The most common thing our passengers say on the drive back from the coast is "we should have stayed longer". Essaouira is a town that rewards slowing down, and two full days is the minimum we recommend. This Essaouira itinerary is built around the rhythm of the town: the port in the morning, the medina in the afternoon, the ramparts at sunset — and one escape into the countryside.
Before you start
- Where to sleep: a riad in the medina keeps everything within walking distance; families may prefer a beachfront hotel. See our guide to where to stay in Essaouira.
- Getting there: our Marrakech to Essaouira transfer takes about two and a half hours. Leave Marrakech around 9 am and you arrive in time for lunch.
- Book ahead: the half-day excursion on day two is best reserved a day or two in advance.
Essaouira itinerary, day 1: the port, the medina and the ramparts
Late morning — Arrival
Your driver drops you at the medina gate nearest your riad, where a porter can wheel your bags in. Drop your luggage, have a mint tea on the roof and get your bearings: the medina is small, and the sea is always a few minutes away. If your room is not ready yet, most riads will happily store your bags while you head out for lunch.
12:30 — Lunch at the port
Walk to the harbour for the classic Essaouira lunch: choose fish or sardines at the grill stalls, agree the price, and eat at the shared tables while the gulls wheel overhead. Our guide to where to eat in Essaouira explains how the grills work.
14:00 — The Skala du Port and the boats
After lunch, climb the Skala du Port for the view across the blue boats to the white medina. Then wander along the quay, where fishermen mend their nets.
15:30 — Into the medina
Follow the main streets through the souks, stop at the thuya wood workshops under the ramparts and explore the quieter lanes of the Mellah. Our Essaouira medina walking guide gives you a full route.
18:30 — Sunset on the Skala de la Ville
Join locals and visitors along the sea bastion with its row of cannons as the sun drops into the Atlantic. Afterwards, have dinner in the medina — a fish tagine or a seafood pastilla.
Essaouira itinerary, day 2: beach morning and the argan countryside
8:00 — Half-day tour of the argan route
Start early with our Essaouira half-day excursion: the ruins of Borj El Berod at Diabat, the Oued Ksob estuary, the coastal dunes and a women's argan cooperative, back by midday. At the time of writing it costs €80 per vehicle for up to three people. Our half-day tour guide describes every stop.
12:30 — Lunch and a siesta
Have a light lunch in the medina and rest in your riad during the windiest part of the day.
15:30 — The beach
Walk along the long beach south of the medina, watch the kitesurfers, or take a short camel ride along the sand (agree the price first). If the wind tempts you, our guide to kitesurfing in Essaouira explains the lessons.
18:30 — Rooftop sunset and a farewell dinner
End your stay on a terrace overlooking the port, then enjoy a last dinner in the medina. On some evenings you may hear Gnaoua musicians playing in the squares or in cafés.
Alternatives for day 2
- Couples: swap the half day for our private picnic in Essaouira, with a sunset departure.
- Beach lovers and surfers: spend the whole day at Sidi Kaouki on our full-day excursion.
- Families: keep the half day, which has no hiking and plenty of space for children, then build sandcastles in the afternoon.
If you have a third day
A third day lets you slow down even more: a Sunday market in the countryside, a lazy morning on the terrace or the drive down the coast road to Agadir. For more ideas, read our Essaouira travel guide and check the best time to visit Essaouira before choosing your dates.
What to pack for two days
- A windproof layer — the afternoon breeze is cool, even in summer.
- Flat, comfortable shoes for the ramparts and the old paving.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a scarf for the beach.
- Swimwear, for a morning swim when the sea is calm.
- Cash in small notes for the port grills, porters and tips.
- An empty tote bag — argan oil, thuya wood boxes and spices have a way of following you home.
Leaving Essaouira
Most travellers head back to Marrakech — our Essaouira to Marrakech transfer takes about two and a half hours — or continue south to Agadir. Whichever way you go, this Essaouira itinerary leaves you with the town's best moments and, very likely, a reason to come back.
