Essaouira Itinerary

ESSAOUIRA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY

Perched along Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, Essaouira is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, even with its growing popularity. The medina is a maze of blue and white buildings, colorful shops, and tucked-away art galleries - easy to get lost in, but in the best way possible. Then there’s the beach - wide and golden, stretching along the coast, though the wind can be strong. No wonder it’s a favorite for kitesurfers, drawn by the steady ocean breeze and rolling waves.

This guide has everything you need to experience Essaouira’s charm, from how to get around to the best places to stay, plus an itinerary packed with the best things to do.

Essaouira Highlights
Getting to and around Essaouira
Your Essaouira itinerary
- 1-Day Itinerary: A perfect day in Essaouira
- 2-Day Itinerary: Exploring more of Essaouira
Where to stay in Essaouira
Extra activities to explore
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Beyond Essaouira: Nearby gems
Discover more of our Morocco guides

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ESSAOUIRA HIGHLIGHTS

Don’t miss these highlights when visiting Essaouira – all of them are close to each other, making it easy to explore them in one visit:

Essaouira Medina – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with white-and-blue alleyways, artisan workshops, and colorful souks.
Skala de la Ville – The city’s old ramparts, with cannons still pointing toward the Atlantic. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize it as part of Astapor from Season 3.
Essaouira Port – Watch fishermen haul in their catch and grab the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. Tip: Pick your fish, and they’ll grill it right there for you.
Essaouira Beach – Long, windswept, and great for kitesurfing or just walking barefoot along the shore.
The Art Scene – Essaouira is filled with quirky galleries, street musicians, and creatives. If you love discovering local art, this city will surprise you.

GETTING TO AND AROUND ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is one of the easiest places to explore in Morocco - no stress, no complicated routes.

Walking – The medina is completely pedestrian-friendly, so put on comfortable shoes and wander - you’ll find surprises around every corner.
Petit Taxis – Cheap and everywhere. Great for quick rides if you don’t feel like walking.
Grand Taxis – Heading to Sidi Kaouki or Paradise Beach? Petit taxis won’t go that far, but grand taxis will. They’re shared cabs that run longer distances, though you can always pay a bit more to have one to yourself.
Car Rental – Only worth it if you plan to explore beyond Essaouira - parking near the medina can be tricky.
Airport Transfers – If you're flying into Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU), it’s just a 15-minute ride into town by taxi.
Day Trip from Marrakech? Absolutely doable - just 2.5 hours by car. If you don’t want to drive, book a guided tour, it’s the easiest way to get there for a quick coastal escape.

Spending a day or two in Essaouira? This itinerary has you covered.

DAY 1

Morning: There’s no better way to start your day than by wandering Essaouira’s medina. The whitewashed walls and blue doors make it one of the prettiest in Morocco. You’ll find hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and colorful market stalls.
- At some point, you’ll stumble upon Skala de la Ville, the city’s old defensive walls, where rows of cannons still stand guard over the Atlantic. The views? Stunning. The ocean stretches out forever, and the salty wind up there just feels different.
  - If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize this spot - it doubled as Astapor in Season 3, where Daenerys meets the Unsullied.
Lunch: Head to the Essaouira Port for the freshest seafood of your life. The routine is simple: pick your fish, they grill it, you eat it. Simple, delicious, and ridiculously cheap for the quality you get.
- If the port’s fish stalls feel a bit too rustic, Chez Sam is a solid sit-down alternative with an amazing ocean view.
Afternoon: Essaouira Beach is not your typical sunbathing spot - it’s known for its wind. That means it’s a kitesurfing paradise, but also a great place for a long, relaxing walk along the shore.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a kitesurfing lesson - it’s one of the best places to try it.
Evening: Head to Le Love by Caravane, an artistic little spot tucked away in the medina. The food is a creative mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors, but it’s the warm atmosphere and occasional live music that make it special. A standout spot in Essaouira - highly recommended.

DAY 2

You’ve already covered the main highlights on Day 1, but if you have an extra day, it’s the perfect chance to explore beyond the city.

Morning: A few minutes outside of Essaouira, you’ll find Diabat - a quiet village with a bit of a legendary past (Jimi Hendrix supposedly spent time here).
- If you’re up for an adventure, this is the perfect place for horseback riding along the beach or quad biking through the dunes.
Lunch: Have lunch at La Fromagerie, a hidden gem just outside Diabat. It’s peaceful, laid-back, and the homemade cheeses are worth the stop.
Afternoon: If you’ve got the energy, take a 30-minute drive to Sidi Kaouki. It’s quieter than Essaouira Beach, less touristy, and a perfect place to just relax by the ocean.
Evening: Head back into town and grab dinner at Triskala. It’s a cozy, small spot known for its organic ingredients and Moroccan food with a modern twist. Plus, their fresh juices are exactly what you need after a day outdoors.

WHERE TO STAY

Looking for a place to stay? Essaouira has some great options - here are a few worth considering:

For a luxury stay: Heure Bleue Palais – Elegant, Moroccan-style rooms with a rooftop pool.
For ocean views: Villa Maroc Essaouira – Wake up to sea breezes and enjoy breakfast on the terrace.
For a cozy, riad experience: Riad Chbanate – Beautifully decorated, warm, and welcoming.
For modern comfort in the medina: Suite Azur Hotel – Stylish and peaceful, with a great rooftop terrace.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE

Got extra time in Essaouira? There’s plenty more to do beyond the main itinerary. Here are some activities that you can add to your trip:

Essaouira Medina walking tour – Explore the medina’s hidden gems, bustling markets, and historic sites with a local guide. Book here →
Surfing lessons – Catch some waves on Essaouira’s beaches, perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Book here →
Camel ride – Ride along the coastline and soak up the Atlantic views at a relaxed pace. Book here →
Moroccan cooking class – Get hands-on in the kitchen and learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes with fresh local ingredients. Book here →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is Essaouira, Morocco worth visiting?

There’s something special about Essaouira’s laid-back vibe, charming medina, and ocean views. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander colorful streets, enjoy fresh seafood, and just breathe in the salty sea air. Plus, it’s less crowded than other Moroccan cities, which makes exploring even more enjoyable.

Does Essaouira smell?

It depends on where you are. Near the port, you’ll definitely catch the smell of fresh fish - it’s a working harbor, after all. But elsewhere, especially around the medina, it’s more about the salty ocean air mixed with the aromas of street food and spices. Most of the time, it just smells like the coast.

Is Essaouira, Morocco expensive?

Not really. Essaouira is generally affordable compared to bigger cities like Marrakech. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly places to stay, delicious food that won’t break the bank, and lots of free or inexpensive things to do. Of course, there are some higher-end spots if you want to splurge, but you can easily enjoy the city without spending much.

Which is better, Agadir or Essaouira?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Agadir has that modern resort vibe with long sandy beaches and plenty of sunshine - it’s great if you just want to relax and unwind. Essaouira, on the other hand, feels more authentic with its historic medina, strong coastal winds (great for kitesurfing), and artsy atmosphere.

BEYOND ESSAOUIRA

While Essaouira has plenty to offer, it’s worth exploring what’s nearby:

Taghazout – Just a few hours south of Essaouira, Taghazout is a surf town with an easygoing feel. The waves here attract surfers from all over, but even if you’re not into surfing, it’s a great place to relax. We’ve put together a full guide if you want to explore it more.
Imsouane – A hidden gem for surfers, Imsouane is a quiet village located between Essaouira and Agadir. Famous for its long waves, it’s perfect if you're looking to enjoy scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
Agadir – A modern coastal city with a long sandy beach, vibrant marina, and nearby nature reserves. With bustling souks, seaside cafés, and plenty of things to do, Agadir offers a little bit of everything. Planning a trip? Check out our full Agadir guide for everything you need to know.
Marrakech – Just a 2.5-hour drive from Essaouira, Marrakech is full of color, culture, and energy. From its bustling souks and historic landmarks to peaceful gardens and rooftop terraces, it’s a city that surprises you at every turn. Want to know more? Take a look at our Marrakech guide.