Overview of This Essaouira Day Trip
Essaouira is a walled port town on the Atlantic, about 3 hours west of Marrakech, with a UNESCO-listed medina, a working fishing harbor and a long beach. Our private Essaouira day trip gives you about 5 hours in town, with a stop at an argan oil cooperative on the way, and has you back in Marrakech in the evening.
After the busy lanes of Marrakech, Essaouira feels calm: white houses with blue shutters, wind off the sea, gulls over the harbor. Walk the ramparts of the Skala, where old cannons face the ocean, choose your fish at the port and have it grilled at the stalls, and browse the thuya-wood workshops. Your driver drops you at the gate and meets you later; a local guide for the medina can be arranged.
- The Skala ramparts and their cannons
- The fishing harbor and its blue boats
- Fresh fish grilled at the port
- Thuya-wood workshops under the ramparts
- An argan oil cooperative on the way
Your Day, Hour by Hour
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8:00 am
Pickup and the road west
About 2 h 45 driving · 190 kmCross the plains west of Marrakech, with a coffee stop halfway. Near Essaouira, in the argan country, you may see goats standing in the trees; many are posed there by herders who expect a tip for photos.
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10:30 am
Argan oil cooperative
A stop at a women’s cooperative where argan nuts are cracked and pressed by hand. Taste the oil, and amlou, the almond and argan spread, with bread.
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11:00 am
The medina and the ramparts
Your driver drops you at the medina. Walk the Skala de la Ville, the sea bastion with its row of bronze cannons, and the lanes of the medina behind it.
- Stops
- Skala de la Ville, the medina
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1:00 pm
Lunch at the harbor
Pick your fish at the stalls by the port and have it grilled on the spot, or sit down in a café in the medina.
- Stops
- The port
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2:00 pm
Free time
The beach, the Skala du Port for the view back over the town, or the workshops under the ramparts. Your driver meets you at an agreed time and place.
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4:30 pm
Back to Marrakech
About 2 h 45 drivingBack at your riad or hotel around 7:30 pm.
Route Map: Marrakech to Essaouira
Essaouira is about 190 km west of Marrakech, on the Atlantic coast.
What’s Included in This Day Trip
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Local guide in Essaouira (optional)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Essaouira Day Trip Prices
Our day trips cost from about $40 per person, for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price for this trip depends on two things:
- Group sizeThe vehicle and driver cost the same whatever the size of your party, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.
- ExtrasLocal guides and activities are added only if you want them, and priced in your quote.
Customize This Day Trip
Stay a night by the sea, go one way and continue down the coast to Agadir, or leave later and watch the sunset from the ramparts. Tell us what you would like.
Customize This Day Trip
Your driver/guide
A professional, English-speaking driver/guide who knows the road from Marrakech, in an air-conditioned car or minivan for your group. Other languages are available on request.
Meet our drivers and guidesEssaouira Day Trip FAQ
Is a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira worth it?
Yes. The drive is about 3 hours each way, but you get 5 hours in one of Morocco’s most relaxed towns. If you can, stay a night: Essaouira is at its best in the evening.
How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
About 190 km, or 2 h 45 by car without stops.
Are the goats in the argan trees real?
Goats do climb argan trees to eat the fruit. Many of the trees you see by the road, though, are staged by herders who ask for a tip. We can stop, or drive on.
Can we swim in Essaouira?
The beach is long and sandy, but it is windy most of the year, which is why Essaouira is known for kitesurfing. On calm summer days the water is fine for a swim.
How much does the Essaouira day trip cost?
Our day trips start from about $40 per person for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price per person depends on your group size. We reply with an exact price within 24 hours; a 30% deposit confirms your booking.
