Essaouira Day Trip: Explore Medina and Coastal Charm

Discover the artistic and cultural sites of Essaouira on a private day trip from Marrakesh. Explore the peaceful Atlantic coast city, visit the traditional harbor and beach, and stroll along the historic ramparts. Hassle-free transportation included.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Marrakech - The full-day excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech begins at 8:00 am. The journey to Essaouira is a scenic 3.5-hour drive (176 km), where travelers can enjoy views of dromedaries, sheep, and goats grazing in the countryside.

The landscape transitions to ARGAN trees, which grow wild and provide berries for local goats. There is an option to stop for an ARGAN oil tasting at a small cooperative run by local women, where visitors can observe the oil extraction process. Another stop can be made to see the famous Argan tree, where up to 20 goats can be seen perched on the low branches, offering a unique photo opportunity.

  • Loudaya - If the trip coincides with a Monday, there will be a stop to visit the weekly market in the town of Oudayas. These “weekly markets” are a significant cultural heritage in Morocco. They serve as a gathering place for residents to shop, sell goods, form alliances, and resolve disputes in a festive atmosphere. Despite the rise of modern markets, these traditional markets remain an integral part of Moroccan social and economic life.

  • Chichaoua - A brief stop will be made along the way.

  • Tafetachte - Located less than 30 kilometers from the destination, this area is known for its Argan trees. Travelers may see goats in the trees and can take photos. The goats eat the fruit pulp and discard the kernels, which locals then collect, roast, and press to make oil for personal use or sale. A visit to one of the women’s cooperatives for argan oil is planned.

  • Essaouira - Upon arrival in Essaouira, travelers will have about 5 hours to explore before returning to Marrakech. The old city of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is a labyrinth of alleys with various districts and markets. The market offers a variety of products, from garments and spices to jewelry and fresh produce. Numerous restaurants serve fresh seafood and other local dishes, often enjoyed on terraces shaded by trees.

  • Essaouira Beach - The beach, stretching nearly six kilometers, is a favorite among surfers and sunbathers. The water is cool (averaging 18 degrees year-round) and the strong currents may deter swimming, making a cultural and historical exploration of the city more appealing. The fishing port, with its blue boats and white cabins, is adjacent to the beach and serves as the return meeting point. The group will depart for Marrakech in the late afternoon around 4:30 pm, arriving back in the “Red City” around 7:00 pm.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board WiFi
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Tea and coffee
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Take a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakesh, this small city on the Atlantic coast with its artistic and cultural sites, and enjoy the peace and spirit of this unique city of arts. Visit the traditional harbour, the beach, and the picturesque city. Stroll along the historic ramparts and step back in time.

Spend a day in the coastal community of Essaouira on a full-day trip from Marrakesh, discovering the old medina, colorful bazaars, and a center filled with open-air cafés and seafood restaurants. Pre-booking a trip to Essaouira is a hassle-free way to make the trip, with all transportation via a minibus or a comfortable 4x4 car equipped with the necessary air conditioning and amenities required for this day trip.
This trip includes pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Marrakesh. Round trip transportation to Essaouira from Marrakesh See the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location
Station Petrom
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Gcv27
Dec 29, 2023
Amazing trip to Essaouira - I visited Marrakesh with my family these holidays and the trip to Essaouira with Hafid and Barbaro travel was a highlight. Not only the city was amazing but it was a great experience. He's a great guide, patient, kind, and very knowledgeable. Also, his cars are brand new and very comfortable. Recommended for families or travellers looking for a comfortable experience where they get to choose their times and have a personalized experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces47297476932
Nov 25, 2023
Magnificent experience - Visit Marrakech and surrounding areas with a fabulous guide I highly recommend it, I have come to Morocco several times, I have never had a guide like Hafid
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345alband
Nov 25, 2023
Essaouira - Hafid is an Excellent guide. We took an excursion to Essaouira, we were able to learn a lot about the city and the surrounding area. Always attentive, excellent culture of the region, you can book with your eyes closed.
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835aminae
Oct 26, 2023
Excellent trip with Mr hafid from Marrakech to Essaouira - The trip was magnificent. Mr Hafid welcomed us very warmly. Very good service I recommend. THANKS
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Dounial688
Oct 23, 2023
Amazing - The trip was nice and the staff was very friendly I hope I will go back to marakech again I love the place the food the nature I love morocco
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674abdellatifa
Oct 22, 2023
Essaouira experience - Very nice experience, thank you Hafid I have already visited Essaouira several times, but all the information I had with Hafid I have never heard, let's start with the vineyards of the village Oudaya and Ounagha, the history of the Peugeot 504 in Sidi Mokhtar, the visit to the ramparts and Medina d Essaouira... in short it was impeccable. Thanks again
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X8115oytravisg
Oct 21, 2023
Excellent Day Trip with Hafid - Excellent day, it was great with the guide Hafid (Cherif) very kind, welcoming and caring professional, he gave us an incredible day and the city is great, the landscape, the fish very good. Thank you for this day trip.
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Mat_om964
Oct 13, 2023
Very helpful - Superb experience, good value for money and always very helpful and available. I highly recommend
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353nicolasd
Oct 13, 2023
Gorgeous - Great experience Sherif the super relational boss knows everyone like that pocket I highly recommend
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350bouchrao
Oct 9, 2023
Good trip and best guide - Good trip to Essaouira Mogador and good services, Nice car everiting IS good on this day trip, Thanks Hafid
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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