Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
An Essaouira day trip from Marrakech gives you around five hours in a walled port town on the Atlantic, about three hours west of the city. You stop at an argan cooperative on the way, then have time for the harbour, the ramparts, the medina and lunch by the port.
- DURATION
- ROUTE
- TOUR TYPE
- PICKUP
- PRICE
Essaouira day trip from Marrakech at a glance
Marrakech to Essaouira, three hours west
The road west crosses dry plains and then the argan country, where you stop at a cooperative run by local women to see how the oil is pressed. Essaouira was long known by its old name, Mogador, and its medina, laid out in the eighteenth century, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In town the time is yours, with your driver nearby. You can walk the Skala ramparts with their old cannons, watch the blue fishing boats come in, eat grilled fish at the stalls by the harbour and look into the thuya woodcarvers’ workshops.
Highlights
- An argan oil cooperative on the way
- The Skala ramparts and their cannons
- The fishing harbour and its blue boats
- Grilled fish at the harbour stalls
- Thuya woodcarvers in the medina
How the day goes
From your pickup in the morning to the drop-off at the end of the day.
Morning · West to the coast
You leave Marrakech at around 8:00. The drive takes about three hours, with a stop at an argan oil cooperative.
Midday · Essaouira
Free time in Essaouira. A local guide can show you the medina and the ramparts for two hours if you wish; after that the afternoon is yours.
Late afternoon · Back to Marrakech
The drive back leaves at around 16:30, so you reach your riad or hotel in the early evening.
What is included and not included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver for the day
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Fuel and parking
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides at the sites
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Pickup, best time to go and what to bring
Pickup points
We pick you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at the time you choose. If your riad is in a lane cars cannot enter, the driver waits at the nearest square or gate and someone from the riad walks you there.
Best time to go
Any time of year. The coast stays mild, but it is often windy, most of all in summer.
What to bring
A windproof layer, sun cream, and comfortable shoes for the ramparts and cobbles.
Price, deposit and cancellation
Prices are per person and depend on the size of your group. You book with a 20% deposit by card or PayPal and pay the balance on the first day of the tour.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, we refund the deposit in full; after that the deposit is kept. You can change the date once for free if you ask 14 days or more before. The details are in our Cancellation Policy.
Questions about the Essaouira day trip from Marrakech
Is an Essaouira day trip from Marrakech worth it?
If you have one free day, yes. It is cooler and calmer than Marrakech, with the sea and the port. The drive is about six hours there and back, so stay a night if you can.
Why is Essaouira so windy?
The trade winds blow along this coast most of the year, strongest in summer, which is why Essaouira is a kitesurfing town. Bring a light jacket.
Can we stay the night in Essaouira?
Yes. Ask us to add a night and we book a riad in the medina and collect you the next afternoon.
Is it cold by the sea?
Essaouira is windier and cooler than Marrakech all year round. Bring a jacket, even in summer.
Can we change the timing?
Yes. You choose the pickup time, the stops and how long you stay out.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Let us know their ages and we adjust the walking and the stops.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size and we reply with availability and a quote. When online booking is open for this tour, you can also reserve with a deposit by card or PayPal.
Book this tour
Send your dates and group size and we reply with a quote.
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Route and timing adjusted to you
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