Shared Day Trip To Essaouira From Marrakech

(1194 Reviews)

Marrakech to Essaouira day tour Overview:

Join us for an exciting day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, one of the hidden gems along the Moroccan Atlantic coast! Also known as Mogador, this charming city features medieval fortifications, a vibrant fishing port, an easy-to-navigate Medina, and beautiful sandy beaches. With its artistic, bohemian vibe and relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira enjoys a pleasant climate and is one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech. Located just two and a half hours away, it offers an accessible and inspiring experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with beauty and exploration!

Marrakech to Essaouira Day trip Highlights:

  • Explore Essaouira’s lively fishing port with iconic blue boats and ocean views.
  • Marvel at the historic Skala Kasbah fortress, built to guard the city against invasions.
  • Stroll through the Medina’s artisan workshops, unique galleries, and bustling markets.
  • Relish a delicious seafood lunch at a terrace overlooking Essaouira’s scenic landscape.
  • Unwind on the expansive sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and watching watersports.

Group Marrakech to Essaouira Day trip itinerary:

Marrakech → Essaouira

Your group day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will start around 08h00 AM with a scenic drive through the Haouz plains. As you approach the village of Chichaoua, which makes for a perfect halfway stop, take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee. The journey continues, and as you near Essaouira, you’ll pass through a forest of Argan trees. Keep an eye out for goats climbing these trees! This presents an excellent opportunity to capture memorable photos before moving on to Essaouira.

During your visit, you will stop at a local Argan oil cooperative to see how Argan oil, often referred to as the “liquid gold” or Moroccan oil, is extracted. You’ll learn about producing fine cosmetic products made from this rich oil. After this, the trip will continue to Essaouira. Upon arrival, you can explore this charming city at your own pace. From experience, exploring Essaouira on your own is quite easy: the locals are friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their culture with you. The Medina is relatively small compared to other old towns in Morocco, and the streets are well-organized. While a guide is not necessary for navigating the city, if you prefer a guided experience, your driver can help you hire a local guide. This way, you can still benefit from the insights and knowledge of a guide while enjoying independent exploration of the Medina.

You can start by visiting the harbor with its fishing port and historical Portuguese fortifications. You can see medieval cannons aligned and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Next, head into the UNESCO Medina, the old city, to witness its well-preserved fortifications dating back to the 18th century. A major landmark in the Medina is La Scala, built to defend against foreign attacks from the sea. You can then proceed to Bab Laalouj, one of Essaouira’s main gates, and explore Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter. The beauty and historical significance of the Medina will surely leave you in awe. You will find a variety of art shops, galleries, souvenir shops, and Thuya woodcraft stores.

Choose one of the local seafood cafes for a delicious lunch, then head to the Kasbah, famous for its historical role as a military bastion. If you enjoy the beach, take a walk along Mogador’s sandy shores and watch locals play beach volleyball. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might join a game for a few minutes—people from Essaouira are not just friendly; they’re open and inclusive! If not, you can relax and sunbathe while watching amateur kitesurfers and windsurfers.

In the late afternoon, you’ll drive back to Marrakech between 07h00 and 08h00 PM, concluding your full-day tour to Essaouira with a drop-off at your hotel or the nearest car-accessible point to your riad.

Tour Price:

Price per person: Days of operation: Number of participants:
19 € Daily 17 Max

What’s Included

  • Hotel or nearby Riad pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with professional English/French-speaking driver
  • Visit to a traditional Argan oil cooperative
  • Ample free time to explore Essaouira independently

What’s Not Included

  • Lunch and beverages in Essaouira
  • Optional local guide in Essaouira

Frequently Asked Questions

how far is Essaouira from Marrakech?

Essaouira is approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) from Marrakech. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route offers scenic views of Morocco’s countryside, including Argan forests and charming rural villages.

Is it possible to swim at the beach in Essaouira?

Yes, you can swim at Essaouira beach, though it’s often windy. Bring a towel and swimwear if you wish to enjoy the beach.

Will we see the famous Argan tree-climbing goats on this trip?

Local authorities have recently prohibited shepherds from placing goats in Argan trees due to concerns about animal welfare. While you may spot goats grazing around the trees, they are no longer permitted to be kept in the branches for photos. This measure helps ensure a more humane approach to animal treatment, aligning with ethical tourism practices in the region.

Can I explore Essaouira independently, or is a guide recommended?

Essaouira’s Medina is easy to navigate independently, thanks to its clear street layout. A guide is not required but can be arranged if desired.

 

Are there options for a seafood lunch in Essaouira?

Yes, Essaouira has many excellent seafood restaurants along the port and Medina. You’ll find options to suit all tastes, from casual cafés to fine dining.

 

 

 

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1194 Reviews
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Olivia Johnson

Couple Traveller

This was definitely a great deal, providing good value for the money spent. It was really cool to visit the location where they filmed Game of Thrones. Some of the streets there reminded me of Santorini, with those charming white and blue buildings. What stood out to me were the markets in their old town area. Unlike other places, these markets had a relaxed vibe. You could actually take your time to explore without constantly being approached or bothered. The tickets, priced at 19 Euros per person, were definitely worth it for the experience.

August 30, 2023

Olivia Johnson

Couple Traveller

This was definitely a great deal, providing good value for the money spent. It was really cool to visit the location where they filmed Game of Thrones. Some of the streets there reminded me of Santorini, with those charming white and blue buildings. What stood out to me were the markets in their old town area. Unlike other places, these markets had a relaxed vibe. You could actually take your time to explore without constantly being approached or bothered. The tickets, priced at 19 Euros per person, were definitely worth it for the experience.

August 30, 2023

Amelia Johnson

Couple Traveller

Wonderful journey! Although one day is clearly insufficient in this lovely coastal resort-city, the journey will not disappoint. Following a visit to an all-women cooperative where we learnt how Argan oil is created. Before arriving to ESSAOUIRA, the driver pulled over to the side of the road to show us the goats on the Argan tree from which the oil is produced. Once there, we hired a local guide (recommended by our driver) expert He took us on a tour of the harbor and the medina. (Walled City, in Arabic) leaving us with little time to go shopping! The city is a jewel, the merchants are considerably less pushy, and the product is much cheaper than in Marrakech; this is the spot to get your mementos. At the end, we realized there was no need to hire a local guide in Essaouira, we could have explored it our own at our pace.

August 30, 2023

Sophia Martinez

Couple Traveller

This was the trip we had been looking forward to. It was essentially self-contained, with three or four stops. The first and last stops were at huge convenience shops with restrooms. The second stop was at the goat-climbing trees. The last trip was at an Argan oil cooperative, where they demonstrated how they manufacture argon oil and convert it into various items for sale. Then you’re dropped off at Essaouira, where you have around 4 hours to stroll about and explore. I thoroughly loved this trip and thought it was adequately described as a driver to get you from point A to point B and back. Not much else to say. I believe it was worthwhile.

August 30, 2023

Amelia Johnson

Couple Traveller

Wonderful journey! Although one day is clearly insufficient in this lovely coastal resort-city, the journey will not disappoint. Following a visit to an all-women cooperative where we learnt how Argan oil is created. Before arriving to ESSAOUIRA, the driver pulled over to the side of the road to show us the goats on the Argan tree from which the oil is produced. Once there, we hired a local guide (recommended by our driver) expert He took us on a tour of the harbor and the medina. (Walled City, in Arabic) leaving us with little time to go shopping! The city is a jewel, the merchants are considerably less pushy, and the product is much cheaper than in Marrakech; this is the spot to get your mementos. At the end, we realized there was no need to hire a local guide in Essaouira, we could have explored it our own at our pace.

August 30, 2023
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