Get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and head to the delightful Essaouira on a day trip with Morocco Tourism Packages. With its relaxed vibe, blue-and-white medina and working fishing port where you can buy the day’s catch at a line of fishmongers’ stalls facing the sea wall in late afternoon. Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most appealing Atlantic towns.
In Essaouira, visit the historical ramparts of this former Portuguese port and walk alongside a golden-sandy beach or browse around its colorful craft markets. Dine on fresh seafood by the sea, explore local art galleries or just relax and let the Atlantic wind blow through your hair. This peaceful sanctuary is the perfect antidote to Marrakech’s frenetic pace and will give you a fresh perspective on Morocco as it borders onto its coast.
A private day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira offers flexibility, comfort, and a personalized experience. Unlike group tours, you can travel at your own pace, stop for photos, choose where to eat, and explore the medina or beaches according to your interests. With a private driver-guide, you’ll enjoy direct attention, insider knowledge, and seamless transportation throughout the day.
This type of tour ensures maximum comfort and convenience, eliminating the stress of large groups or fixed schedules. You can spend more time at the places that interest you most—whether wandering the historic medina, strolling along the harbor, or relaxing on the sandy beaches.
A private tour also allows for special touches, such as visiting artisan shops, enjoying fresh seafood at your preferred restaurant, or taking unique photo opportunities along the Atlantic coast. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, a private day trip to Essaouira transforms a simple excursion into a memorable, stress-free, and truly personalized Moroccan adventure.
Your day starts with a morning pickup at your hotel or riad in Marrakech. You will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and have friendly driver/guide. While you leave the city, enjoy scenery shifting from vibrant Marrakech streets to Moroccan country wide open landscapes.
⇒ Argan Scenic Drive: 3 hours.):
You will drive through small Berber villages and virgin argan tree forests. There may be an optional stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where you can see how this famous sylvan is extracted and learn about its countless uses in cooking and skin care. And it’s a chance to support local artists and take home an unusual souvenir.
⇒ Drive to Essaouira -Visit the Port and Medina of Essaouira.
You’ll quickly sense the cool ocean breeze and relaxed vibe as you arrive in Essaouira. Your guide will point out the main highlights, beginning with the fishing port where you’ll see colorful boats coming in full of fish caught same day. You then go to the historic Skala de la Kasbah ancient ramparts mounted with cannons offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Trudge through the Unesco-listed medina of Atlantic-hugging Essaouira packed houses with blue shutters, minute art galleries and woodwork workshops crammed into a mad jumble of souks. You’ll discover beautiful handmade products, from thuya wood carvings to silver jewelry. And unlike bigger cities, the medina in Essaouira is small and laid-back; you can spend time wandering leisurely.
⇒ Lunch Time – Some Fresh Seafood by the Coast:
Step out for lunch at a nearby restaurant or beachside grill. You can opt for the freshest seafood from today’s catch or top up on traditional Moroccan fare such as tagine and couscous. Your guide will be more than willing to suggest anywhere especially nice according to your taste.
⇒ Free Time and Beach Walk:
Following lunch take some time to experience and feel the culture. Perhaps you’ll walk along a wide sandy beach and watch kite surfers, swim or do nothing with the aid of some mint tea at one of its café tables. Essaouira is known for its pegged winds and creative vibes — a good place to unwind.
⇒ Back to Marrakech (Leave at about 4 :30 PM):
In the late afternoon you’ll return to Marrakech with your guide. You will be back at your hotel or riad early evening around 7:00 pm, with the memories of a great day on the atlantic coast.
Morocco Tourism Packages has designed this day trip to be a quick and satisfying experience that suits the preferences of most travelers. That said, we understand that no two travelers are the same. If you’d like to adjust the pace, add specific stops, or create a completely tailor-made itinerary, we’re here to make it happen. Our team is available anytime to assist you. And remember, the more people you travel with, the more affordable your tour becomes since transportation is a fixed cost and can be a significant part of your travel budget. Feel free to reach out with your ideas or questions we’d be delighted to help you craft your perfect Moroccan experience!

Our day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira with Mouhcine was absolutely amazing! From the moment we left Marrakech, he made the journey comfortable and full of insight. Along the way, he explained the history of the Argan cooperatives, and we even stopped to see the famous goats in the trees. Once in Essaouira, Mouhcine guided us through the charming medina, vibrant port, and relaxing beach. He gave us enough free time to explore, shop, and enjoy delicious seafood. His kindness and professionalism made the day even more special. I highly recommend this trip for anyone visiting Marrakech!

Taking the Essaouira day trip from Marrakech with Zaid was one of the highlights of our vacation. Zaid was punctual, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. The drive itself was scenic, and he made great stops for photos and explanations along the way. In Essaouira, Zaid showed us the hidden corners of the medina, the lively fishing port, and the city’s beautiful ramparts. He also recommended an excellent spot for fresh fish by the sea, which we loved. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt relaxed and well taken care of throughout the trip. Zaid truly made the experience unforgettable!
The drive is about 2.5-3 hours each way, depending on traffic and breaks along the scenic journey.
Morocco Tourism Packages offers private and small-group tours. You just need to select as per your choice.
You’ll be picked up at around 8:00, and you will arrive back in Marrakech by about 7:00 PM.
Meals are not included in this 1 Day Trip Marrakech to Essaouira, but your guide can suggest some great local places to have lunch in Essaouira and really good seafood there.
Yes most of our day tours stops at a women’s cooperative to check out and buy argan oil products.
Yes! you have free time to shop or walk on the beach at your leisure.
Absolutely. The journey is easy, and the tour operates at a relaxed pace. If special accommodations are required, simply inform the us ahead of time.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and bring a light jacket (it’s breezy) and some cash for lunch or souvenirs.
It is, as Essaouira has one of the lowest crime rates in Morocco and is an incredibly friendly place. It’s clean, walkable and full of things tourists want to do.
Definitely. Should you have interest in particular sites or would like more time to discover a certain area, Morocco Tourism Packages can customize this tour option.
A 1-day trip Marrakech to Essaouira is the perfect escape to Morocco’s charming Atlantic coast, offering a refreshing mix of history, culture, and seaside scenery. Departing early from Marrakech, you’ll travel through picturesque landscapes of olive groves, argan trees, and rolling hills, arriving at the coastal city in just a few hours.
Essaouira is a city of contrasts, blending centuries-old history with a relaxed, artistic vibe. Its UNESCO-listed medina features narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, vibrant markets, and artisan shops offering local crafts, spices, and traditional Moroccan goods. You’ll have the chance to explore the city at your own pace, strolling along the bustling harbor, observing fishermen at work, and admiring the historic Portuguese fortress walls.
The city’s beaches are perfect for a short walk or just soaking in the coastal atmosphere, while fresh seafood restaurants offer an opportunity to taste the local cuisine. For those interested, camel or horse rides along the beach can add an extra touch of adventure to your day.
This 1-day excursion from Marrakech to Essaouira is ideal for travelers who want to experience the magic of Morocco’s coast without leaving the city. It combines history, culture, and natural beauty into a memorable day trip, leaving you with lasting impressions of the Atlantic charm.
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