Essaouira is a small port town on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast that’s full of charm and character. We took a day trip from Marrakesh, just a few hours away by train, and it turned out to be one of those perfect, laid-back seaside escapes.
Getting to Essaouira from Marrakesh
The most popular option is the Supratours or CTM buses, which are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, and buses run multiple times a day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Marrakesh.
When To Go
The best time to visit Essaouira is from late spring to early fall, specifically between May and October. During this period, the weather is warm, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), making it ideal for enjoying the beach, exploring the medina, or walking along the port.
Day Trip to Essaouira
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by sunny skies and that unmistakable salty sea breeze. Walking through the harbor, the rows of little blue fishing boats swaying in the water made for an impossibly picturesque scene—like something straight out of a travel magazine. The vibe here is totally different from Marrakesh—much more relaxed, with narrow streets lined with artisans selling everything from handmade crafts to fresh seafood.
Along the coast restaurants serving up fish, lobster and crab. We met a live lobster and 15min later it was our lunch. The seafood is reasonably priced and fresh, but the local shop owners are pushy as you wander around looking for the right meal.
This is the same all around Morocco, there was hardly a moment when I didn’t feel heckled by locals to eat or shop at their venue. This is unfortunate because it’s such a beautiful place, but this kind of constant disturbance really put on a damper on our trip.
Although you’ll have to deal with some heckling, Essaouira—and Morocco in general—is an amazing place to shop for home decor. We wandered through the medina, which was bursting with color, cute little restaurants, and handcrafted goods. The cobblestone streets along the ocean are lined with art and shops, offering gorgeous Berber and kilim rugs, pillows, and other pieces at a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S.
We ended up finding an artistic, colorful Berber rug that we couldn’t resist and brought it home. Just a tip: always negotiate when shopping in Morocco! Vendors expect it, and prices usually start high, so don’t be afraid to haggle a little.
Essaouira is the kind of place where you can wander the medina, chill by the beach, or just soak up the easygoing atmosphere. Whether you’re there for a day trip or a longer stay, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and take in the beauty of Morocco’s coastline.
All in all out day trip was fun wandering along this seaside town, but it’s not a place I would’ve wanted to stay for more than a day.
Do you have any more tips on visiting Essaouira, please leave them in the comments below.