Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech: Port, Medina and Argan Oil
A day in the blue-and-white town on the Atlantic coast: argan forest with goats in the trees, a women's cooperative, the fishing port, the ramparts and Essaouira's medina.
This Essaouira day trip from Marrakech swaps the heat of the city for the Atlantic breeze. It is about two and a half hours to the old Mogador, a town of white houses and blue doors with a UNESCO-listed medina, sea-facing ramparts and one of the most photogenic fishing ports in Morocco.
On the way you cross the argan forest, where goats climb the trees, and stop at a women's cooperative to see how argan oil is made. In Essaouira the afternoon is yours: the port, the Skala, the galleries and the beach.
Day-by-day itinerary
Morocco trip itinerary, day by day
08:00 · Pick-up at your hotel or riad and drive west across the Haouz plains.
09:30 · Coffee stop in Chichaoua then on through Sidi Mokhtar.
10:15 · Argan forest and cooperative Goats in the argan trees and a visit to a women's cooperative.
11:00 · Arrival in Essaouira Free time for the port, the Skala, the medina and the beach. Lunch at the port stalls or a café (not included).
16:30 · Return to Marrakech arriving at your hotel or the city centre in the early evening.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech (or the city centre)
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minibus
- Stop in the argan forest and visit to a women's cooperative
- Support from Vamos Fugir on WhatsApp
What's not included
- Lunch
- Local guide in Essaouira (the driver can help you book one)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not listed as included
Gallery
Getting from Marrakech to Essaouira
Essaouira lies about 190 km west of Marrakech, across the Haouz plains and through Chichaoua and Sidi Mokhtar. No buses to worry about: we pick you up at your hotel or riad and bring you back.
What to see in Essaouira
- Fishing port: blue boats, seagulls and fish you can have grilled on the spot.
- Skala de la Kasbah: the old ramparts with cannons facing the Atlantic.
- Medina: narrow lanes, art galleries, thuya-wood craftsmen and spice shops.
- Beach: about 6 km of sand, known for wind, surfing and kitesurfing.
Essaouira stays cool all year, so bring a light jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Morocco trip: frequently asked questions
About two and a half hours each way, with a coffee stop and a stop in the argan forest.
No. The nearest beach is Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast, which is where this trip goes.
No. Most travellers have grilled fish at the port stalls or eat at a café in the medina.
Yes, you can see the port, the ramparts and the medina at an easy pace. If you would like to stay overnight, ask us for a quote with accommodation.
- Adult price
- 16€
- Children (4–12)
- 8€
- Under 4
- Free
- Single supplement
- +16€
- Book for
- 50%