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Essaouira

A white and blue Atlantic port, about three hours from Marrakech.

About Essaouira

Essaouira at a glance.

Essaouira is a walled port town on Morocco's Atlantic coast, about 175 kilometres west of Marrakech. Its medina, laid out in the 18th century and listed by UNESCO, is a compact grid of whitewashed houses with blue shutters, small squares, craft workshops and art galleries. It is easy to explore on foot.

The town is shaped by the sea and the wind. Old ramparts with bronze cannons look over the ocean, fishing boats come in to the harbour each day, and a long sandy beach is popular for walking, horse rides and kitesurfing. Essaouira is also known for Gnaoua music, thuya wood marquetry and argan oil.

The climate is milder than in Marrakech, which makes it a welcome change in summer. Our team arranges the transfers, guides and restaurants, and can plan Essaouira as a day trip, a night by the sea or part of a longer journey along the coast.

Best time
April to October for warm days, all year for a mild climate
Climate
Mild and breezy, with cooler evenings than Marrakech
Getting there
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Marrakech
Nearby
Marrakech, Mogador island, Sidi Kaouki, Diabat

Behind old ramparts and blue shutters, the Atlantic wind carries salt, gulls and the sound of Gnaoua drums.

What to see

Main places in and around Essaouira.

  • The medina

    A UNESCO-listed old town of narrow lanes, small squares, craft workshops and galleries, with little traffic.

  • Skala de la Ville

    The sea ramparts with their old cannons, a good place to watch the waves and the sunset over the Atlantic.

  • The fishing port

    Blue wooden boats, nets and stalls where the day's catch is sold and grilled on the spot.

  • Craft workshops

    Thuya wood marquetry, leather, jewellery and paintings, made and sold in small workshops across the medina.

  • The beach and Mogador island

    A wide sandy bay for walks and wind sports, with the small island of Mogador visible just offshore.

  • Argan villages

    Women's cooperatives inland where argan oil is produced by hand, and where visitors can see how it is made.

Experiences

Experiences we can arrange.

These are examples. Each programme is adapted to the group, the season and the budget.

Private day trip from Marrakech

A comfortable transfer with a private driver, with stops along the way and free time in the medina.

Guided medina walk

A walk with a local guide through the ramparts, workshops and old quarters, with time for tea along the way.

Seafood lunch at the port

Fresh fish chosen at the harbour and grilled for lunch, or a table in a restaurant overlooking the sea.

Beach ride at sunset

A guided horse or camel ride along the sand in the last hour of daylight, with the ocean beside you.

Other destinations.