Day Trip to Essaouira

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Duration
1 day
Location
Shore Essaouira
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Transport
Private Vehicle
Difficulty
Medium
Best Season
All year round
This 1-day trip from Marrakech takes you to the coastal town of Essaouira, with the option to extend your holiday in the Atlas Mountains if you wish. Located about 160 km west of Marrakech (approximately 2.5 hours by car), Essaouira is a charming seaside town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, known for its laid-back atmosphere, rich history, and picturesque views. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira boasts a well-preserved medina enclosed by ancient walls—a reminder of the town’s Portuguese occupation in the 16th century, when it was known as Mogador. The town’s Berber name means “the wall”, referencing the imposing fortifications that still stand today. Stroll along the ramparts and explore the Corniche, where the views of the Atlantic Ocean are simply breathtaking. Discover white-washed buildings with blue shutters, bustling fishing ports, art galleries, and vibrant souks. Essaouira is a favourite destination for both locals and travellers, offering a mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. This day trip is perfect for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the sea breeze, explore a UNESCO-listed town, and experience a more relaxed side of Morocco.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Marrakech - Stop on the Way for Pictures - Essaouira - City Visit - Marrakech

    In this day trip from Marrakesh to Essaouira, you'll have the pleasure and the opportunity to visit and discover a Women's Co-operative manufacturing the marvellous Argan oil, a guided visit to the Skala du Port, the municipal market, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), jewellery souks of the medina, and a handicrafts complex. We get to the ancient port of Mogador/Essaouira, built during the Portuguese occupation on a narrow peninsula with a vast sand crescent. Perfectly sheltered by stunning French-built ramparts of the eighteenth century, the city is within walking visit distance and is divided into various districts designed in grid form. You can see the colourful fishing port and fortresses from the top of Skala. Another unique site is La Scala, which you will discover just minutes from a charming cafe that caters to lovers of Gnawa music. After lunch in a restaurant, you will discover the Medina, famed for its multiple crafts like woodworking, inlay, leather, copper and Souiri crafts, fish and spice markets, bustling souks and relaxing cafes. After a full day spent enjoying these and other Essaouira treasures, you will head back to Marrakech around 7:30 pm.

What's included

What's not included

From £160 / Person