Day Excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech

Tour Reference U-ME/111

A visit to Essaouira is often regarded as the best way to ease into your Moroccan vacation - or to chill down at the end of your travels.

Either way, Essaouira’s colonial charm and laid-back atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and discovery at a gentle pace.

Category Day Excursion
Duration 1 Days
Starts From Marrakech
Returns to Marrakech
Group Size 2 - 6
Prices from €50

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech to Essaouira Excursion

After meeting you at your hotel or riad at around 8.00am, we head west on our 2.5 hour journey to the Atlantic Coast and the Portuguese-influenced town of Essaouira.

As we leave the outskirts of Marrakech, the ochre-coloured buildings give way to managed cultivation of olive trees and some of the largest vineyards in Morocco.

We plan to take in two stops en route to Essaouira. The first is near Chichaoua as we move into “Argan country”. The Atlantic hinterland enjoys a perfect climate for the Argan tree to thrive upon and the nuts and berries from these trees have been part of the fabric of Berber life for centuries. Not just for producing cooking and cosmetics, but as a source of domestic fuel and fodder for animals.

 

Moroccan goats have developed their own tree-climbing skills and (although a little stage managed by the attendant shepherd) our first stop presents one of those rare photo opportunities that should not be passed by.

 

 

 

Just outside of Essaouira, we call into a local Argan cooperative where you can see and learn about the production of Argan-based products. There’s a café for refreshments before we continue our journey.

By late morning we arrive at the fishing port of Essaouira where you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the hive of activity as the day’s catch of fish and seafood is brought ashore and presented for sale in a basic but practical manner, while learning about the history and development of the area.You can even choose your own lunch from here to have cooked by one of the local restaurants a little later.

Adjoining the harbour are the 18th century ramparts and fortifications with their commanding views of the port, the town, the wide sandy beach and the Island of Mogador in the distance. From this superb vantage point you are just a couple of minutes walk to the entrance of the UNESCO-listed medina and Place Moulay Hassan where your guided tour of the old town of Essaouira begins.

 

A far cry from Marrakech, the souks and squares in Essaouira are more relaxed – but still offer that amazing combination of colours and aromas entwined with locals and tourists inspecting the fascinating array of stalls, kiosks, galleries and shops that are at the heart of Morocco’s artisan culture.

 

 

Carpets, spices, herbal remedies, jewellery, lanterns, paintings, thuya woodcarvings and carpentry. Every street corner delivers a different view on life in Essaouira. And although, as you look upwards, some of the facades may appear to be in a state of disrepair, this only adds to the character of this popular seaside town.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Essaouira during the summer months, you may have the opportunity to join the fun and celebrations as the town presents its annual Gnaoua Festival of World Music. While showcasing Morocco’s indigenous Gnaoua music and artistes, the event attracts performers and audiences from around the world in an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, reggae and general bon viveur.

With free time for you to enjoy lunch and amble around at your leisure, we return to Marrakech late afternoon.

Meals included / not included
Breakfast Not included
Lunch Not included
Dinner Not included

Pricing

2 Persons €90 pp
3 Persons €70 pp
4 Persons €60 pp
5 Persons €50 pp
6 Persons €50 pp

Solo travellers are always welcome. Please ask for details and availability. For groups of more than 6 guests, please ask our Reservations Team for more information about availability and prices. Reductions apply for children accompanied by adults. No charge for children under 5 years. All local taxes, state taxes, parking fees, tolls and fuel charges are included within the price. Please see below for more information.

Accommodation

Inclusive and Exclusive

What is included

  • All fuel, travel taxes and tolls as per itinerary
  • Collection from your accommodation
  • English/French/Spanish speaking driver
  • Return to your accommodation
  • Transportation in air-conditioned 4x4, car or mini-bus

What is not included

  • Airport-train-seaport transfers to accommodation
  • Entrance fee to attractions or events en route
  • Services of professional tour guide
  • Flights or travel to and from Morocco
  • Gratuities at your discretion
  • Lunches, snacks and drinks
  • Incidental expenses and souvenirs
  • Personal travel and health insurance
  • Any other items or services not shown as inclusive

Notes:

Upgrades and changes to your itinerary

We’re more than happy to alter this itinerary to suit your individual requirements prior to booking. Just let us know what changes you would like and we will advise. And if you would prefer to travel throughout in a luxury limousine or have any special requirements you would like arranged for your tour, please ask us for details.

Other information

As with many of our tours, this itinerary involves a certain amount of travelling and walking, often on uneven surfaces. Please think carefully about the personal mobility (especially young children) of those in your group and the suitability of this tour for them before booking. Our Reservations Team will be happy to advise you on this.

Contact Us

To book this tour, request more information about the tour or advise of any special requirements you may have, please send an email to us using the form below.

By using this form you consent to Magnificent Morocco S.A.R.L. collecting, storing and processing of your data in accordance with its Privacy Policy

Contact information

Phone (office): +212 524 433 513

Fax: +212 524 433 513

Mobile (Morocco): + 212 662 27 39 30

Mobile (Spain): + 34 659 320 701

Email: tours@magnificentmorocco.com

Address: Angle Rue Tarik Ibn Ziad & Ibn Aicha Résidence Excel Sior

Imm. 18 No 6 Gueliz

Marrakech

Morocco