Essaouira Private Day Trip from Marrakech

Marrakech to the Atlantic in 2h45

Essaouira is everything Marrakech isn't: cool, breezy, laid-back and painted blue and white. Its 18th-century Medina, designed by a French architect for Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its harbour is still full of fishermen mending nets beside bright blue boats.

The day, your way

• 08:00 — Departure from your riad or hotel.
• Argan country — around Chichaoua and Ounara, look out for goats perched in argan trees (most common from June to October), then visit a women's cooperative.
• 11:00 — Essaouira harbour. Watch the morning catch come in and the seagulls circle.
• Skala de la Ville — walk along the ramparts with their bronze cannons, where scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed.
• Medina & souks — thuya wood workshops, galleries and spice shops, far calmer than Marrakech.
• Lunch — choose your fish at the port grills or settle into a rooftop restaurant.
• Beach — a stroll along the wide bay, or a camel/horse ride at the south end.
• 17:00 — Return to Marrakech, arriving around 19:45.

One-way transfer instead?

Many travellers spend 2–3 nights in Essaouira. We can drive you one way and pick you up later, or continue to Agadir and Taghazout along the coast — see our intercity transfers. Planning tips in our Essaouira day trip itinerary.