
Set off on a full day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, a delightful and relaxed seaside city with a variety of attractions, including a well-preserved old town (Medina), a lively port, and a long sandy beach lapped by the Atlantic Oceaộn. The day trip makes for a great little escape from the busy city, you can wander around the narrow streets filled with lots of little artisan shops, have fresh seafood by the port or walk along the pretty sea front ramparts. On the way, you will drive through beautiful scenery and local villages, seeing a different side of Morocco. Culture, history and the refreshing and enriching experience of the sea as an just one-hour’s drive from the busy city of Marrakech.
Opting for a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech is the ideal means of experiencing Morocco’s coastal allure without taking too much time away from the inland. With its pristine medina, high-energy port and ravishing ocean views, Essaouira feels decidedly other-worldly compared to its neighboring resort towns along Morocco’s breezy Atlantic coast. This trip is a breath of fresh air, quite literally as you escape Marrakech’s hustle and bustle to lap up fresh seafood, browse artisans’ markets and chill by the Atlantic. It’s good for travellers who want to take in an entirely different side of Morocco without their itinerary becoming unwieldy and stressful.
Your day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira from Marrakech follows the coastal road, across the Haouz plains to Chichaoua, from where you will head up into the hills (at 800 meters) and down to Ounagha where you will see argan trees on your way to the coast in Essaouira. You’ll discover the UNESCO-listed medina, with its narrow streets of colorful souks, art galleries and traditional crafts.
Then, explore the old port while watching the fishermen unloading their catch and feeling the buzz. You’ll also have time to wander the charming ramparts above the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy some beach time in the sand. Enjoy a tasty seafood lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Marrakech, plus plenty of time to enjoy lunch, completing a memorable day of culture, history, and beachfront sunshine.
We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive day trip itinerary from Marrakech to Essaouira. We hope it aligns with your travel inclinations! If you want something a bit different, we’re always glad to tailor a trip that suits your wishes, both based on what you want to do – and how much time you have available. Keep in mind that, generally, the larger the group, the lower the per-person price. That said, the expense of meals and add-in activities in Essaouira could fluctuate, but transport costs are fairly fixed year round.

We had an absolutely wonderful day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira with Private Moroccan Tour! We were able to enjoy the beautiful Moroccan countryside as we travelled, the journey was comfortable and organised. We fell in love with the cheerful medina, the town’s historical city walls and the bustling fishing port of charming beach town Essaouira. Our guide was informative and friendly with lots of interesting stories about the town and it’s culture. In particular, we enjoyed walking around the vibrant markets and eating fresh seafood by the beach. BOSTON, Mass. — Even in mid-February Marrakech was a madhouse and Essaouira, two and a half hours drive away, was the perfect escape from the chaos, providing a nice balance of culture, history and relaxation by the sea to step away from the frenetic pace. Highly recommend if you want to experience another part of morocco in one day!
The round-trip journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, with a full-day excursion lasting approximately 10–11 hours in total, including sightseeing stops.
Yes, the beach is accessible, and you can swim if weather permits. Just remember to bring appropriate swimwear and a towel.
Key highlights include the historic Skala ramparts, Essaouira’s medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the fishing port, fresh seafood restaurants, art galleries, and a walk along the beach.
Absolutely. The excursion is relaxed and flexible, suitable for travelers of all ages.
Yes, a professional, English-speaking driver/guide accompanies you from Marrakech. Once in Essaouira, you can explore freely or choose a local guide for a walking tour (optional).
Meals are not typically included, but your guide will recommend great seafood restaurants in Essaouira where you can enjoy fresh, affordable meals.
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. Bring a light jacket, as Essaouira tends to be cooler and windier than Marrakech.
Yes, it’s best to bring Moroccan dirhams for shopping, dining, or tipping. Some shops may accept cards, but cash is widely preferred.
Yes, the trip usually includes a few short stops, such as at an Argan oil cooperative and scenic viewpoints.
Yes, most tours include door-to-door service from your accommodation in Marrakech.
Private Moroccan Tour is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
