Best Day Trip To Essaouira From Marrakech
Book your Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
Overview of Day Trip To Essaouira From Marrakech
Enjoy the beautiful narrow labyrinthine streets of Essaouira, on a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, a lovely and calm seaside town that is only two hours and a half away from Marrakech. Visit the famous port with its blue boats and flocks of seagulls flying above and let the sea breeze refresh you as you walk on top of the Skala du Port and along the 6km long sandy beach.
Marrakech
Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. It is the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi. It is west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh is 580 km (360 mi) southwest of Tangier, 327 km (203 mi) southwest of the Moroccan capital of Rabat, 239 km (149 mi) south of Casablanca, and 246 km (153 mi) northeast of Agadir.
The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times. The city was founded in 1070 by Emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar as the imperial capital of the Almoravid Empire. The city was one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. In the 12th century, the Almoravids built many madrasas (Quranic schools) and mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences. The red walls of the city, built by Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122–1123, and various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city the nickname of the “Red City or “Ochre City” (Ville Ocre). Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as a cultural, religious, and trading center for the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the busiest square in Africa.
Essaouira
Essaouira has long been considered as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast. The Carthaginian navigator Hanno visited in the 5th century BC and established the trading post of Arambys.
Around the end of the 1st century BCE or early 1st century CE, the Berber king Juba II established a Tyrian purple factory, processing the murex and purpura shells found in the intertidal rocks at Essaouira and the Iles Purpuraires. This dye colored the purple stripe in the togas worn by the Senators of Imperial Rome.
A Roman villa was excavated on Mogador island. A Roman vase was found as well as coinage from the 3rd century CE. Most of the artifacts are now visible in the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum and the Rabat Archaeological Museum.
The prices depend on How many people you are
Know before you go in a Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
- Essaouira is windy most of the year ( especially in the afternoons ), a light jacket on the side will be very useful.
- Flip flops are not recommended, especially in the port, as there will be spills of water all over the harbor.
- Local guide in Essaouira is included for a couple of hours. After lunch, feel free to explore the city and the beach at leisure.
- We offer English / French-speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request, further fees might apply.
- We recommend to avoid the seafood stalls at the entrance of the port, as you will always end up with a surprise at the end of paying your bill.
- Departure & Return Location: Marrakech
- Departure Time: 08:00 AM
Essaouira day trip from Marrakech Highlights
+ Discover the coastal town of Essaouira on a day trip
+ Admire a rare scene of goats climbing Aran trees
+ Learn about Argan oil processing at a ladies artisanal factory
+ Visit the Medina of Essaouira with its bastions and labyrinthine streets
+ Walk to the fishing port and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch
+ Enjoy a walk on the sandy beach of Essaouira
Itinerary of Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
Your best day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will begin with a walk along the fertile plains of Haouz to the city of Chichaoua, where you will stop to have a coffee before continuing to Essaouira.
On your way, you will cross the forest of argan trees, where you can see goats climbing trees. To see how argan is extracted, you can visit a local women’s cooperative and understand how some natural cosmetics are made locally from the virtuous argan seed.
Afterward, we will continue to Essaouira. On your arrival, you will explore the beautiful city at your leisure. Then, go to discover the fishing port of Essaouira. Cross the medina eve with its souks and traditional stalls and discover the art galleries and authentic woodwork workshops.
Explore the art of cedarwood inlay and enjoy the beautiful objects presented by craftsmen through the alleys of the medina. Visit the ramparts and gates of Essaouira, its Borj and military buildings as well as its two main fortifications: The Sqala of the Kasbah and the Sqala of the port.
For fans of windsurfing or the Surf Kit, the climatic particularity of Essaouira and its geographical position have made it a strong point to practice these two sports, hence its appointment of “City of the wind”.Do not miss, especially, admire a tagine Souiri or a superb fish dish (a specialty of Essaouira) in one of the restaurants on the sea.
A best day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech is by far the most appreciated visit by our customers: many of them discover this hidden gem for the first time and immediately decide to come back for a short break in the calm and the hippie city of Essaouira. From experience, exploring Essaouira is simple: the inhabitants are very friendly, the medina is quite small (compared to other cities of Morocco) and its streets are in order.
You certainly do not need a guide to go around the city. If you insist, your driver will help you hire a local guide to visit the city. In the late afternoon, return to Marrakech. Your best day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will end at your hotel or at the nearest point accessible by car from your Riad.
What's included in Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
- A/C modern vehicle driven by an English / French speaking driver
- Local guide English speaking guide in Essaouira.
- Pick up and drop off at a location of your choice in Marrakech
What's not included in Essaouira day trip from Marrakech
- Optional guide 50 euros.
- Entrance fees to
- Drinks
- Lunch
- All extras not mentioned in the program.
NOTE: If this Best Essaouira Day trip from Marrakech does not match what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to Contact us and we will prepare the trip to your needs and requirements.
Marrakech to Essaouira day trip Reviews
Isabela N
Marrakech day trip to Essaouira
The experience was good! Everything was as described, the transportation was clean and the guide was charismatic! However, the fact that there was only one guide who had to translate the same thing into 3 different languages (English, Spanish, French as not everyone spoke English) was a bit of a waste of time. Essaouira is very nice and definitely worth a visit!
Nina H
private Essaouira day trip from Marrakech
Nice way to get ashore – great driver and the pick-up went well. Essaouira is very attractive: beautiful sandy beach and numerous surfing activities. Many shops, a little cheaper than Marrakech. Fun to get away from the shopping streets. Terrible cafe stop along the way – expensive, disorganized, horrible food and coffee!
Cheri H
Marrakech to Essaouira day trip
Essaouira is a fantastic getaway from Marrakech. It has history, architecture, beauty, a great souk, and fresh seafood. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. MTC offers a good overview of the medina, and there is plenty of time to explore the city and also for lunch. It is worth the trip!
Christopher K
Shared day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
At 3 hours from Marrakech, we stopped for a coffee and saw the goats in the argon oil trees, all prepared for tourists but still interesting to see. Essaouira was lovely, there was so much to see and do, I had a great meal before my return trip.
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