Essaouira is a historic city in Morocco known for its well-preserved Medina and Vibrant coastal area. Azura Medina was built in the European era and is a significant representation of a European cultural setting. It’s a heavenly place for artists and music lovers. Due to its coastal beauty and strong coastal winds, this place is perfect for relaxing or enjoying the water currents. A day trip to Essaouira will be refreshing because of the lively atmosphere. Everything in Essaouira is so perfect that you will completely forget about all your anxieties. This article contains all the details to help you plan your Essaouira day trip from Marrakech.
How to Reach Essaouira from Marrakech
Essaouira is a lively city full of colours, holding great historical importance. This place is only 2 to 3 hours away from Marrakech, which makes it highly accessible. However, you must choose your mode of transportation, such as a private car, intercity bus, taxi, or public bus, to reach Essaouira.
- With a Private driver Morocco, you can reach Essaouira with high comfort and convenience. In this way, you can also stop at any of your favourite spots on your way, such as Argan Tree Fields or cooperatives. Moreover, you can explore the hidden gems or move to different places of Essaouira with the same driver.
- Intercity buses or public buses are also a reliable and cost-effective solution; however, you have to follow a proper time schedule. To explore further areas of Essaouira, you may need to manage another form of transportation.
Exploring the Surroundings of Essaouria
Start your Essaouria Day Trip from Marrakech early in the morning so you can explore the surroundings with more time.
The Charm of Essaouira
Essaouira is also known as Mogador and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. It’s a beautiful town with white washed walls everywhere. There are narrow alleys and blue shutters that represent the French colonisation era. The cost of winning this place makes it one of the most pleasant places for a day trip.
Walk Through Essaouira Medina
Walking to Essaouira’s Medina is like visiting an ancient town. It’s not like other Medinas, which are crowded and loud. Essaouira’s Medina is calm and cool, offering an easy and peaceful walk around. You will see small shops and quiet streets where you can roam freely. Here are some of the places that offer an exceptional experience in Essaouira.
Skala de la Ville
It is a sea wall with old cannons. The sea wall offers a beautiful view of the ocean. It connects you with the Atlantic coast and is an ancient fishing port.
Old Jewish Quarter
You will also see old Jewish quarters reflecting the Unique architecture of this Medina.
Souks & Art Galleries
There are also several shops in galleries where you can buy silver jewelry or local art pieces.
Fresh Seafood and Local Flavors
At Essaouira, you can enjoy the freshest and best seafood. As it is near the pot, you will find many small stalls where you can choose your fish and get it grilled on the spot. A variety of sea animals are available, and you can get your favourite dish served quickly. The meals are usually simple yet soft, accompanied by various types of bread, olives, and mint tea, which enhance the overall taste. The most popular dishes include:
- Grilled sardines
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Sea bass
- Calamari
Unique Things to Experience in Essaouira
At Essaouira, you can experience many unique things that include the following:
Visit the Essaouira Port
The main thing to visit in Essaouira is exploring the Essaouira port. This is one of the liveliest fishing ports where you will see fisherman bringing their catches directly from the water and placing them in the blue boats. They catch various sea animals, including seagulls and different species of fish. You can even fish from flying over the head to being sold at the auction, and then cooked right at the moment. All these are very rare and unique concepts that you can see on your Essaouria day trip from Marrakech.
Relax on the Beach
Essaouira has beautiful white sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Here you can relax and enjoy watching water waves. Moreover, you can walk along the shore or enjoy horse or camel riding. As this place is famous for strong winds, you can also try windsurfing or kite surfing, which will provide you with a memorable experience.
Exploring Winds and Waves at Essaouira Beach
Essaouira is a break from the hustling city life of Marrakech. It’s totally different from the rest of Morocco because it’s a place where history, identity and nature come together. Walking on the sand beaches and holding yourself in strong winds provides you with an exceptional self-moment. It gives you a chance to inhale fresh air away from the city’s toxins. All these reasons make it one of the best coastal day trips Morocco.
Refreshing Sea Breeze All Day
One of the best things about Essaouira is that you can experience refreshing breezes all the time that flow through the streets and along the beach. Essaouira is different from Marrakech. Unlike the dry heat of Marrakech, the ocean makes the environment easy, light, and refreshing. Such kinds of breeze are known as Alizee in the local language, which keeps the temperature pleasant even in summer.
Discover Local Art and Music
Essaouira has a deep connection with music and art, as many artists and musicians reside here. You can visit the cafes and shops around the Medina to have a glimpse of magical art pieces. Every year, the Gnaoua World Music Festival is organised there to call musicians from all over the world. Additionally, you will often hear street musicians playing traditional Moroccan music in Essaouira.
Argan Oil Cooperatives
On the way to Essaouira, you will encounter a lot of argan orchids. This region is renowned for its production of argan oil, which is used in various cooking and beauty products. Women run these oil cooperatives, and they will show you how organic argan oil is made. Stopping at oral cooperatives will be really fun because you will see them cracking nuts and turning them into oil. You can also buy different kinds of oil, including organic argan oil for salads or for hair and skin.
Enjoy a Golden Sunset Over the Atlantic
At the end of your Essaouria Day Trip, you can experience differentiates of sky, including golden, pink and orange. When the sunset is Ora becomes even more magical. The light breeze and the misty environment make it a romantic place.
Conclusion
If you are in Marrakech and looking for the best place for your day trip, then you should visit Essaouira. It’s the best place for a coastal day trip, which offers a unique experience and a totally different side of Morocco. From fresh seafood to a peaceful environment, Essaouira is the perfect break from City life and a retreat for souls craving peace and comfort.
