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Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira – overview:
As you flew to Morocco, you might have noticed passengers carrying surfboards. Where were they off to, you wondered. Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the Atlantic coast!
This Essaouira day trip from Marrakech offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy pleasant weather and to discover the famous seaport, and medieval ramparts. The narrow, winding streets through the colourful medina of this charming little town are unique in atmosphere, yet still very Moroccan. A delicious and special lunch is to be had at the harbour, where you can select fresh fish from the night’s catch.
There are innumerable cafes and restaurants to enjoy a relaxing glass of tea or a cup of coffee. If you are feeling more energetic and wish for some fresh Atlantic breezes, you can take a walk by the beach. Water sports lovers may head for the places offering hired equipment.
As you travel to the coast, why not stop at women’s cooperatives producing precious argan oil; delicious in food and excellent treatment for both the skin and hair? The quality and price are worth considering in contrast to back home!
Essaouira day trip – highlights – highlights:
- A delightful drive through Chichaoua’s countryside and the hilly slopes of argan trees and Berber towns
- Visiting a local women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about its uses and extraction process
- Wandering Essaouira’s UNESCO World Heritage medina with its winding alleyways and colourful souks
- Touring Skala Port and discovering coastal fortifications with breathtaking ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Exploring the lively port scene and choosing fresh fish to have prepared for lunch on the spot at a local restaurant
- Enjoying a walk on Essaouira’s sandy beach with opportunities to spend a few hours surfing
What is included in this day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech:
- Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle; a 4×4 Toyota Prado Tx or deluxe van and fuel
- Pick-up from and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
- Experienced English/ French/ Spanish/ Italian-speaking driver-guide
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop for breaks whenever you wish
What is not included:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Tips
Good to know about your day trip to Essaouira:
- This day trip to Essaouira can be customised to be more personal and special
- You can opt for a 2-day Essaouira tour from Marrakech to spend a night in the coastal town
- We offer a 25% discount for children under 12, and one child under 3 per family travels free of charge
- We require a 30% deposit of the total price to book the car, while the balance is payable to the driver
- We accept payment through PayPal, bank transfers in Europe, by credit card, or cash (USD, Euro, GBP or MAD)
- These prices are liable to fluctuation according to the current exchange rate
- Our prices can be subject to an increase over the busy season, and, in particular, the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period
Prices per person
| No Days | Meals |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive | |
| Total price | |
| 2 Persons |
|---|
| 135 € * |
| 270 € * |
| 3 Persons |
|---|
| 125 € * |
| 375 € * |
| 4 Persons |
|---|
| 115 € * |
| 460 € * |
| 5 Persons |
|---|
| 100 € * |
| 500 € * |
| 6 Persons |
|---|
| 100 € * |
| 600 € * |
Essaouira day trip from Marrakech – full itinerary:
Essaouira is many tourists’ darling! Previously known as Mogador to the Portuguese inhabitants of the time, it is a charming small town on the Atlantic coast well-known for its local handicrafts, especially thuja wood furniture, carving and small artefacts, sold in innumerable shops along the windy streets.
Your driver fetches you from your riad in Marrakech at 08:30. Your day’s journey takes you through the countryside of Chichaoua with its Berber towns, and past hilly slopes full of argan trees. Here, you might be able to stop to witness a rare sight of goats climbing into argan tree branches to devour the leaves.
Just before Essaouira, you can visit a women’s cooperative where argan nuts are processed by hand into one of the most versatile of oils; delicious in salads and a treat for the skin.
Upon your arrival in Essaouira, you will be greeted by the town’s charming seaport, famous for its blue boats. At the seafront, you can choose a selection of freshly caught fish to have prepared for lunch on the spot.
In the afternoon, stroll along the ancient ramparts that encircle the city. Orson Welles filmed “Othello” here, making the Portuguese ramparts famous in its opening scene. This is a perfect place to take photos and enjoy the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Surfing opportunities and the beach make Essaouira an ideal spot for coastal lovers, as this laidback town has a favourable micro-climate; mild in winter and cool in summer.
And as an aside, Essaouira is a perfect place to relax after a trip to the desert – on the beach, in the little cafés by the port or wandering in and out of all the little shops. Your private day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira ends around 18:00.
