What the Essaouira day trip is
Essaouira is a whitewashed town with blue shutters, about 3 hours north of our riad in Tamraght. Its old medina is listed by UNESCO, its walls look straight onto the Atlantic, and its fishing port is one of the most photographed places in Morocco. It is calmer and easier to walk than Marrakech, the lanes are wide enough to breathe, and the sellers are more relaxed. For many visitors it is the most pleasant Moroccan town they see.
It is also famously windy. That wind is why kitesurfers love the bay and why the town stays fresh in summer, so bring a layer even on a hot day. We go for the whole day, leaving after breakfast and coming back in the evening.
It is a good day for everyone in the group, surfers and non-surfers alike. If the waves are flat or the wind is wrong at home, a day of walking the ramparts, eating fish by the port and browsing the souks is a very good way to use it. Children usually love the boats and the gulls, and older travellers appreciate that the medina is flat and easy to get around.
What you will see and do
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early morning | We leave the riad after breakfast. The road runs north along the coast, then inland through argan country, where you often see goats standing in the trees. |
| Late morning | Arrival in Essaouira. We start at the fishing port: blue boats pulled up on the quay, nets drying, fishermen selling the morning catch and gulls everywhere. |
| Midday | Lunch near the port or in the medina. Fresh fish is the obvious choice; you can also find tagines and simple Moroccan dishes. Lunch is paid on the spot. |
| Early afternoon | We walk up onto the Skala, the sea ramparts with their old bronze cannons, for views over the rocks and the waves crashing below. |
| Afternoon | Free time in the medina: the spice souk, the woodworkers' street with its thuya wood boxes, silver jewellery, argan oil, leather and small art galleries. |
| Late afternoon | A last mint tea, a walk along the long beach if you like, then the drive home to Tamraght for the evening. |
The guide from our team walks with you, helps with directions, knows where to find the good viewpoints and can help you understand prices in the souk, but you are free to explore on your own for part of the day. If you want more ideas before you go, read our guide to things to do in the Essaouira medina.
Practical information
- How long: a full day, with about 3 hours of driving each way from Tamraght.
- Best season: any time of year. In summer, when Marrakech is very hot, Essaouira stays cool thanks to the wind. In winter it is mild and sunny, but pack a warm layer.
- What to wear: comfortable walking shoes, since the medina is paved and uneven, a windproof jacket and sunglasses. Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees are respectful in the old town.
- Level: no fitness needed beyond a few hours of easy walking. Good for families, couples and non-surfers.
- Money: bring cash in dirhams for lunch and shopping. Many small shops do not take cards.
Tips for a good day in Essaouira
Shopping and bargaining
Bargaining is normal in the souk, but it is much gentler here than in Marrakech. Start by asking the price, offer less, and settle somewhere in the middle with a smile. If you are not interested, a polite "la, shukran" (no, thank you) is enough. Thuya wood, argan oil and silver are the classic buys.
Photos
The port is at its liveliest in the morning, which is one reason we go there first. Always ask before photographing people, especially fishermen and women in the souk.
The wind
It can blow hard in the afternoon. Tie long hair back, keep a hand on your hat and hold your phone firmly on the ramparts.
Food
Choose your fish at the port grills and ask the price first. If you want to know more about what to order, our Moroccan food guide has the essentials.
Essaouira or Marrakech?
If you only have time for one big city day, it depends on what you want. Essaouira is relaxed, on the sea, cooler, and easy for a first trip to Morocco. Marrakech is bigger, louder and more intense, with the famous square and palaces, but the drive is longer and it is very hot in July and August. Our 7-Day Morocco Discovery trip includes both, so you do not have to choose. We have also written a longer Essaouira day trip guide on our blog.
Book it with Surf Chill Vibe
The Essaouira day trip is included in our 7-Day Morocco Discovery trip (€870 for 7 nights), which is made for people who want to see the country rather than surf: Essaouira, Marrakech, the dunes with a camel ride, Agadir, a cooking class in Taghazout, hammam and massage. On a surf package or a VIP trip you build yourself, you can add Essaouira for €55 per person, including return transport from the riad and a guide from our team for the day.
To book or ask which day works best, message us on WhatsApp at +212 7 24 12 21 20 or email [email protected]. Looking for shorter outings? See things to do near Agadir.
