Essaouira, once called Mogador, is a fortified port town built in the second half of the 18th century on European military lines. Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its fishing port is still busy.
It is 185 km from Marrakech, a little under three hours each way. On the road you pass through argan country and stop at a women's cooperative that makes the oil.
- Duration
- 1 day (8:00–18:00)
- Route
- Marrakech – argan country – Essaouira – Marrakech
- Starts
- Marrakech, 8:00
- Ends
- Marrakech, 18:00
- Style
- Private or small group
- Level
- Easy
- Languages
- English, French, Arabic
- Price
- Price on request
Highlights
- A women's argan cooperative on the way
- A walking tour of the UNESCO medina
- The sea ramparts and the fishing port
- Free time for the beach, galleries or lunch by the port
The day
Morning: Marrakech – Essaouira
Pick-up at 8:00 and the drive west through the argan groves, with a stop at a women's cooperative to see how the oil is made.
Late morning: the medina and ramparts
Enter the walled town by the port gate and walk the medina and the sea ramparts.
Midday: the port and lunch
The blue fishing boats and the fish market, then lunch.
Afternoon: free time and return
The beach, the woodworkers' workshops or the galleries, then the drive back to Marrakech.
What’s included
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Air-conditioned transport
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch
- Visit to an argan cooperative
- Walking tour of the medina
- Bottled water
Not included
- Drinks
- Optional activities
- Local guide in Essaouira (available to hire)
- Entrance fees
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- Essaouira is windy most of the year. Bring a light jacket even in summer.
- There is no train to Essaouira; the alternative is the bus, about three hours each way.
Ask about dates and price
Every tour is private and priced for your group size and dates. Send us your dates and how many you are, and we reply with a price and a plan.