Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
ID: GYG487311-861676
Category:
Country: Morocco
Country: Morocco
Duration: 1 days
Description
Explore Essaouira, a small fortified city on the edge of the Atlantic coast. Located 180 kilometers west of Marrakech. Make a day journey to this medieval city known for its ocean breezes, cool air, and annual festival of Gnaoua music.
Experience a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech jam-packed with sights, including the funky, cold Medina, the old harbor and its Portuguese fortifications, and military outposts. Shop a bit, enjoy views of the Atlantic, and even learn about the local cosmetic oil industry.
Begin with an early drive along the Haouz plains to Chichaoua village. Stop for a cup of coffee before you continue to Sidi Mokhtar. Pass the lush Argan forest. Spot goats climbing the trees. Stop for a photo opp before visiting a local ladies’ cooperative. Learn how cosmetics are made from rich Argan oil, or "liquid gold".
Carry on to Essaouira and explore the city at your leisure. Hire a guide via the driver if need be, but the city is navigable alone. Explore the grid-like streets, the harbor with its fishing port, and old Portuguese fortifications. Admire medieval war cannons overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the Medina, or old city, including La Scala, built to protect against foreign naval attacks. Continue to Bab Laalouj, one of the main gates of Essaouira, then to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. Grab some gifts with some retail therapy in the various art shops, galleries, souvenir shops, and wood craft shops.
Choose one of the local cafes for a seafood lunch and head to the Kasbah, famous for having served as a military bastion. Enjoy a walk along the sandy beach of Mogador, and watch locals playing beach ball. Join a game with friendly locals if you desire. Sunbathe while watching kite surfing or windsurfing, before returning to Marrakech in late afternoon.
Experience a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech jam-packed with sights, including the funky, cold Medina, the old harbor and its Portuguese fortifications, and military outposts. Shop a bit, enjoy views of the Atlantic, and even learn about the local cosmetic oil industry.
Begin with an early drive along the Haouz plains to Chichaoua village. Stop for a cup of coffee before you continue to Sidi Mokhtar. Pass the lush Argan forest. Spot goats climbing the trees. Stop for a photo opp before visiting a local ladies’ cooperative. Learn how cosmetics are made from rich Argan oil, or "liquid gold".
Carry on to Essaouira and explore the city at your leisure. Hire a guide via the driver if need be, but the city is navigable alone. Explore the grid-like streets, the harbor with its fishing port, and old Portuguese fortifications. Admire medieval war cannons overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the Medina, or old city, including La Scala, built to protect against foreign naval attacks. Continue to Bab Laalouj, one of the main gates of Essaouira, then to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. Grab some gifts with some retail therapy in the various art shops, galleries, souvenir shops, and wood craft shops.
Choose one of the local cafes for a seafood lunch and head to the Kasbah, famous for having served as a military bastion. Enjoy a walk along the sandy beach of Mogador, and watch locals playing beach ball. Join a game with friendly locals if you desire. Sunbathe while watching kite surfing or windsurfing, before returning to Marrakech in late afternoon.
Highlights
- Explore the old Medina of Essaouria and its small blue alleys
- Visit the Argan factory and discover the benefits of the Argan oil
- Visit the old Portuguese fortress Sekkala
- Enjoy a fish lunch by the port or in local restaurant
- You can stop everywhere to take memorable photos
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
*Essaouira might be windy an cold, even when Marrakech is extremely hot
*Please kindly note this is not a guided tour. However, you will have an English /French speaking driver
*Please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, Sun hat, Sunglasses and a camera
*People looking after goats climbing Argan trees expect a tip from you when taking photos
*drop off from/at any accommodation in town or a closest meeting
point that is accessible by vehicle
• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts • Pick up from your Marrakech hotel/ Riad or the closest accessible location to your Riad if it's not car-accessible • Please provide your hotel name and address • Please provide a number which can be reached via WhatsApp
*Please kindly note this is not a guided tour. However, you will have an English /French speaking driver
*Please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, Sun hat, Sunglasses and a camera
*People looking after goats climbing Argan trees expect a tip from you when taking photos
*drop off from/at any accommodation in town or a closest meeting
point that is accessible by vehicle
• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts • Pick up from your Marrakech hotel/ Riad or the closest accessible location to your Riad if it's not car-accessible • Please provide your hotel name and address • Please provide a number which can be reached via WhatsApp
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.