Essaouira Travelers Recommend

Whether you’re there on a day trip from Marrakech or enjoying a stopover along Morocco’s south coast, one day in Essaouira is just enough time to take in the highlights. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, browse the souks, and take a camel ride along the beach. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in this port city.

Morning: The medina

A walking tour is the ideal way to discover Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the historic city. Start with a visit to the old citadel, the Scala du Port—climb up to the ramparts for sweeping views of the coast. Continue into the medina, where the mazelike streets, palm-shaded plazas, and blue and white painted buildings make for impressive photos. Then, stop by the lively Moulay el Hassan square to enjoy a glass of Moroccan mint tea or a seafood lunch.

Afternoon: From the souks to the port

Essaouira’s souks stretch from the center of the medina all the way up to the northern gate of Bab Doukkala. Part of the charm is getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes, so give yourself plenty of time to wander around the tiny shops, markets, and workshops. This is the place to pick up traditional souvenirs, such as colorful handicrafts, exotic spices, and Moroccan argan oil. For a more personalized experience, shop with a private guide who can help you haggle for the best prices. 

In the late afternoon, head over to the port to watch as the fishing boats return to shore with the day’s haul—it’s a memorable sight, so don’t forget your camera. 

Night: Sunset sightseeing

A camel ride is a quintessential experience for visitors to Morocco. Set out on a scenic sunset ride along beaches, forest trails, and dunes, savoring the views along the coast. 

Afterward, return to Essaouira Beach for a drink at one of the beachfront bars. Or, attend a performance of traditional Gnaoua music and dance. Essaouira is an important center of the art form, and hosts the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival.

Three days in Essaouira give you time to experience the laid-back pace of life for which the city is known. Lose yourself in the souks, kitesurf on Morocco’s windiest beach, and discover local culture and cuisine. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Essaouira.

Day 1: Souks, seafood, and sightseeing

The best way to get around Essaouira is on foot, and a walking tour offers insight into the city’s fascinating history and pop culture connections. Visit the old citadel at Scala du Port, then walk along the ramparts for a sweeping view of the coast. 

Continue into the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with blue and white painted buildings. Stop by some art galleries, and shop for traditional handicrafts in the mazelike souks. 

In the early evening, make your way to the port to watch as the colorful fishing boats return to shore with the day’s catch and crowds gather to purchase fresh seafood. Sample it for yourself at one of the restaurants around Moulay el Hassan square.

Day 2: Sun, sea, and kitesurfing

Blessed with strong sea winds, Essaouira is considered one of Morocco’s best spots for surfing and kitesurfing. So, book a morning surfing or kitesurfing class—you’ll find options to suit all levels. 

In the afternoon, head out on an all-terrain vehicle excursion, horseback ride, or camel ride. Essaouira’s beaches, sand dunes, and coastal forests provide the perfect backdrop—some tours even include a picnic.

After an action-packed day, relax with a cold beer at one of the beachside bars, and watch the sun set over the ocean. 

Day 3: Cultural immersion

Day-trip destinations from Essaouria include Marrakech and the beach resort of Agadir, and there are ample hiking opportunities in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, use your final day to experience local life and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.

Start with a visit to an argan oil collective and learn how Morocco’s world-famous oil is produced. Take a walk through the argan forests, see the workshops, and enjoy mint tea with members of the cooperative. Don’t forget to pick up some oil as a souvenir.

In the afternoon, join a cooking class and discover the secrets behind Moroccan dishes such as tagine and couscous. Shop for ingredients at the local market while learning about typical herbs and spices, then prepare a delicious dinner to share with your hosts.  

Two days in Essaouira are enough time to venture beyond the highlights and experience the port city’s bohemian spirit. Walk the ramparts and explore the souks, relax at the beach, and sample local culture and cuisine. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Essaouira.

Day 1: Sights and souks

**Morning:**Get your bearings on a walking tour of Essaouira. Visit the ruins of the old citadel, and climb up to the ramparts for a sweeping view of the coast. Afterward, wander around the UNESCO-listed medina for a myriad of photo ops: admire the blue and white painted buildings, stop by the Museum of Essaouira, and people watch on Moulay el Hassan square.

**Afternoon:**Lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks that run throughout the medina. The tiny shops, market stalls, and workshops are a great place to pick up souvenirs—traditional handicrafts, exotic spices, and Moroccan argan oil are all popular choices. For a more personalized experience, shop with a private guide who can help you haggle for the best prices.  

**Night:**In the early evening, make your way to the port as the local fishermen return to shore in their colorful boats with the day’s catch. It’s a lively scene—don’t forget your camera. 

Day 2: Cuisine and camel rides

**Morning:**Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and join a cooking class. Visit the local market to shop for ingredients and learn about typical herbs and spices, then try out traditional techniques and prepare dishes such as tagine and couscous. Finally, sit down with your hosts to share a delicious homemade lunch.

**Afternoon:**Riding a camel through the desert is a quintessential Moroccan experience, but Essaouira’s beaches and dunes provide a scenic alternative. After your ride, go to Essaouira Beach and watch the surfers, stroll the windswept shores, or take a kitesurfing lesson.

**Night:**Spend your final evening in Essaouira enjoying the town’s nightlife. Grab a beer at one of the beachfront bars, then head into the medina to one of the many live music venues. As the host of the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira is one of the best places in Morocco to attend a performance of traditional Gnaoua music and dance—book your tickets in advance.