3 Day Essaouira Coastal Escape from Marrakech
A day trip shows you Essaouira; two nights let you live it. On this private short break you settle into a riad inside the ramparts of the old Portuguese-era port, watch the fishing fleet come in, eat grilled sardines at the harbour and spend an afternoon on the long, windswept beach before returning to Marrakech refreshed.
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Starts and ends: Marrakech
- Distance: about 190 km each way (2 hours 45 minutes)
- Accommodation: riad in the Essaouira medina
- Price: on request, depends on group size and riad choice
Highlights
- A women's argan oil cooperative on the road to the coast
- Two nights in a riad within the UNESCO-listed medina
- A guided walk through the Skala ramparts, the souks and the Mellah
- The blue fishing boats and the morning fish auction at the port
- Free time for the beach, kitesurfing, a horse ride or a camel ride on the dunes
- Optional visit to the Ounara or Sidi Kaouki coast
Day by Day
Day 1: Marrakech → Argan cooperative → Essaouira
Morning departure across the Chiadma plains, with a stop at an argan cooperative to see the oil being pressed by hand and, in season, goats in the argan trees. Arrive in Essaouira for lunch and check in to your riad. Sunset from the Skala de la Ville ramparts.
Day 2: Essaouira at your own pace
A local guide walks you through the medina in the morning: the woodworkers' arcades, the spice souk, the old Jewish quarter and the port. The afternoon is yours, for the beach, a hammam, a surf lesson or a ride along the dunes to the ruins of Borj El Berod.
Day 3: Essaouira → Marrakech
A slow breakfast on the riad terrace, last-minute shopping for thuya wood and argan products, and a relaxed drive back to Marrakech.
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the transfers
- 2 nights in a riad in Essaouira with breakfast
- Half-day guided walk in the medina
- Bottled water
Not included: lunches, dinners, optional activities, tips.
Good to Know
- Wind: Essaouira is breezy all year, ideal in summer when Marrakech is hot. Bring a light jacket.
- Just one day? Try the Essaouira day trip.
- Continue south: we can carry on to Agadir instead of returning to Marrakech.