Day Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira

Key sites to visit include the harbor, home to a fishing port and historic Portuguese fortifications featuring medieval cannons that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The UNESCO-listed Medina boasts well-preserved fortifications from the 18th century, including La Scala, which was built for defense against foreign sea attacks. Be sure to visit Bab Laalouj, one of the main gates of Essaouira, and explore the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter, where you can appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the Medina. Numerous art shops, galleries, souvenir stores, and Thuya woodcraft shops can be found throughout the area.

For lunch, choose one of the many local seafood cafes for a delightful meal. Following lunch, visit the Kasbah, known for its historical role as a military bastion. If you enjoy the beach, take a stroll along Mogador’s sandy shores, where you can watch locals play beach volleyball. For the adventurous, there’s an opportunity to join a game, as the friendly residents of Essaouira are open and inclusive. Alternatively, you can relax and sunbathe while observing amateur kitesurfers and windsurfers enjoying the water.

In the late afternoon, you will head back to Marrakech, departing between 07h00 and 08h00, concluding your full-day tour to Essaouira with a drop-off at your hotel or the nearest car-accessible point to your riad.