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Private · Day trip

Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech

Marrakech · argan cooperative · Essaouira · Marrakech

Cannons on the ramparts of Essaouira A street in the Essaouira medina The Menara gardens in Marrakech with the Atlas behind

The trip at a glance

Duration
Full day · timing to suit you
Start and return
Marrakech
Pick-up
At your hotel or riad
Type of trip
Private: just your group
Vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or van
Your driver speaks
English, Spanish, French or Italian

This day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira is a day by the sea. On the way you stop at an argan oil cooperative; on the coast you explore a walled medina listed by UNESCO, a busy fishing harbour and a long beach.

It’s a private tour: the vehicle and driver are just for your group, and you spend your time in Essaouira as you like.

Route

What you’ll see

  • A stop at an argan oil cooperative
  • The walled medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • The ramparts and cannons facing the Atlantic
  • The fishing harbour and its blue boats
  • Free time for a seafood lunch and a walk on the beach

What the day looks like

Morning pick-up in Marrakech. The road heads west across the plain, through argan country, with a stop at a cooperative where you see how argan oil is made the traditional way.

In Essaouira the afternoon is yours: the medina, with its art galleries and craft shops; the ramparts and cannons above the sea; the harbour, where you can eat fish straight off the boats; and the beach. Back to Marrakech in the evening.

Tips for your Essaouira day trip

  • Wind: Essaouira is often windy; bring a jacket even if it’s hot in Marrakech.
  • Lunch: at the harbour you choose your fish and it’s grilled for you on the spot.
  • Staying the night: if one day isn’t enough, the 10-day tour from Fes spends a night in Essaouira.

What’s included

Included and not included

Included

  • Pick-up from and return to your accommodation
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or van) and a driver who speaks English, Spanish, French or Italian
  • Local guide

Not included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Tips and personal expenses

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?

2.5 to 3 hours each way, plus the stop at the argan cooperative.

Is one day enough for Essaouira?

Yes. The medina is small and easy to explore on foot, and there’s time for lunch at the harbour and a walk on the beach. For more time on the coast, see the 10-day tour from Marrakech, which includes the Essaouira day.

Is a private trip better than a shared day trip to Essaouira?

Shared trips run on a fixed timetable with a full minibus. With a private trip you leave when you want, stop where you like and choose how long to stay in Essaouira.

Is the day trip private or shared?

Private. The vehicle, a 4x4 or a van with air conditioning, and the driver are just for your group: you don’t share the day with other travellers. Your driver speaks English, Spanish, French or Italian.

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