1 day Excursion from Marrakech to Essaouira city
OVERVIEW :
A charming small town, Essaouira is an ancient Portuguese fortress built by a French architect in Vauban style, its influence has given a unique result to the town which became the first trade harbour of Morocco in the late 18th century. With a mild climate, it offers beautiful wild beaches extremely popular with surfers. 175 km from Marrakech (3 hours driving).
highlights :
- Historic Medina: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed medina, with its narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings, and blue accents.
- Old Portuguese Fortress: Visit the historic Skala de la Ville and the impressive coastal fortifications, offering stunning views of the ocean.
- Artisanal Souks: Explore the vibrant markets selling traditional Moroccan crafts, woodwork, spices, textiles, and jewelry.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on or explore Essaouira’s wide, wild beaches, ideal for surfing, walking, or simply soaking up the coastal beauty.
- Fresh Seafood: Savor fresh, locally caught seafood at the town’s famous harbor-side fish stalls.
Tour Details
A short 175 km (around 3-hour) drive from Marrakech, the coastal town of Essaouira is a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its picturesque medina, Essaouira is an ancient Portuguese fortress that was fortified in the 18th century by a French architect in the Vauban military style, giving the town its distinctive, unique character.
Once Morocco’s primary trading harbor, Essaouira became a bustling port city during the late 18th century, attracting merchants and travelers from all over the world. The influence of Portuguese, French, and Arab cultures is still evident today in the town’s architecture, narrow winding streets, and vibrant souks.
The medina of Essaouira, with its whitewashed buildings and blue shutters, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an enchanting atmosphere for exploring. Here, you’ll find everything from artisanal crafts and woodwork (notably the famous Thuya wood) to spices, jewelry, and textiles. The town’s old harbor with its iconic blue fishing boats and the Skala de la Ville (a centuries-old sea bastion with cannons overlooking the ocean) are perfect spots for photography.
Essaouira is also known for its mild climate, which makes it a refreshing destination year-round. The town is renowned for its wild beaches, which stretch along the Atlantic coastline. These beaches are particularly popular with surfers due to the steady winds and waves, making Essaouira one of Morocco’s top surf destinations. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just want to enjoy a walk along the beach, the coastline offers a beautiful and relaxing escape.
You can also enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at one of the town’s seafood stalls along the waterfront, where fresh fish and seafood are prepared and served right by the ocean.
Essaouira’s vibrant atmosphere, historical charm, and natural beauty make it the perfect destination for a day trip from Marrakech, offering a contrast to the bustling city life. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, artistic vibe, or the call of the ocean, Essaouira is a place to unwind, explore, and experience Morocco from a different perspective.
included :
- Transport in 4×4 car with Air condition
- Private driver/English speaking guide
- Accommodation (dinner and breakfast) in hotels
- Camel ride through the desert
- Sleep in desert tent
excluded :
- Airline tickets
- Noon meals
- Drinks
- Entrance fees