where children play football and residents live a quiet life.

In the central area, particularly in the main street Avenue de l’Istiqlal , you can find the souqs and fish markets. You’ll feel the smell of the fish markets much before you’ll see them as the air in that area is completely pervaded. As much as I don’t like fish, this smell reminds me a lot of the Pescheria in Catania (the city where I grew up). So I couldn’t help but feel somehow at home. One of the souks to check-out is certainly the one at Place du Marché aux Grains that has a lot of lovely shops.

Tips for photographing the Medina of Essaouira

It’s already known that Moroccan people don’t like much being photographed (who can blame them after all?). Nevertheless, people from Essaouira are particularly sensitive about the topic. You have to be very careful and trying to don’t photograph people’s faces directly (even at distance). Of course, sometimes is unavoidable due to the crowd, but be careful as much as possible.

In fact, I believe they don’t like people with cameras regardless of what they are photographing. I tell you this because I was trying to photograph a cat and a random man came to me telling me I couldn’t take pictures on the street (whaaat?). Other two people wanted to see what picture I shoot fearing they were in it. Of course they weren’t, but they saw me shooting at distance so they thought I was catching them. If you are a woman traveling alone, people (men) approaching you and asking you (not very politely) to see your shots can be quite intimidating. Therefore be careful. Better safe than sorry!

Visit the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum

The Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum is the history museum of Essaouira. This has been named after the city’s founder, King Mohammed III. This museum is hosted in a 1800 colonial house and displays some of the oldest items belonging to the Gnawa ethinic group. These can’t really be found anywhere else. There is also a carpet hall displaying some beautiful handcrafted items of the area.

Nevertheless, my favourite part was actually the building itself. Indeed, this old building is one of a kind. Before hosting the museum, it was a seigniorial riad with a large number of rooms. Where now appears the staircase, there was a lovely courtyard with a large central fountain. The riad was transformed into the City Hall during the French protectorate. During this period, the courtyard was transformed and the staircase was built instead.

To me it still looks like a riad, but with a modern twist makes it a unique type of building. As you can expect, not many people know about this museum (the all coming for the Game of Thrones location uh?). Therefore, when we visited, it was absolutely deserted. This gave us a lot of time, not only to visit the exhibition but also to take some lovely pictures.

On a side note, I noticed that most explanatory cards on the item displayed were only in French or Arabic. Therefore, if you don’t speak those languages it’s hard to determine what are you are looking at. Nevertheless, you can ask at the entrance the mini English guide and the lady will give this to you (it’s free of charge).

Information for visit

The entrance fee to the museum is 60 MAD to be paid in cash.

The address is 161 Avenue Mohamed Zafzaf, Essaouira 44000, Morocco

After our morning tour it was time for a lovely lunch!

Where to eat in Essaouira

The food scene in Essaouira is exciting! There are a lot of nice places. Little rooftop cafes, terrace bars, traditional restaurants and, of course, the best places where to have grilled fresh fish. There is literally something for everyone. After days of tagines in Marrakech, when I heard of this little brunch place called Mandala Society I was super excited to try it!

The restaurant is located on the main street of Essaouira. The space of the restaurant is very cosy and organised in multiple levels. There are not many tables and the restaurant is super popular. Therefore is better to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Mandala Society serves brunch until 2 pm and this is amazing because the brunch board includes a brunch dish, fresh orange juice and coffee. I personally take the Mandalavoca (but with bagel) and my husband enjoyed a Mandala quesadilla (all pictured above).

If by any chance Mandala Society doesn’t have space, another nice place for lunch is Cafe’ Clock.

Mandala Society Address

Av. de l’Istiqlal, Essaouira, Morocco

After a very filling lunch, it’s time to check off some well-known places. I am talking about the Essaouira Ramparts and the famous Sqala du Port , both set locations of Game of Game of Trones in Morocco. We ended up our tour with a walk in the fishing harbour of the city.

Walk the Essaouira Ramparts and walls

The Ramparts of Essaouira and the remaining walls are located towards the northern part of the city. These surviving walls and their ramparts are fully walkable and free to access for visitors. They wall part is also accessible to wheelchairs. Nevertheless the Rampart of Mogador (central picture) is separated from the walls by some non-accessible steps.

The Rampart of Morgador is part of the original wall belt. Also the cannons on the walls date back to the 16th century. During the day, this part of the city is very crowded. So a better option for visiting is getting here at sunset time. Moreover sunset from the Essaouira ramparts is really special!

Don’t forget to explore the lower part of the walls. Here you can find a lot of pottery stores and handicraft boutiques. If you have some additional time, end your walk with a visit to the little museum La cité heureuse Essaouira hosting some lovely reproductions of the city walls.

Have a GoT moment at Sqala du Port

Most tourists think that Sqala du Port is just the famous GoT bastion (first photo). Nevertheless, Sqala du Port is the entire fortified area of the harbour. Sqala du Port was built in 1769, ordered by Mohammed III. It was built over the Castle of Mogador of which stones were used for this fortification.

The entire fortification functioned as a defensive artillery for the port area. It was built in Manueline style and is formed by two main bastions (first and third photo) and a central monumental gate (second photo) called Bab el-Marsa, which served as access to the city. The most famous (and photographed) bastion is called Borj el-Barmil.

Unfortunately, climbing Borj el-Barmil is forbidden. To take some nice pictures, you have to get down to the boats’ floating platform (trying to not fall into the water). The bastion close to Bab el-Marsa instead is accessible, although I though was inhabited by someone giving the hanging clothes.

Explore the Essaouira fishing harbour

If you want to see some action, the fishing arbour of Essaouira is the best place. In the space of 30 mins we saw: children and teens jumping into the water from the bastions, boats coming and go with fresh fish cargo, people queuing to buy fish and even people cooking fish.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t take many pictures because it was quite a crowded area and I didn’t want any issue, but I really wish I could! The port area starts at Borj el-Barmil and continue for about 2 km. Most of the area is currently under renovation so it’s not fully walkable as there are works in progress.

If you are a big fan of fish dishes, you probably should’t miss the Marssa Grillade restaurant. I would say that more than a restaurant is just 4 tables under two parasols. However, the special thing about this place is that they grill fish that was just caught or you can bring your own fish and grill it there. So, you can’t find anything fresher than this in the city. We saw a long queue of tourist waiting for a table and many other sitting already there and looking like they were having the best meal of their lives. So I suppose the fish was delicious.

For your convenience I pinpointed the place in the map above.

Sunset goodbye drink at Salut Maroc

After a full day exploring this lovely city, it was time for us to say goodbye and get back to Marrakech. But not before having a sunset (in our case pre-sunset because it was 5.30 pm) drink at one of the nicest restaurants/bar in Essaouira: Salut Maroc.

The restaurant and bar of Salut Maroc are located on the rooftop of a 18th-century riad just on the walls of Essaouira. This was former Merchant’s house and later a Consulate building that is now been converted into a lovely boutique hotel (and restaurant at the top).

It’s one of the nicest places where to have a drink (or even a meal) as it offers an unbeatable view on the coast and the historic ramparts of Essaouira. From here you can spot also the small Îles Purpuraires (Purple Islands). Ancient islands where the Romans used the purple dye extracted from molluscs plucked from the bay, to dye their imperial togas. One of the two small islands is the Isle of Mogador where the ruins of the former fortification still lie.

Where to stay in Essaouira

I haven’t personally stayed in Essaouira because I visited just for a day trip. However, I worked long enough in this sector to know when a place is worth the extra cash. I selected below a few places that I would personally choose if I had to plan an overnight stay in the city.

Luxury stay in Essaouira

There are not many luxury hotel chains in Essaouira or, more precisely, there are many places that call themselves “luxury X” but they are not real 5 stars hotels. A name that can grant certainly a more luxurious experience is Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa . This is located slightly off the city’s area but this is repaid by a quiet environment, sophisticated interiors and access to the beach.

If you don’t want to give up to a city stay but still want to enjoy a luxury vibe Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & Châteaux is centrally located. It offers breathtaking views on the Medina in a historical charming house.

Boutique hotels in Essaouira

If you have a mid-range budget but still want to enjoy a lovely place and great service, boutique hotels are usually the best. As I mentioned before, Salut Maroc is principally a hotel, which happen to have a fantastic rooftop bar! The whole place is super colourful and the rooms are decorated with fantastic patterns.

Hotel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa sea & spa – Mgallery is also a valid option if you want an upscale stay rather than a historical house.

Budget stays in Essaouira

If you want to stay within a budget without compromising on the quality, Vent des Dunes is cheap, highly rated, close to the city and they even provide an airport shuttle. An additional lovely option is Riad Chbanate. This lovely riad is finely decorated, has a spectacular rooftop and even some impressive bath tubes with a view on the Medina.

Eco-friendly stay in Essaouira

I decided to post also about eco-friendly places to stay because it’s a cause I care a lot and there are a growing amount of people in search of places that are proud of their respect for the planet. One lovely eco-friendly stay in Essaouira is Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. Particularly their Ecodomes, that according to the description from the hotel are “based on a sustainable architecture model, the Ecodomes are built from local materials, only using what can be found in the region of Essaouira. The round constructions are naturally anti-seismic and autonomous in energy. Each room is an individual Ecodome as part of our boutique hotel concept, ensuring the privacy of every guest”.

Day trip to Essaouira. Map of all the locations

Find here the map of all the locations mentioned in this blog to find them easily. This includes also the hotels and restaurants mentioned. Some hotels are outside the city and you’ll need to move the map a little further to find them.

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I loved the detailed information you provided. Essaouira is actually my favorite city in Morocco. It’s more laid back in our experience, and was a great respite after the craziness of Marakech.

What a detailed blog post, loved the location map which makes finding everything easier!

Wow what a detailed guide!! I would feel very prepared 🙂

I love doing day trips when traveling! Would love to try out essaouira! Looks like a picturesque place to visit. Thanks for sharing all your recommendations!

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Essaouira Day Trip

• 9 / 10 2,733 reviews | 24,190 travellers An Essaouira excursion is worth it if, like us, you want to get out of the chaos of Marrakech, a trip that takes about 6 hours in total to relax in the very quiet streets and enjoy a good lunch. The host is an expert guide and the Essaouira guide is also good and explains a little about the history of Essaouira for the first hour and a half as soon as you get off. We suggest 8 Giacomo Pruccoli
• Free cancellation up to 1 hours before the service starts

On this day trip from Marrakech, we'll visit Essaouira, The Pearl of the Atlantic , a city of fishermen where friendliness is the main virtue . 

Leaving The Red City behind we set a course for the coast until, after a journey of three hours, we arrive at  Essaouira  "The Pearl of the Atlantic."

Once in  Essaouira , you'll have free time to admire its fortifications , the fishing port and the labyrinthian old town, where you can bask in the atmosphere and the day-to-day life of its inhabitants. The town too boasts a seemingly unending beach and it's recommended to try the delicious freshly caught fish and seafood .

The tour will then set off back to Marrakech, returning to the city after a total of 11 hours. And from this point onwards, you'll never again ask why celebrities such as Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix fell in love with Essaouira.

Private excursion

If you want to enjoy an exclusive tour, you can reserve this private day trip from Marrakech .

If you're staying inside the Medina, please meet us at the following location: restaurant Café de France , in Jemaa el Fna Square . 

If your hotel is located outside the Medina or on the outskirts of Marrakech, the pickup will have an extra fee of € 10 ( US$ 10.70) - € 40 ( US$ 42.60), depending on the distance.

More Information

The activity takes place with a tour assistant that speaks in English and other languages.

Transport by 4x4 or luxury minibus

English–speaking driver

14% discount on the official ticket price.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up until 10 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Maroc Expedition Show more

Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Do the vehicles have child seats?

A - Yes. When making your reservation please indicate that you would like this service in the comments.

Q - Does the tour visit any of the cooperatives where the Argan is made?

A - A stop may be made, should timings on the tour permit.

Q - Which hotels are included in the free pick up?

A - We will contact you to specify the exact pick up time and place.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Jemaa el Fna square

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One Day In Essaouira: A Relaxing Day Trip From Marrakech

Africa , Morocco , Travel | May 9, 2018

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you buy anything mentioned here. It doesn't cost you anything extra.

While I was in Marrakech recently, I fell in love with the red city’s colours, culture and buzz. But after a few days in its grips, I was keen to escape and see some of Morocco’s coastline, so my friends and I hired a driver and planned a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.

We had the most idyllic day in Essaouira, just wandering around and taking the destination in. Although it was cooler thanks to the strong sea breeze, it felt a lot more resort-like than the red city and so it made for a refreshing day trip from Marrakech.

The salty air in Essaouira was the sleep-inducing kind, and after a day exploring the slow-paced city I could happily have curled up in a leafy courtyard for an afternoon nap.

A lot of people day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech because it’s a Game of Thrones filming location. Having never seen the series, that claim to fame was a bit lost on me. I may be the last person on earth to have not watched it!

What to do on a day trip to Essaouira, Morocco

Watch my full Essaouira travel vlog

In case you’re in Morocco and planning to spend a day in Essaouira, I’ve created this guide to having one perfect day in Essaouira. It includes details of how to get to Essaouira from Marrakech, either on a tour or by car, and all the best things to do in Essarouira once you’re there.

How to get to Essaouira from Marrakech

The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira takes around three hours and is mainly just one straight road.

We pulled over to see the most curious sight: half a dozen goats perched on tree branches ten foot from the ground, munching their way through the argan tree berries. Apparently they love the fleshy part of the fruit.

This was totally set up for tourists, because there were people asking for money, but I figured the goats are probably happy to be eating so it’s not entirely cruel.

I posted about this on my Instagram story and was inundated with people trying to educate me about goats’ abilities! I know they can jump and climb etc, but they’d definitely been put into the tree by humans – you can see the extra branches that have been added to support them. Make of it what you will. At least these people are earning from it who would otherwise be destitute, I guess?

Essaouira tours from Marrakech

If you don’t fancy driving and would prefer to book an excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech, check out the options below.

Alternatively, you can book a tour to Essaouira from Agadir using one of the below options.

Argan oil cooperatives near Essaouira

On the way to Essaouira, we passed some argan oil cooperatives. I didn’t actually get to experience this because the people I was travelling with had already visited a few before I arrived and were over it (boo!) but many hired drivers will take you in without you even asking – they usually have agreements with certain places to bring custom their way.

I’d have liked to have visited one of these cooperatives, especially because they provide opportunities for local women and seem like a fair way to help the economy. This article should help you choose an ethical argan oil cooperative to visit. If you’re interested in learning more about it, this half-day tour includes insight from a berber family.

Essaouira’s Citadel and fish market

Our first port of call in Essaouira was the eighteenth century citadel. The historic fort has a great view over the busy fishing port with its clusters of blue moored boats – but make sure you take a walk along the pier to see the action close-up, too.

Walking around Harbour Scala, you’ll step over fishermen’s ropes as seagulls soar in the sky above you, see (and smell!) fresh fish being sold from makeshift stalls, and hear the cries of locals shouting over the whip of the wind.

This area was once Morocco’s main trading port,  and saw goods from sub-Saharan Africa to Timbuktu, then through the desert and over the Atlas mountains to Marrakech.

Be warned: this area is pungent! We were glad to retire into the shelter of the old city walls.

Essaouira’s medina

The walls embracing the city date back to the 1760s and reminded me a lot of Dubrovnik . You can climb the ramparts and look out over the cannons to the thrashing Atlantic.

Inside, the high walls hide a typical Moroccan treasure trove of souks selling handicrafts, rugs, clay dishes, spices and all sorts of other trinkets.

Essaouira’s colourful parade of souks is absolutely charming and it’s no surprise that the medina is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

To me, they felt like a sanitised version of Marrakech’s souks and while I appreciated the red city for its bold personality, I loved how relaxing Essaouira’s medina felt in comparison. It didn’t feel like anyone was hustling too hard and I was less wary of being scammed.

Some of the shops themselves are beautiful to look at, and you can pop into various courtyards and gardens. You’ll notice a European influence in the city’s architecture – this is due to years of attempted colonisation.

Essaouira is painted with a palette you’d usually associate with Greece, and its blues and whites are a far cry from the baking hot red walls of Marrakech.

The town’s name translates as ‘little picture’, and Essaouira is certainly photogenic!

Local insight makes all the difference when you only have one day in a new destination, so consider booking a half day tour of Essaouira’s main sights .

Time for a beverage

Sit outside a cafe in one of the many plazas and order a ‘nous-nous’ (half espresso, half steamed milk) or a Flag Special, the local beer.

There are no cars or trucks, just people on foot. And cats, of course. This is still Morocco.

Where to eat in Essaouira

When it comes to eating in Essaouira, take advantage of your coastal location and order the locally-caught sardines. We ate a delicious meal at Le Coast in the medina – but there are plenty of fish restaurants to choose from.

You might like to try a foodie-focused tour of Essaouira with a local to learn more about local cuisine. Check prices and details here .

Beach activities in Essaouira

The strong Alizés winds keeps sunbathers at bay, but Essaouira’s long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Or if you’re feeling energetic, try windsurfing. The conditions are perfect for it!

Other things to do in Essaouria

• Visit the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah History Museum
• Take a cooking class
• Go horseback riding
• Book a quad biking adventure
• Visit an art gallery – there are loads in Essaouira!
• Experience Gnawa Music with a local

Where to stay in Essaouira

If you decide to elongate your day trip from Marrakech and stay longer in Essaouira (I don’t blame you!), there are plenty of riads and hotels to choose from.

We had a look around Dar L’Oussia and basically didn’t want to leave. We found it quite by accident as soon as we ambled through the city gate, and ended up returning for a cup of mint tea while we waited for our driver. Aside from the glorious blue and white central courtyard, there’s a nautical-themed rooftop terrace that makes for the perfect place to relax.

Wanna go big? Those looking for a luxury place to stay in Essaouira might like  Atlas Essaouira & Spa which has five stars and a beachfront location.

Search all Essaouira accommodation on booking.com using the map below.

Read my four day itinerary for Marrakech

Solo female travel tips for Morocco

Use my favourite travel companies to plan and book your trip

I hope you found this guide to having the perfect day trip in Essaouira useful! The most difficult thing about writing this article was trying to repeatedly spell Essaouira correctly…

If you’d like to see more travel guides and stories from me, please follow While I’m Young on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  from more updates from the UK and beyond. You can also  subscribe to my newsletter  to make sure you never miss a post.

hellojenniferhelen says

May 9, 2018 at 10:45 am

I love all the bright colours, I wish we’d visited when we went to Marrakech, but we went into the desert instead and trekked into the dunes on camels!

Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog says

May 9, 2018 at 1:45 pm

It looks stunning and so different to Marrakech! LOVE the roof top terrace x

May 10, 2018 at 2:04 pm

We stayed a few nights in Essaouira at Heure Blue after a few nights in Marrakech and I’m so glad we did!! It’s so beautiful here isn’t it! We loved the laid back vibe and of course the food!

May 10, 2018 at 4:10 pm

Since visiting Tangier earlier this year, I have been desperate to visit Marrakech! I had no idea Essaouira was so close by. These photos are defo fuelling my wanderlust.

Dear Disha | A Year Abroad Blog (escribo en Español también)

May 12, 2018 at 4:54 pm

I have never heard of this place. Thanks so much for sharing, it is great to get recommendations for hidden gems!

Lana @ TravelSavvyGal says

May 12, 2018 at 11:54 pm

Great article, I had no idea it was such a close and easy drive to get here. Stunning photos, I’m definitely inspired to go!

TheGlobetrotterGP says

May 13, 2018 at 12:52 am

This looks amazing! Id love to visit!

Pat @ Travel ETA Australia says

May 18, 2018 at 7:03 am

Wow very interesting post. Nice pictures And amazing experience, Keep it up!

• PRIVATE MOROCCO DESERT TOURS
• SHARED DESERT TOURS
• PRIVATE MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS
• SHARED MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS

Private Day Trip From Marrakech To Essaouira

An exclusive escape to the Fishermen town of Essaouira

Enjoy a private day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira , a lovely and calm seaside town only two hours and a half away from Marrakech. First, visit the famous port with its blue boats and flocks of seagulls flying above, and let the sea breeze refresh you as you walk on top of the Skala du Port and along the 6km long sandy beach. Then, treat yourself to a delicious seafood lunch, and take a walk in the old Medina of Essaouira .

Marrakech to Essaouira Day Trip Highlights

• Discover the coastal town of Essaouira on a day trip.
• Admire a rare scene of goats climbing Argan trees.
• Learn about Argan oil processing at a ladies artisanal factory.
• Visit the Medina of Essaouira with its bastions and labyrinthine streets.
• Walk to the fishing port and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
• Enjoy a walk on the sandy beach of Essaouira.

Day Trip to Essaouira Itinerary

Marrakech → essaouira.

Start your Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech at 08h00 AM. Cross the Houaz Plains towards the village of Sidi Lmokhtar just West of Marrakech. You will have a coffee break and continue past the unique Argan trees forest located in this area. It is where you will find goats climbing trees searching for Argan nuts, a wonderful and rare sight to behold. You can stop at a local cooperative that processes Argan oil before continuing to Val d’Argan, a vineyard established by a French wine connoisseur. Should you choose so, you can partake in some wine before leaving for Essaouira. Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide, who will walk you to the city. You will visit the Medina, the Mellah (old Jewish quarter), the Kasbah (old military bastion), and the fishermen’s port. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will be free to enjoy the city, with its beautiful beaches and relaxed mood; enjoy a cup of coffee or mint tea at the famous Place Moulay Elhassan while listening to atmospheric Gnawa music played. After that, your driver will take you back to Marrakech. Your Marrakech to Essaouira day trip will end around 18h00, as your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad.

Marrakech to Essaouira Private Day Tour Prices

• A/C modern vehicle driven by an English/French speaking driver.
• Local guide English speaking guide in Essaouira.
• Pick up and drop off at a location of your choice in Marrakech.

Not included

• Lunch & beverages.
• Entrance fees if any.
• Personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on a day trip from marrakech to essaouira.

Expect a scenic journey to the serene coastal town of Essaouira, where you can explore its historic port, walk along beautiful sandy beaches, and enjoy the charm of its Medina. The trip combines cultural experiences with relaxing seaside ambiance.

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?

The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira typically takes about two and a half hours, allowing you to soak in the views of the Moroccan countryside, including the unique Argan trees, known for their tree-climbing goats.

Is there a chance to learn about local crafts on the Essaouira day trip?

Absolutely! You can visit a local cooperative to learn about the production of Argan oil, a precious commodity in Morocco and an integral part of local artisanal crafts.

Will I have time to relax on the beaches of Essaouira?

Yes, the itinerary includes time to stroll and relax on the 6km long sandy beach of Essaouira. It’s the perfect way to unwind after exploring the town’s historic sites.

Are there dining options available during the Essaouira day trip?

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant, offering fresh catches from the nearby port. It’s a culinary highlight not to be missed on this day trip.

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Viktor Kova?

Hassan was our driver on several occasions during our stay in Morocco, and he even took us on a day trip to Essaouira. He was always great at staying in touch and making sure we were punctual. What made the experience even better was his role as an excellent guide throughout our journeys. When we reached Essaouira, a wonderful guide was already there to greet us. We got the chance to make stops along the way to check out the Argan co-ops and see the goats – every single detail seemed to be perfectly organized. And a delightful bonus was the enjoyable conversations and music that accompanied us throughout the rides. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hassan and Marrakech Desert Trips services – they really made our trip special!

Olivia Ramirez

We had a wonderful journey in a cozy vehicle, expertly driven by our guide, Abdel. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information with us! When we arrived in Essaouira, we were greeted by our friendly local guide, Abdul. One delightful surprise was when we made a stop for some truly fresh mint tea and a tasty snack – it added a really nice touch to the experience.

Valentina Silva

Exploring the coastal city of Essaouira is a fantastic choice for a day trip from Marrakech. Our journey was made even better by Mohamed, our driver and guide, who provided us with plenty of interesting insights and was always polite throughout the drive. Once we arrived, the friendly local guide Ahmed showed us around the old city. He pointed out the fascinating history of the Jewish population that used to thrive here – a culture that has left its mark but has sadly faded over time. I highly recommend this experience. Enjoy!

Leila Nguyen

After enjoying two amazing day trips with Mohamed from Marrakech Desert Trips during our week-long stay in Marrakesh, we decided to include a trip to Essaouira with him as our guide. Mohamed’s knowledge and friendly demeanor had already impressed us. Unlike our previous day trips, the journey to Essaouira had a more relaxed pace, focusing on exploring the Medina – the ancient part of the city. Our local guide, Hamid, who introduced us to the old city, displayed genuine passion and a deep understanding of his hometown. He went above and beyond to show us lesser-known corners of the city, all without any pressure to visit shops. During our travels to and from Essaouira, Mohamed engaged us in insightful conversations about Moroccan life and the sights we encountered along the way.

Jackson Bennett

I had the pleasure of joining Hassan on my second day trip, and just like the first time, it was fantastic. He truly is an exceptional guide – warm, welcoming, and always ready to assist. Right on time, he picked me up from my hotel and had organized a fantastic local guide for our time in Essaouira. Exploring the old city was a delight, with its charm fully embraced. Later, we savored a lovely beachside lunch before making our way back to Marrakech. Working with this company has been a wonderful experience, and Hassan’s expertise shines through. He’s simply the best!

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Essaouira

Day trips from essaouira.

• Essaouira to Marrakech
• Essaouira to Meknes
• Essaouira to Ouzoud
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• Essaouira to Casablanca
• Essaouira to Agafay
• Essaouira to Massa
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Full Day Trip to Essaouira From Marrakech

Set out on a full-day excursion from Marrakech to Essaouira, where a tapestry of culture, history , and scenic vistas await. While the journey promises enriching experiences, the blend of authenticity and convenience is what sets this trip apart.

From the bustling markets to the tranquil seaside, every moment offers a new perspective worth exploring. As the day unfolds, travelers are left with lasting memories and a sense of wonder.

But what hidden gems lie beyond the surface of this captivating journey?

• Immerse in Essaouira’s cultural tapestry and coastal beauty
• Ensure safe and reliable transportation services for a seamless trip
• Explore historic sites, bustling markets , and scenic beaches
• Indulge in local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

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Trip Itinerary Overview

For a comprehensive understanding of the Essaouira day trip from Marrakech, the itinerary offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty.

Travelers can engage in various beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming , and water sports while experiencing the rich local traditions .

The trip includes visits to historical sites like the Skala de la Ville, a historical fortification offering panoramic views of the ocean, and the Mellah , the old Jewish quarter that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Essaouira.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets, where you can witness artisans practicing traditional crafts.

This well-rounded itinerary ensures that participants not only enjoy the coastal beauty but also explore the cultural tapestry of Essaouira.

Transportation Details

Opt for convenient and comfortable transportation arrangements for your Essaouira day trip from Marrakech. When planning your journey, consider the following to ensure a smooth travel experience:

Travel Logistics : Choose a reliable transportation service that offers timely departures and returns, allowing you to make the most of your day trip.

Accommodation Options : Check for pick-up and drop-off points that are convenient for your location in Marrakech, making the journey hassle-free.

Travel Insurance : Prioritize your safety by investing in travel insurance, providing you with peace of mind throughout your excursion.

Local Customs : Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquettes to respect the culture and traditions of Essaouira. Understanding these aspects can enrich your overall travel experience.

Sightseeing Locations in Essaouira

Enjoy the captivating charm of Essaouira by exploring its diverse and enchanting sightseeing locations. The city offers a blend of beach activities and cultural exploration , making it a perfect destination for a day trip.

Start your journey at the bustling Essaouira Beach, where you can enjoy water sports, camel rides , or simply relax by the sea. Explore the rich history of Essaouira by visiting the Skala de la Ville, a historic fortification offering panoramic views of the ocean.

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Medina, a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, cafes , and art galleries. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant port area, where you can witness local fishermen at work and sample freshly caught seafood.

Dining and Local Cuisine

Indulge in a culinary adventure through Essaouira’s dining scene, where local cuisine reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant flavors. Visitors can savor a variety of local delicacies and enjoy unique culinary experiences . Here are some highlights to entice your taste buds:

• Freshly caught seafood dishes at the bustling portside restaurants.
• Traditional Moroccan tagines bursting with aromatic spices and tender meats.
• Sip on refreshing mint tea while enjoying ocean views from a rooftop cafe.
• Sample local pastries like msemen or chebakia for a sweet ending to your meal.

Exploring Essaouira’s diverse gastronomy is a delightful way to connect with the city’s traditions and flavors.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Exploring beyond the culinary delights of Essaouira, visitors can discover a vibrant shopping scene filled with unique souvenirs and local crafts that capture the essence of this coastal Moroccan gem. Local artisans showcase their talents in creating cultural treasures that are perfect to bring home as mementos of the trip. From intricately designed pottery to colorful textiles and traditional Moroccan spices, the markets in Essaouira offer a wide array of choices for souvenir hunters. Here is a glimpse of what you can find:

Tips for a Memorable Experience

For an unforgettable adventure in Essaouira, consider these essential tips to enhance your experience and make the most of your day trip from Marrakech.

Cultural Immersion : Engage with the local culture by trying traditional foods and interacting with residents.

Language Barriers: Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to communicate effectively with locals.

Weather Considerations: Pack sunscreen, a hat , and water to stay protected from the sun and heat.

Safety Precautions : Be cautious when exploring the Medina’s narrow streets and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Private Marrakech Airport Transfer to Marrakesh
• Marrakech Agafay Desert Dinner in Berber Camp & Camel Ride
• Agafay Desert Package : Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Dinner Shows
• Marrakech Medina Walking Tour: Half-Day Guided Tour
• 3-Day Tour to Merzouga Erg Chebbi With Food & Camel Trek
• Full Package Agafay Desert, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Dinner Show

Common questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Trip to Essaouira?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the trip to Essaouira. While there are food options available, bringing your preferred snacks and drinks is recommended as part of essential packing for a comfortable journey.

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Footwear Recommendations for the Day Trip?

For the day trip, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring. Opt for layers as the weather can change. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the diverse terrains of Essaouira.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Transportation to Essaouira?

Wi-Fi is available on transportation to Essaouira, providing connectivity options for travelers. This amenity ensures access to travel essentials and entertainment options , enhancing the overall journey experience for visitors looking to stay connected on the go.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Entrance Fees Not Included in the Initial Booking Price?

When planning for the trip, travelers should consider potential additional costs for souvenir shopping , tasting local cuisine , visiting historical sites , and engaging in cultural experiences . These expenses may not be initially included in the booking price.

What Language Are the Guides Fluent in During the Tour to Essaouira?

Guides on the tour to Essaouira are fluent in multiple languages, enhancing culture . Engaging travelers in English, French , and Arabic , they provide informative insights. Language proficiency ensures a rich experience, making the trip memorable.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• 3 Days Private Tour From Marrakech to Fes With Luxury Desert Camp
• Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira
• Sahara Desert Tours 4days Start From Fes to Marrakesh .
• Agafay Private Day Trip With Lunch and Camel Ride
• Transfer From Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
• Essaouira Beach 1 Day Trip From Marrakech
• Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga 3 Days
• Desert Agafay Day Trip From Marrakech and Atlas Mountains & Camel Ride
• Experience Quad Bikes 2 Hours Adventure
• Marrakech Half-Day Cultural Walking Tour (No Shopping)
• Private Atlas Mountains Day Trip From Marrakech

Set out on a full-day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira for a captivating journey filled with culture, history, and scenic beauty. With affordable pricing starting at just $88.13, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience.

From exploring sightseeing locations to indulging in local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs, Essaouira offers a blend of activities that cater to all interests.

Follow these tips for a memorable trip and learn about the charm of this coastal gem.

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12 BEST day trips from Essaouira

Posted on Last updated: February 12, 2024

From a short taxi ride out of town to a three hour drive, here we cover the best day trips from Essaouira.

There are so many things to do in Essaouira , but if you’re staying a week or more, or perhaps using Essaouira as a longer-term base for your Morocco travels (indeed Essaouira is a popular destination in Morocco for digital nomads ), you may be looking for some ideas for day trips from Essaouira. Although we wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to chill around the medina sipping mint tea and taking long sunset walks along the beach; Essaouira’s chilled out vibes are very easy to slip into!

But if you do want to explore more of the beautiful Moroccan countryside and coastlines around Essaouira, or perhaps venture further afield to explore a Moroccan city, then here we’ve rounded up for you the best Essaouira day trips.

Self-driving is the easiest way to travel for a day trip from Essaouira. But if you don’t have your own wheels, we have provided other transport options for each destination suggested. Please note that any prices quoted here were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.

Alternatively, why not join a tour with Lou’s Rides who organised day trips into the Essaouira countryside to meet local people and guide you off the beaten track.

If you have more time, you may want to follow our 5-day Agadir to Essaouira road trip itinerary which takes in many of the suggested Essaouira daytrip suggestions below, including Diabat , Sidi Kaouki and Taghazout.

The below map shows the locations of the best day trips from Essaouira.

READ OUR GUIDE: Diabat Distance from Essaouira: 4km (10min drive)

Four kilometres south of Essaouira’s medina is the dusty, sleepy village of Diabat . This is the easiest day trip from Essaouira being only a ten minute drive or beach stroll away.

Back in the early 1970s, Diabat (and Essaouira) was firmly on the hippie trail, solidified by a visit from the legendary musician, Jimi Hendrix, in 1969. He may have only visited for a couple of days (in fact, apparently he wanted to buy Diabat), but this was a good enough reason to open a Jimi Hendrix café and hotel in the village, which are still open today.

Diabat sees only a small fraction of the tourists compared to Essaouira, and the hippie communes are long gone. But if you are visiting Essaouira during the high season months of  July  and  August  and want to escape the crowds, Diabat is the place to come. Visitors only tend to come here for a  quad biking  or horse riding tour, or they may be staying at the  Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa  (which is actually in Diabat rather than Essaouria) and tend to stick to the confines of luxury.

But one of the top things to do in Diabat is to visit the ruins of Dar Sultan Palace , nestled amongst the sand dunes between village and the beach. It has been rumoured that Dar Sultan Palace inspired Jimmie Hendrix to write  Castles Made of Sand .

Getting to Diabat

It’s a very pleasant walk along the shoreline from Essaouira to Diabat (when the river between the two places isn’t flowing). From Diabat beach there’s a wide stone track that leads up to the village (1.5km).

Otherwise, you can flag down a petit taxi from Essaouira to take you to Diabat (read our guide to taking  petits taxis in Essaouira ). Taxis won’t take you along the track to Diabat beach though. Between Essaouira and Diabat, the fare is fixed at 30DH. 

Diabat to Essaouira walk

Escape the hustle and bustle of Essaouira’s medina with this 5km walk from Diabat to Essaouira medina via Dar Sultan Palace, the beach, and a sundowner and one of Essaouira’s beach bars.

2. Sidi Kaouki

READ OUR GUIDE: Sidi Kaouki Distance from Essaouira: 23km (25min drive)

Sidi Kaouki is a surfing beach, 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira. It’s a beautiful spot, but the secret is out on this sandy stretch and you will find a handful of basic restaurants, and locals offering camel and horse rides along the beach.

A large abandoned building stands at the northern end of the sandy beach. This is actually the shrine and pilgrimage site of Sidi Kaouki, a 19th-century marabout (a Muslim religious leader and teacher), and who this Berber village is named after. To the north of this shrine are rock pools to explore, and to the south is the long sandy swathe of beach.

The main reason tourists visit Sidi Kaouki is for the surfing. Indeed the surf here is much stronger than Essaouira beach . There’s a surf shop next to the restaurants, adjacent to the car park, if you want to hire a surfboard or boogie board, or perhaps have lessons. Or if you just wan to relax, hire sun loungers and a parasol on the beach, 50DH for a pair (although laying your towel out on the sand is free). 

Getting to Sidi Kaouki

The easiest way to get to Sidi Kaouki from Essaouira is to take a Grand Taxi. You will need to get to the Grand Taxi station, which is next to the main bus station in Essaouira. Click here for the Google Map point. There is a flat fee of 15DH per person, or 90DH for the whole taxi (i.e. 6 people), to Sidi Kaouki. To get back to Sidi Kaouki, arrange a collection time with your driver. 

Alternatively, you can take a public bus from just outside Bab Doukkala. Head to the blue ‘ Lima Bus, Essaouira ‘ sign on the right as you exit Bab Doukkala and take the Lima bus, Line 2   (7DH per person).

3. Had Draa market

READ OUR GUIDE: Had Draa market Distance from Essaouira: 30km (25min drive)

Had Draa is a dusty, non-descript village in the countryside around Essaouira. But on Sunday mornings it comes alive with the largest markets in the region. It’s a fascinating insight into local culture and enables you to discover authentic rural life in Morocco.

Animals and produce have been traded for centuries at Had Draa Souk, and is the place to come if you need to pick up a camel, goat, or donkey (do check your Ryanair baggage allowance though). There’s also an on-site halal abattoir and stalls selling grilled-meat kebabs.

Aside from livestock, there’s everything from baskets, to fresh fruit and vegetables, carpets, clothes, kitchenware, and much more.

Market sellers arrive from sunrise to set up and much of the cattle selling takes place in the early hours. However, the market is still bustling from 9am to 12pm, so don’t worry about missing breakfast to get there.

Getting to Had Draa market

Local buses leave from outside Bab Doukkala to Had Draa (ask around on a Sunday morning), or take a Grand Taxi from the Grand Taxi station. Either way it’s 10DH per person.

4. Ida Ougourd market

READ OUR GUIDE: Ida Ougourd market Distance from Essaouira: 20km (25min drive)

If your visit to Essaouira does not coincide with the Sunday market at  Had Draa , the next best option in the region is Ida Ougourd , held every Wednesday. Set on a hillside, the market is separated into distinct areas: a large open fruit and veg market spills out in front of the mosque, a Halal abattoir will be found down a little alleyway, and animals are traded in a walled square. There’s even a donkey park (as opposed to a car park).

The market starts from 5am, but is still going around 9am. Between 10am and 11am it’s starting to wind down, and by noon it’s finished.

Getting to Ida Ougourd market

Local buses leave from outside Bab Doukkala to Ida Ougourd (around 7am on Wednesday mornings), or take a Grand Taxi from the Grand Taxi station. Either way it’s 7DH per person.

5. Val d’Argan

READ OUR GUIDE: Val d’Argan winery Distance from Essaouira: 25km (25min drive)

People are often surprised to hear that there has been a vineyard in Essaouira since 1994. Just 25 minutes along the road from the centre of Essaouira to Marrakech is Domaine du Val d’Argan .

Baked by the desert and benefiting from the trade winds off the Atlantic, Domaine du Val d’Argan is the first and only Moroccan vineyard exclusively dedicated to grape varieties of the Rhône Valley. Over the past 20 years, the vineyard has grown from 5 to 50 hectares, with 13 different grape varieties from the Rhône Valley.

Visitors are welcome for wine tasting, or to enjoy Moroccan cooking accompanied by the wines harvested on site. There is also bed and breakfast accommodation available, with guest rooms spread around the gardens with a swimming pool.

Email in advance to reserve your wine-tasting session. The price is 200DH and includes tasting:

• Le Val d’Argan Blanc (white wine)
• Argania du Val d’Argan Blanc (white wine)
• Le Val d’Argan Rosé (rosé wine)
• Le Val d’Argan Rouge (red wine)
• Argania du Val d’Argan Rouge (red wine)

Wine-tasting session times are:

• 11am to 11:30am
• 2:30pm to 3:00pm
• 3:00pm to 3:30pm

Getting to Val d’Argan

There is no shuttle service to the Val d’Argan, so visitors need to make their own way over (a Grand Taxi or private driver). Expect to pay 300DH for the return journey.

6. Les Jardin by Villa Maroc

READ OUR GUIDE: Day pass at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc Distance from Essaouira: 24km (20min drive)

If your Airbnb, riad, or hotel in Essaouira doesn’t have a swimming pool, how about treating yourself to a day pass at a swimming pool?

Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is stylish, small resort, nestled in the Swiri countryside, just off the road to Marrakech, and offers a day pass (11am to 5pm, 320DH per person) for visitors to use the heated swimming pool and dine at the restaurant. This is the sister hotel to Villa Maroc , Morocco’s oldest riad-hotel situated in the heart of the medina.

A transfer from Essaouira’s medina is included in your day pass fee. The BBQ buffet lunch spread is fantastic.

Getting to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc

A transfer from Villa Maroc in the medina is included in your day pass. This is arranged on booking.

7. Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie

READ OUR REVIEW: Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie Distance from Essaouira: 11km (20min drive)

As an alternative option to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc , Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie is an equally beautiful setting and also offers a day pass for non-guests to use their heated pool.

Hidden off a dusty road through the village of Ghazoua, Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie is just a 20 minute drive from Essaouira.

The heated pool is larger, and as the day pass (11am to 6:30pm) to use the pool is slightly cheaper (from 100DH per person), it’s popular with families. The lunch menu is a good selection including pizzas, burgers, tagines, and vegetarian options.

Getting to Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie

On booking, a transfer can be arranged for your from Essaouira (100DH, priced by car rather than person).

READ OUR GUIDE: Things to do in Safi Distance from Essaouira: 124km (2 hour drive)

Rarely on the tourist radar, the coastal town of Safi just a two hour drive north of Essaouira , is famed for its pottery. Indeed, a visit to the Pottery Quarter is one of the top things to do in Safi , Morocco. Although with it’s Portuguese history and coastal location, we believe there is more to this sleepy town and is worthy as a full day trip from Essaouira.

Being an industrial town, Safi is admittedly not as picturesque as Essaouira, and perhaps why it’s off the beaten tourist trail in Morocco. But its Portuguese history provide pockets of interest, including Cathédrale Portugaise, Qasr A Bahr, and the Kechla. Plus a wander around the medina feels far less touristy that Essaouira, and for surfers, Safi provides another excellent surf spot along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline.

En route to Safi from Essaouira, its worth stopping at Oualidia , a sleeping fishing village (renowned for shellfish) spread across a crescent-shaped lagoon with soft sand and gentle waters.

Getting to Safi

If you don’t have your own wheels, a Grand Taxi is the next best option.

CTM also operates a regular bus service between Essaouira and Safi. At the time of writing, the first CTM bus leaves Essaouira at 10am (arriving 12pm) and the last bus leaves Safi at 5:15pm (arriving 7:15pm). The bus station in Safi is south of the town centre, so you will need to get a petit taxi when you arrive (expect to pay 10DH). Once you’re in the town centre, everything is is walkable.

9. Taghazout

Distance from Essaouira: 152km (2.5 hour drive)

Taghazout is characterful surf town just north of Agadir. With its hippy / back-packer vibe, and restaurants hugging the coastline, it’s a wonderful place to spend the day. You can also hire boogieboards for the kids to play in the surf. Hours of fun!

The wind isn’t as strong in Taghazout compared to Essaouira, but the beach is very small and compact. It’s one of those Moroccan towns where there isn’t really a lot to do, but there’s just a really lovely vibe, and for this reason alone makes it a worthwhile day trip from Essaouira.

Getting to Taghazout

Hiring a car or a driver is really the only way to get to Taghazout from Essaouira.

10. Paradise Valley

Distance from Essaouira: 186km (3.5 hour drive)

Paradise Valley is a stunning hidden gorge with ponds to paddle and swim in. Further downstream are cafes along, and even in , the river serving the usual orange juices, tagines, and western food.

As you driver through Taghazout to get to Paradise Valley, it’s worthwhile combining the two for a day trip from Essaouira.

Head to this Google Map point for parking, it’s then a 15 minute walk down to the gorge. Plan to arrive either early in the day or evening if travelling during school holidays as it does get rather busy.

Getting to Paradise Valley

Hiring a car or a driver is really the only way to get to Paradise Valley from Essaouira. Although if you are staying in Agadir, many of the hotels offer a day tour to Paradise Valley.

Distance from Essaouira: 175km (3 hour drive)

Many visitors to Morocco choose between Agadir or Essaouria for a beach holiday as they are the two obvious choices. However, these two Moroccan beach towns offer a very different vibe. Agadir is geared more towards package holiday tourist wanting a sun and pool holiday, whereas Essaouira offers a deeper cultural connection to tourists with its traffic tree medina and working fishing port.

In all honesty, Agadir is not the best representation of Morocco, and you would be forgiven for thinking you were on the Spanish Costas. An earthquake in 1960 destroyed most of the city, which has since been rebuilt into a large grid pattern with concrete being the preferred material.

So why come to Agadir? Well firstly, the long stretch of sandy beach is more sheltered that Essaouira, and Agadir enjoys a slightly warmer climate. If your visit to Essaouira has combined with very gusty winds and you would like to enjoy some calmer days sunbathing on the beach, it may be worth venturing down to Agadir.

Secondly, if you love shopping for a bargain, Agadir has one of the largest and liveliest souks in all of Morocco, Souk El Had. Set in a grid pattern and all undercover, it’s relatively easy to navigate and cool in the summer months. This timeless souk sells absolutely everything; electronics, food, clothes, hardware, toys, the list is seemingly endless. Just be prepared to haggle hard.

Thirdly, Agadir is home to Crocoparc , a superb reptile park and a must if visiting Agadir with kids . The entire park is exceptionally laid out and it is teeming with Nile crocodiles swimming and sunning themselves around a large lagoon. You will also find iguanas, tortoises, snakes, and a very cool cactus garden.

Getting to Agadir

If you don’t have your own wheels, you could arrange for a Grand Taxi to drive you (expect to pay 600DH each way).

The cheapest option is to take the CTM bus . However, at the time of writing, the earliest bus leaving Essaouira to Agadir is 14:30, which arrives at 17:30; not ideal times if you’re planning a day trip from Essaouira and not planning on staying overnight.

However, if you have more time, why not make it into a longer road trip and follow our 5-day Agadir to Essaouira road trip itinerary , which also stops off at Sidi Kaouki, Imsoune, and Taghazout enroute.

12. Marrakech

Distance from Essaouira: 185km (3 hour drive)

Many people visit Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech. It therefore makes sense that you can do a day trip the other way around, from Essaouira to Marrakech! Admittedly, it will be a long day as it’s a three hour drive each way. But if you are basing yourself in Essaouira for a week or so, a day trip to Marrakech is very doable.

Essaouira is far more chilled and relaxed than Marrakech, so if your only experience of Morocco thus far is of Essaouira, be prepared for an assault on the senses, especially in the heart of the medina; motorbikes whizz at speed down the narrow alleyways, shops spill out on to the streets, donkeys dragging carts squeeze through the bustling thoroughfare, and this is all before you’ve reached the exotic fanfare of Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square) with it’s snake charmers, street food, musicians, and teeth sellers (yes, teeth sellers). If you’re visiting Marrakech with kids , do take care with little ones when walking around.

Spend your morning wandering the medina, shopping and browsing, with lunch on a rooftop restaurant overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa. Then in the afternoon, to escape the hustle and bustle of the media, dive into Jardin Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret, or Bahai Palace for some peace.

If you are visiting Essaouira with kids , a worthwhile day trip from Essaouira is the brilliant Oasiria waterpark in Marrakech. Here are a number of slides, a big wave pool, a very long lazy river, a climbing wall that runs alongside a pool, and a whole section devoted to small kids, complete with a pirate ship and more slides.

Getting to Marrakech

To  travel from Essaouira to Marrakech  you can either hire a private transfer (your accommodation host will be able to help you with this), Grand Taxi (expect to pay 600DH each way), or travel by  bus  (which is the cheapest option, especially for single or couple travellers).

The first Supratours bus to Marrakech from Essaouria leaves at 7am and arrives into Marrakech at 10am. The last bus back leaves Marrakech at 7pm and arrived to Essaouira at 10pm. It’s a long, but very doable day trip from Essaouira. Although there are early return buses if you prefer.

However, f you are visiting  Essaouira with kids , you may find that a private transfer is easier and more cost effective for a family. 

Click here  for further information on getting from Marrakech to Essaouira.

Explore Essaouira ebook

Updated for 2024, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira . It is jam packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour (with photos). 

This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Morocco, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour around the medina, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.

If you have found this website useful for planning your Essaouira adventures, you can show your support by  buying Jenny a coffee . Thanks so much!

Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:

The best things to do in Essaouira

Essaouira walking tour (self-guided)

Day trips from Essaouira

How to get around Essaouira

The best restaurants in Essaouira

The best hotels in Essaouira

Essaouira travel FAQs: everything you need to know before your visit

A brief history of Essaouira

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