+212 661 998 266
Morocco Trip JoyEXCLUSIVE & GROUP TOURS
Blue fishing boats and the Skala fortress in Essaouira, Morocco

Photo: rigel / Unsplash

Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech

A relaxed day on the Atlantic coast: argan trees, the UNESCO medina of Essaouira, the fishing port and fresh fish for lunch.

  • Duration1 day
  • StartMarrakech
  • EndMarrakech
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Essaouira day trip from Marrakech gives you a calm day by the Atlantic Ocean. On the way you stop at an argan oil cooperative and may see goats climbing argan trees. In Essaouira you walk in the white and blue medina, protected by UNESCO, see the busy fishing port and the old sea walls.

The air is fresh and the pace is slow, a nice change from busy Marrakech. Your private driver stays with you all day. See all our day trips or more tours from Marrakech.

Highlights

  • Women's argan oil cooperative
  • Goats climbing argan trees (seasonal)
  • UNESCO medina of Essaouira
  • Blue fishing boats and the port
  • Sea walls (skala) with old cannons
  • Fresh fish lunch by the harbour

Schedule of the day

  1. 08:00 – Pick-up at your riad or hotel

    Your private driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech. If your riad is inside the medina, the driver meets you at the nearest gate. The drive to Essaouira takes about 3 hours on a good road through flat farmland and argan forest.

  2. 09:30 – Argan cooperative and argan trees

    You stop at a women's argan cooperative. You see how women crack the nuts by hand to make oil for food and cosmetics, and you can taste argan oil with bread. On the road you may see goats standing in argan trees to eat the fruit (more common in spring and autumn).

  3. 11:00 – Essaouira medina

    You arrive in Essaouira and walk in the medina, a UNESCO site with white houses and blue doors. The lanes are wide and calm. You find shops of thuya wood boxes, art galleries and local music. You can hire a local guide here if you wish (optional).

  4. 12:00 – Port and sea walls

    You visit the fishing port, full of blue wooden boats, seagulls and fishermen selling their catch. Then you walk on the skala, the old sea walls with bronze cannons, for great views of the ocean and the Mogador islands.

  5. 13:00 – Fresh fish lunch and free time

    Enjoy lunch at the port grills, where you choose your fresh fish and seafood and they cook it for you, or in a restaurant in the medina (lunch not included). Then you have free time to shop, walk on the long beach or drink tea on a terrace.

  6. 16:00 – Return to Marrakech

    Your driver meets you at the agreed place and you start the drive back to Marrakech, with a short stop for coffee or toilets on the way.

  7. 19:00 – Drop-off in Marrakech

    You arrive back at your riad or hotel in Marrakech around 19:00, depending on traffic.

Route map

Marrakech → Essaouira

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the day (1–6 people)
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Stop at an argan oil cooperative
  • Free time in Essaouira
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Local guide in Essaouira (optional)
  • Entrance fees
  • Tips and personal expenses

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Are the goats in the trees real?

Yes, goats really climb argan trees to eat the fruit, mostly in spring and autumn. Some places on the road keep goats in trees for photos and ask for money; it is your choice to stop.

Is it cold in Essaouira?

Essaouira is often windy and cooler than Marrakech. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.

Can I stay one night in Essaouira?

Yes. Many travellers stay one or two nights. We can drop you and pick you up another day.

Want to change this itinerary?

Add days, change the start city or the hotels. We design it for you, free of charge.

Design it your way →

You may also like