Some of the happiest faces we have seen in Essaouira were not in a restaurant. They were on a blanket on a clifftop, with bread from the medina, a bowl of olives, the Atlantic below and nobody else in sight. A private picnic in Essaouira is the slowest excursion we offer — and for many couples and families, it is the highlight of their trip.

Here is how it works and how to make the most of it.

How the private picnic excursion works

The excursion lasts six hours. Your driver collects you at your hotel or at the gate nearest your riad and takes you on a scenic drive along the coast and through the argan forest. Then comes the part people remember: a picnic spot chosen for its view, its peace and its shelter from the wind, where blankets and cushions are set up for you. You eat, talk, nap, walk, take photos — and when you are ready, the drive continues and brings you back to town.

The food is yours, which means it can be exactly what you like. Your driver will happily suggest where to shop before you leave.

A picnic day, hour by hour

Here is how a typical morning version unfolds:

  • 9:00 — Pickup. Your driver meets you with the shopping already done, or takes you past a bakery and the market stalls first.
  • 9:30 — The scenic drive. Along the coast or through the argan forest, with a stop for the goats in the trees if they are around.
  • 10:30 — Your spot. Blankets and cushions go down, the view opens up and the day slows right down.
  • 10:30 to 13:30 — Picnic time. Eat, read, nap, walk along the cliffs or the river, take photos. Nobody is watching the clock.
  • 13:30 — The slow way back, with a viewpoint or an argan cooperative on the way if you like.
  • 15:00 — Back at your hotel.

The afternoon version follows the same rhythm, timed so that you are settled at your spot for the golden hour.

Four kinds of picnic spot

Every day is different, depending on the wind, the season and what you want. The spots we choose usually fall into one of these families:

  • A clifftop above the Atlantic, with waves crashing on the rocks below — the classic.
  • A sheltered cove between the dunes, when the wind is up.
  • The banks of the Oued Ksob river, green and quiet, with birds on the water.
  • A clearing in the argan forest, in the shade, with only the goats for company.

Shopping for a picnic in Essaouira

Half the fun is the market run before you leave. A few ideas that travel well:

  • Bread: round khobz loaves or flaky msemen pancakes, still warm if you are lucky.
  • Olives and preserved lemons, sold loose by the scoop.
  • Fresh goat's cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and whatever fruit is in season — oranges, figs, melon.
  • Dates, nuts and amlou, the local spread of argan oil, almonds and honey.
  • Pastries from a medina bakery, such as almond-filled gazelle horns.

Water is provided; bring any other drinks you would like. Our argan cooperative guide explains where the best amlou comes from.

Morning or sunset?

  • Morning departure (around 9 am) — our recommendation for the best light and the coolest temperatures, especially in summer.
  • Afternoon departure (around 3 pm) — for couples and photographers who want the golden hour and the sun sinking into the Atlantic.

The coast can be windy either way, so bring a warm layer even on hot days.

Perfect occasions

  • Couples: anniversaries, honeymoons and, yes, the occasional proposal.
  • Families: space for children to run, no restaurant etiquette, nap time on the cushions.
  • Birthdays and celebrations with a few friends.
  • Photographers chasing Atlantic light without a schedule.

What if it is windy?

Essaouira is known as the "Wind City of Africa", and the breeze is part of its charm. On gusty days we simply choose a sheltered spot: the argan forest and the river banks are far calmer than the clifftops, and a cove between the dunes can feel completely still. Tell us if you have a particular setting in mind, and we will pick the best option on the day.

Practical tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes: clifftop paths and dunes are uneven.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat; the breeze hides how strong the sun is.
  • Pack a bag for rubbish — we leave every spot as we found it.
  • Keep a few dirhams for small purchases on the way.

Price and what is included

Our private Essaouira picnic excursion costs, at the time of writing, €150 per vehicle for up to three people, €180 for a van for up to seven and €360 for a minibus for up to seventeen. It includes the vehicle and driver for six hours, hotel pickup and drop-off, the choice and scouting of the picnic spot, blankets and cushions, air conditioning, water, fuel and parking. Food, drinks other than water, tips and travel insurance are not included.

More ideas around Essaouira

If you would rather see more and sit less, our Essaouira half-day tour packs ruins, dunes and a cooperative into four hours, and our guide to day trips from Essaouira compares every option. Still planning the trip? See our Essaouira travel guide — and when you are ready, tell us your date and whether you prefer morning or sunset for your picnic in Essaouira.