Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Lauren Allen
Essaouira is a great (and popular) choice for a day trip from Marrakech. If you want to surf, relax on a beach or shop with less hassle, Essaouira is the place to be. Once you arrive in Marrakech, you can easily book yourself on a day trip to Essaouira. You can either book it through your accommodation or visit one of the many tour companies in the city.
Note: I booked my day trip to Essaouira through my hostel as I thought they would be the most trustworthy. I did not book through any tour companies that operate in the main square or close by. This is because I wasn’t sure if they would be a rip-off. I would advise doing some research or asking around before booking through one of these companies. Perhaps ask your hostel or riad which tour companies are the most reputable.
Table of Contents
Getting to Essaouira: Schedules and prices
The amount of time you get to spend in Essaouira will vary depending on which tour company you use. Most tours tend to leave Marrakech at 8am, arriving in Essaouira at approximately 11am. You will then head back to Marrakech between 4pm and 5pm, arriving back into the city in the early evening. The journey takes roughly 3 hours.
Prices will also vary depending on who you book through. You should expect to pay around €25 (which is approximately 273 Moroccan Dirhams at the time of writing).
Shop around to get the best deal
I paid €25 when I booked through my hostel. The price included return transport between the two cities in an air-conditioned van in a small group. However, there was no “tour” when we arrived. The driver told us when to return to the meeting point and we were left to do our own thing. This was not what I expected, but I was happy to explore Essaouira alone.
Tip: If you want a guided tour of Essaouira, I recommend doing more research and perhaps booking something more expensive. If you want to explore at your own pace, look into the bus services in Morocco. Compare the bus prices and schedules with those of the tour companies and decide which is best for you.
Read more: Solo female travel in Morocco: What it’s REALLY like
The top 6 things to see and do in Essaouira:
Essaouira deserves more than one day, especially if you want to explore at a leisurely pace. However, if you are only visiting on a day trip, check out these top 6 things to do:
1 | Port de Pêche d’Essaouira
Firstly, follow your nose to the fishing port to admire a super authentic side of Essaouira, a true fishing town. Just a short walk from the port, the local fisherman will be selling the day’s catches. Here you can enjoy freshly cooked fish caught earlier that day. Perfect for all you seafood lovers out there!
2 | Explore Castelo Real de Mogador
While in Essaouira, don’t miss a trip to Castelo Real de Mogador. For just 20 Dirhams, explore a medieval fortress and admire views of the medina, the moving waves AND the port. What more could you want?
It may not look like much, but some of my favourite photos from my time in Morocco were taken here. Plus, 20 Dirhams is peanuts.
Fun fact: Are you a big fan of Game of Thrones? You may be interested to know that some scenes from the show were filmed here.
3 | Surf
If you love to surf, then Essaouira is the place to be in Morocco! Famously, the coastal city is a great spot for surfing, even for beginners. Many companies offer surf lessons for a fee, so being an expert is definitely not necessary.
4 | Relax at the beach
If surfing isn’t your thing, why not head down to the beach to top up your tan? Essaouira is a little more relaxed when it comes to covering up on the beach. Hoping to sunbathe in a bikini? Designated areas allow you to do so. If not, just remove your shoes and go for a walk or find a spot to sit down and read.
5 | Go shopping!
No trip to Morocco would be complete without a little bit of shopping. Compared to the likes of Fez and Marrakech, shopping in Essaouira is a much more relaxing pass time. Although you will receive attention as a tourist, it isn’t half as bad as the bigger cities. As a result, you will have a much more pleasant experience. Also, I found the carpets here the prettiest.
Read more: Shopping in Morocco: 5 things that I regret not buying
6 | Admire some art
Cities with a big art scene hold a special place in my heart and Essaouira is no exception. Any art lover will love exploring this coastal city as there are several FREE art galleries to check out. Furthermore, art enthusiasts will also appreciate seeing several painters at work out in the open.
Where to stay in Essaouira
Finally, are you looking to stay in Morocco’s favourite coastal city for longer than a day? Nice! Check out Salut Maroc, a beautiful riad that I found accidentally and wandered in thinking it was an art gallery. The riad is run by a lovely British ex-pat who gave me good vibes after just a short chat. Whenever I return to Essaouira, I know where I plan on staying and I highly recommend you do too!
Read more: Staying safe in Morocco: A guide for solo female travellers
Have you been to Essaouira? I’d love to know what your favourite things to do in the city are!
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Brahim
Ultimate Guide to Marrakech, Morocco | Pack & PaintNice information thanks
Lauren Allen
BrahimNo problem 🙂
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