Essaouira

Leave Marrakech at 08:00, ready for a 3-hour journey to the beautiful Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast. Once you arrive at the port city, formerly known as Mogador, you will have time to enjoy the charming sights of Essaouira, including its ocher-colored walls, the beautiful Moulay El Hassan square, and the souks, as well as the little streets of the city's old Medina. Enjoy a lunch of fresh fish in a local restaurant. During your trip, visit an association of Berber women producing argan oil, see the local markets, and marvel at the gems in the jeweler's quarter.  You will return to Marrakech at the end of the afternoon, arriving back to the "Red City" at around 19:00.

Experience the bohemian vibe of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast on a full-day tour from Marrakech. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle across west Morocco, enjoying views of the arid landscape and argan trees en route. Stop at the town of Chochaoua for coffee. Arrive in Essaouira approximately 2 hours after your departure from Marrakech. Get your 1st views of more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) of golden beaches, popular with surfers for the constant, bracing winds. Once in Essaouira you are free to explore the medina and Portuguese architecture on your own. Alternatively, meet your local guide for a 1.5-hour tour of the Skala du Port and bastion southeast of the medina. Stroll the labyrinthine streets of the medina, hearing traditional Gnaoua Muic music on every corner. Watch artisans at work, crafting thuya wood crafts. Continue to the fishing port to see the fishermen selling their catch of the day. Taste fresh seafood over lunch in the port. Then, take a walk along the beach before your transfer back to Marrakech. En route, stop at an argan oil co-operative to see how the Berber ladies process the traditional argan oil, known locally as “liquid gold.”

Depart from Marrakech in the early morning and head to Essaouira in a minibus. On the way, take a break in the town of Sidi Moukhtar and then visit one of the women's cooperatives producing argan oils. Once you arrive at Essaouira, spend time exploring. Visit the medina and stroll through the shops that interest you. Climb some of the ramparts to get some of the best views of the city.  Choose your lunch from a wide range of gastronomic options in Essaouira including seafood specialties, French cuisine, Japanese food, and vegetarian options. Enjoy a cup of mint tea in the main square before heading back to Marrakech.

Your day-long adventure begins as you head north from Agadir to the former Portuguese city of Essaouira, passing isolated beaches, the palace of a Saudi prince, and the village of Taghazout along the way. Once known by its Portuguese name of Mogador, the city of Essaouira is a citadel with a prestigious past, occupied by various civilizations since prehistoric times. And famous for its Tyrian factory that once supplied Rome with its legendary purple dye, Essaouira is a cradle for artists of all types. Upon your arrival in the city, embark on a tour of the port and watch as the fishing boats return home. The Bab El Marse port not only has its Sqala canons on display, but it offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Medina. Travel to the Media itself—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and go inside to meet celebrated marquetry inlayers and cabinetmakers. Stop in at the Women's Cooperative manufacturer of argan oil, and then enjoy some free time exploring the alleyways of the Medin, strolling along the endless beach, or testing out some fresh fish at a local beachfront restaurant.

Do something different during your time in Essaouira and spend an hour exploring the beautiful countryside on horse back. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, if located outside the medina, and then make your way to the Ranch de Diabat, approximately 3 kilometers south of the city center. Benefit from a horse ride that can be adapted to your equestrian skills and ride at a gentle pace if your are a beginner, or gallop on the endless beaches if your are more advanced. First, head towards the river with your faithful companion and discover the ruins of the old palace of the sultan Mohammed III, who revived the fortunes of the city when he invited Jews and the English to trade there. Continue along the sandy beach and get stunning views of the Portuguese castle on Mogador island in the Atlantic Ocean. Return to the ranch through the forest for the end of the services.

Your trip starts with pickup at approximately 8:00 AM from your accommodation in Marrakesh. In a new, comfortable, and air-conditioned car, start off for your unforgettable day tour to Essaouira, known for its beauty and serenity. During the 2-hour ride, make a stop at the "goat tree", an unforgettable Argan tree with goats perched in it. Once in Essaouira, discover this charming and musical city which will surprise you with its straight streets, designed by the French. Enjoy free time walk to visit the old ports and the local seafood markets. Your driver can suggest the perfect place for lunch, where you can have a delicious seafood meal in front of the sea. Visit a co-operative of Berber women who produce Argan oil, and learn more from them about this wonderful product. See the old bronze cannons facing the Atlantic Ocean and wander through the markets and cedar woodworking shops. After you finish your free time by yourself in Essaouira, your driver will take you back to Marrakesh for a 6:30 PM arrival.

This full-day activity is suitable for horse riders of all abilities, from beginner to advanced. Starting from the Ranch de Diabat, your guide will take you on a route that first runs along the river. Stop to see the ruins of the Black Sultan’s palace before riding along a sandy beach. Admire the views of the Portuguese castle on the island of Mogador. Riders of intermediate or advanced ability will have the option of a longer tour, heading a bit inland. After a picnic lunch at noon, you’ll ride along the sand dunes, past fishermen’s cottages, and to a fresh water spring. The tour continues through a forest and then returns to the ranch. The pace of the tour will be adapted according to your preference and ability.

Depart Marrakech in the morning and drive to the coastal resort of Essaouira to explore its rich culture and many art galleries. Admire the well-preserved buildings and get stunning views of the Atlantic coast. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals as soon as you arrive, and get an appreciation for their simple lifestyle. Stroll around the busy harbor and see the fishermen selling fresh fish direct from their traditional blue boats. Go to the fortified harbor Scala to take amazing photos of the monumental Bab al Mersa ("Door of the Port"). Then, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old seaside Medina. Wander the colorful souks and maze of alleys. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, and then go to the old Jewish district to see the synagogues. Marvel at the cannons on the city ramparts before heading back to Marrakech at around 4:30 PM.

Depart from your Marrakesh accommodations at 8:00 am and enjoy the sights on the way to Essaouira. Your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide will provide opportunities for beautiful photo stops along the way. Visit one of the local female co-operatives to see the production of the famous Moroccan Argan oil. On arrival to Essaouira, your guide will choose the best surf spot for your ability. After a lunch break, you get to explore the city with your guide and check out the fishing port, Scala and the old town with its Thuya wood workshops.  Depart Essaouira at approximately 4:00 pm and enjoy the beauty of the drive back to Marrakesh.

Discover the relaxed, bohemian seaside resort of Essaouira on a full-day guided tour from Marrakech. Following pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech, cross Morocco in an air-conditioned vehicle to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, take in views of the arid landscape, stop to take pictures of goats climbing argan trees, and visit an argan oil cooperative to learn how this healthy oil is produced. Upon arrival at Essaouira, follow your English-speaking guide and explore Essaouira’s most important monuments, such as the old fish market and seaport. Watch silver craftsmen and wood carvers at work in the old medina where the labyrinth of streets is lined with heavy wooden doors and whitewashed houses. See the 16th-century ramparts of Essaouria from where you'll be able to see astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean. After the guided tour of the city, have lunch in one of the local restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood. Before heading back to Marrakech, enjoy a camel ride with a panoramic city view.