Essaouira full-Day Trip From Marrakech

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The argan tree, the goat tree: Essaouira by road from Marrakech, there is a passage, just under 30 kilometers from the destination. On the heights, the road crosses land where trees grow here and there, reaching a height of ten meters above the ground. These trees are argan trees and they are covered ... with goats. Indeed, they love the fruits of the argan tree and climb it with surprising ease. They cling to the branches, settle there and taste the fruit at their ease. They actually eat only the pulp and reject the kernel. The latter is then collected by the inhabitants then roasted and then pressed to make oil for their own use or for sale.

   10 min

2. By the time travelers arrive in Essaouira, they will have approximately 5 hours of free time. They can start by visiting the old medina of Essaouira. The city of Essaouira has a strong tourist potential, thanks in particular to its natural, historical, and cultural assets, thus becoming a major tourist destination. Its medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 the maze of alleys divides the districts and the various souks. Quite organized despite everything, the souk offers all types of products. Clothing is mixed with spices, necklaces, bracelets, and other items are followed by olives and other fruits and vegetables. There are many restaurants here where the fresh catch of the morning is cooked for lunch or dinner. Many other typical dishes are also offered and it is good to stop on a terrace, in the refreshing shade of the trees.

   1 h

3. The old Port and La Sqala du Port d'Essaouira: the port is the second center of the city with the Medina. Throughout the day, fishermen are busy maintaining their boats and preparing for their future outings. In the morning, crates of fish are sold on the quays for some, in the Medina for others. The blue boats of sailors fill the port at midday, all in a colorful and lively atmosphere. This port is Protected by the Squala; Built in the 18th century, it is, with the Scala of the Kasbah, one of the main fortifications of the city.

   20 min

4. During free time, travelers can enjoy the calculation of the number of doors in this beautiful medina. The Medina has a large number of gates, located in the city's medina. These doors are influenced by two different types of styles. The Cherifian style, reminiscent of the fortifications of Marrakech, features rounded doors, while the European style features pedimented doors and fluted columns.

   1 h

5. In Morocco, the Mellah generally refers to the old Jewish quarter of the city. In Essaouira, the Mellah was located at the beginning of the 18th century near dar’makhzen (royal palace and seat of state power) as well as the Tojar Soltan district, also adjacent to the port. After 1809, this district became the Mellah leq'dim (the old Mellah): in its extension, a new district is in fact open to urbanization and accommodates many Jewish families.

   20 min

6. Essaouira beach is the first to welcome visitors. Stretching nearly six kilometers in length, it is popular with surfers who come to enjoy the strong waves as well as visitors who want to bask in the sun. The water is fairly cool (18 degrees on average all year round) and the strong currents will end up dissuading you from going to soak your feet in favor of a more cultural, historical, and colorful visit to the city. The fishing port is located in the continuity of the beach. Its blue boats and white cabins with blue shutters are very easy to spot.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 259 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 4Old town/ beach day

  A bit of waiting around in the morning to be picked up. A good trip for the price and we got a long time in Essaouria. Our driver was really nice and informative.

  909nadiaiAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Excursion Essaoira

  Speaks good english. Drives calmy and safely, 5stars.

  I8442DUeliasmJune 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Essaouira

  Yousef was perfect, so gentle and kind. Everything was perfect.

  ellenrayssaoJune 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Kinde peaple

  It was a very beutiful day in essaouira youssef our driver was very kinde thank you Nice stops in on our way to essaouira

  dounyas300June 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Good time

  You set our driver was very nice and took us all the way to the old city and it was great time

  E7042YAalessandrosJune 2026via Tripadvisor

• 4It’s just a ride to the beach

  It was fine, you pay to get there, that’s all. I’m sure you can get a taxi to take you there for half of the price we paid.

  Virginia_WJune 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Marrakech

• Its from-price is 83% below the median of the 46 hop-on hop-off we list in Marrakech.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 46.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Marrakech

At the foot of the Atlas Mountains, red-walled Marrakech is famed for its maze-like medina, lively main square and tranquil riads and gardens.

Jemaa el-Fnaa, the great square at the centre of the medina, changes character through the day, from juice sellers and snake charmers in the morning to smoke-wreathed food stalls and musicians after dark. The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque rises nearby as the city's landmark, and the souks spread north in a warren of lanes selling leather, lanterns, carpets and spices.

Top-ranked sights in Marrakech: Atlas Mountains, Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, Jemaa el-Fna (Djemaa el-Fna).

See all 7526 experiences in Marrakech