Day Trips

Explore one of Morocco’s most beautiful ports with our Essaouira day trips

Formerly known as Mogador, Essaouira is one of the crown jewels of Morocco, thanks to its unique charm, history, and jaw-dropping coastal vistas. Despite being a small town, it’s filled with plenty of unique experiences, making it perfect for a day trip if you’re looking for places to visit during your Moroccan holiday.

Essaouira’s micro-climate makes it a perfect destination all year round, with mild winter weather and a cool coastal breeze during the hot summer months creating a tranquil place to relax after the noise and heat of Marrakech.

Whether you want to try your hand at surfing at the beach, wander around the breathtaking architecture, or just soak up the Moroccan atmosphere, Essaouira is a perfect choice. In the diverse medina you will find a variety of beautiful handmade goods – from traditional Moroccan furniture, to delicious food, and other souvenirs to take home. There’s also a fantastic bakery which we’ll visit if you’d like to stop for a cake or two!

At the seafront, you can explore the rich architecture of multiple cultures and visit one of the many fishermen selling a selection of freshly caught fish. They’ll even prepare it for you to eat while you wait.

If you’re looking to give something back during your stay, it’s worth dropping by the Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative, where women process the argan nut by hand into the versatile argan oil. This oil is extremely difficult to find in its purest form outside of Morocco, with many countries mixing it with other oils for extra profit. These cooperatives only create genuine argan oil, and sell it to provide for families and children’s education. By purchasing from these places, you’ll get 100% argan oil,and be providing extra opportunities for the Moroccan locals.

Essaouira is also famously popular with filmmakers and directors. The striking architecture was the ideal setting for movies such as Orson Welles’ Othello, and the TV show Game of Thrones.

Essaouira also hosts the well-known four-day Gnaoua world music festival, which is packed full of bands playing everything from traditional folk music to rock and funk.

With its beautiful beach, dozens of portside cafés, and plenty of unique shops selling a number of hidden treasures, Essaouira is a perfect day trip out for everybody.

Pick up and drop off

• Pick up at 8 a.m. from your riad/hotel in Marrakech.
• Drop off around 6 p.m. at your riad/hotel in Marrakech.