Marrakech , Morocco

Full Day Trip To Essaouira

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About this experience

Visit the seaside City of Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic coast on this Day Trip from Marrakech. Essaouira has plenty to explore, from the Medina and souks to the port and beach, and you'll have ample free time to enjoy the area. This Full-Day Excursion provides an easy way to see more of Morocco for those with limited time by providing round-Trip transport that lets you skip the stress of car hire

Available options

Full Day Trip To Essaouira

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned Vehicle

Professional Driver

Hotel pick-up and Drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Spend a full day in the coastal town in the Atlantic and explore the city of Essaouira from Marrakech, discover a charming medina, stroll the colorful souks, the narrow alleys and a center full of open-air cafes and seafood restaurants. Visit sekkala, the Old Portuguese fortress; you will have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace, with an extra stop in an argan oil cooperative along the way to discover this magic oil and its benefits.

Book your full day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira to explore this charming small town, Essaouira is the Old Portuguese city of Mogador. The city of Essaouira designed by a French architect Vauban. For a long time the city had a large Jewish population. These influences, and many others, have given a unique and very attractive result. Today, the city is slowly becoming a city of artists.

Along the way, admire the view of the countryside through villages and fields, then stop at a small argan oil cooperative run by local women.

Discover how oil is extracted and used – with the possibility of buying oil directly from producers – before continuing to Essaouira.

Once in Essaouira, you will enjoy an extremely favorable microclimate that ensures a mild temperature in winter and cool in summer. Also worth noting is a beautiful beach, protected by beautiful Islands.

The craftsmen of Essaouira are famous for the marquetry on cedar root and offer a wide range of objects from the small memory to the pieces of furniture and true works of art.

Explore the medina of Essaouira, visit the old harbor, which was for a long time a meeting point for the merchant coming from the sub-Saharan and others from the west. Visit the sekkala, an old fortified Portuguese fortress, then, head to the Medina to stroll its small blue alleys and enjoy a delicious fish lunch.

Visit the old fortified portuguese castle 'the sekkala", which is the one of the toursit attractions of Essaouira

What's not included

Lunch and Drinks

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Note: infants can either sit on laps or in their own seats if parents bring a suitable car seat.

About Marrakech

Marrakech is a vibrant city known for its rich history, bustling souks, and stunning architecture. It offers a blend of traditional Moroccan culture and modern amenities, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Jemaa El-Fnaa

Jemaa El-Fnaa is the heart of Marrakech, a bustling square filled with food stalls, entertainers, and souvenir vendors. It's a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free (food and souvenirs cost extra)

Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Marrakech. Its minaret is a symbol of the city and can be seen from many parts of the medina.

Historical 1 hour Free (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque)

Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, featuring intricate tile work, lush gardens, and beautiful courtyards. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past.

Historical 1-2 hours 70 MAD

Majorelle Garden

The Majorelle Garden is a beautiful botanical garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. It features a variety of plants, a striking blue villa, and a museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent.

Nature 2-3 hours 70 MAD

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a collection of mausoleums dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They were discovered in 1917 and offer a fascinating look into the history of Marrakech.

Historical 1 hour 70 MAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in.

Main course Vegetarian options available

Couscous

A dish made with steamed semolina grains, often served with vegetables and meat.

Main course Vegetarian options available

Pastilla

A savory-sweet pie made with layers of filo pastry, filled with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, and powdered sugar.

Main course Contains nuts

Mint Tea

A traditional Moroccan tea made with green tea and fresh mint leaves, sweetened with sugar.

Drink Contains caffeine

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains Surfing in Essaouira Quad biking in the desert Spa treatments Yoga retreats Relaxing in a hammam Exploring the medina Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

The best time to visit Marrakech is during spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city. The temperatures are mild, and the crowds are manageable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: French, Berber languages
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Menara International Airport • 4 km from city center

By train

Marrakech Railway Station

By bus

Marrakech Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Marrakech. They are affordable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Careem, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Medina Gueliz Hivernage

Day trips

Atlas Mountains

60 km from Marrakech • Full day

The Atlas Mountains offer stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and traditional Berber villages. It's a great escape from the city for nature lovers.

Ourika Valley

30 km from Marrakech • Half day to full day

The Ourika Valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional Berber houses, and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for day trips from Marrakech.

Essaouira

180 km from Marrakech • Full day to overnight

Essaouira is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic medina, and vibrant arts scene. It's a popular destination for surfing, windsurfing, and relaxation.

Festivals

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival • Every July Marrakech International Film Festival • Every November/December Ramadan • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more immersive and informative experience.
Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to enhance your interactions with locals.
Visit the medina early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Bargain politely when shopping in the souks, as prices are often negotiable.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience, but choose stalls with high turnover.