One Day In Essaouira: A Relaxing Day Trip From Marrakech

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.

Booking.com

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…

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