Table of Contents
Introduction
I am knocking out lots of Moroccan hidden gems and destinations and I love that for me. Essaouira in one day is very doable for anyone that is visiting soon. It is also an absolutely gem that you have to add to your list if you are ever in Morocco. After my endless train trips to Marrakech, I decided it was time to steal a day trip in Essaouria. And I am so glad I did it was everything I need and such a needed visit.
Essaouira in my opinion is one is on the most calm destination in Morocco. Add that with its coastal charm you absolutely have to see. I think it gives Greece, Santorini vibes with the whitewashed walls, bright blue shutters, doors, fresh seafood sizzling on grills, and the sound of seagulls over the Atlantic. Its truly stunning. I drove down from Marrakech for a day and here’s exactly what I a day trip in Essaouira is really like!
So is Essaouria worth visiting? Let me answer that by sharing what you can do and much more. Worth noting that you can also get a tour guide by booking through GetYourGuide here.
Related Post: A Travel Guide Marrakech and Casablanca: Easy Eats, Dos & More
1. The Drive from Marrakech
A day trip in Essaouria will require a drive which is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Marrakech by car. It feels a lot shorter considering all the other journeys I do around Morocco lol. I left in the morning and broke up the journey with a stop at an argan oil cooperative. Here, you can watch women hand-grind the nuts, learn about culinary vs cosmetic argan oil, and of course, stock up (yes, I bought way too much than I actually needed).
MBV Tip: If you’re not driving, book a day tour. It saves the stress and often includes these stops. You can book through here.
Essaouira Things To Do
2. The Blue & White Medina
Essaouira’s medina is a UNESCO-listed location, and unlike the medina in Marrakech, it’s so much more chilled. I travelled here during Ramadan like I did with Tangier and I imagine it was even more chilled and less touristy than usual. The alleys feel wide and airy and every corner is photo-worthy with its Santorini-meets-Morocco colour scheme.
Look out for:
- Blue wooden doors framed by sandy stone arches
- Local craft stalls selling woven baskets and jewellery
- Tiny cafés perfect for mint tea breaks
3. The Fishing Port & Market
This was a feast for the senses. There are rows and rows of bright blue fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and the smell of saltwater and fresh fish in the air.
You can even pick your fish at the market and have it grilled right there. As I was fasting I wasn’t able to try anything but my friend got some seabass and she absolutely loved it! Her words where “she never tasted anything fresher!”
4. Ramparts & Ocean Views – Essaouira Things to See
Essaouira’s fortified walls are a history lesson and a photo spot in one. Fun fact: some scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here so if you are a fan it’s a must visit!
From the ramparts, you can watch waves crash against the rocks and enjoy the cool sea breeze, a perfect break from Morocco’s inland heat.
5. Souvenir Shopping
Essaouira is a great place to shop without the Marrakech hustle and bustle .
You’ll find:
- Handmade baskets
- Leather goods
- Local spices
- Argan oil products
Haggling is still expected, but it’s far less intense, but regardless always haggle for anything you are buying when travelling. No matter what!
A Day Trip in Essaouira – Conclusion
And there you have it. Essaouira in one day is very doable and personally if you are flying out to Marrakesh you should absolutely do a day trip in Essaouira. It is a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s busier cities.
Is Essaouira worth visiting? Well in just one day, you can soak up the medina charm, eat world-class seafood, and breathe in that ocean air. It’s the kind of place that feels like a deep exhale for your mental health.
Would you do Essaouira in one day? If you have been let me know if Essaouira is worth visiting? Let me know in the comments and as always if you want to follow my journeys around Morocco please subscribe to the blog for more guides and travel tips around Morocco.
And if you are looking for hotels in Morocco. Read – The 6 Best Hotels to Stay in Morocco
Speak soon,
MBV X
