The best things to do in Essaouira: the medina, the ramparts, the fishing port, the beach and watersports, and how to visit from Marrakech.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The best things to do in Essaouira are walking the whitewashed medina, climbing the Skala de la Ville ramparts, visiting the fishing port, eating grilled fish, relaxing on the beach, trying kitesurfing or windsurfing and shopping for argan oil and thuya wood. Essaouira is roughly 175 to 190 kilometres from Marrakech, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road, so it works as a long day trip, and one or two nights give you more time. It is breezy, relaxed and easy to walk.
Essaouira is the calm side of Morocco: blue boats, white walls, sea air and a medina with no cars. This guide gives you a clear list, a simple plan and honest tips. When you want help, message us on WhatsApp and we plan it for you.
12 best things to do in Essaouira
| # | Experience | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essaouira medina | A UNESCO-listed, whitewashed old town with blue shutters, easy to walk | 2 to 3 hours |
| 2 | Skala de la Ville | The old sea ramparts with cannons and views over the Atlantic | 45 minutes |
| 3 | Skala du Port | The fortified harbour wall, great for the boats and the light | 30 minutes |
| 4 | Fishing port | Blue boats, seagulls and the fish market | 45 minutes |
| 5 | Grilled fish and seafood | Pick your fish and have it grilled, a classic Essaouira lunch | 1 hour |
| 6 | Moulay Hassan square | The main square between the port and the medina, lively in the evening | 30 minutes |
| 7 | Essaouira beach | A long, windy beach for walks, sunsets and horse or camel rides | 1 to 2 hours |
| 8 | Kitesurfing and windsurfing | Steady Atlantic winds, with schools for beginners | Half a day |
| 9 | Arts and crafts shops | Painters, galleries and small workshops in the medina | 1 hour |
| 10 | Thuya wood marquetry | The local craft of carved and inlaid thuya wood | 30 minutes |
| 11 | Argan oil cooperatives | See how argan oil is made and buy it directly | 1 hour |
| 12 | Sunset on the ramparts | The best time to walk the walls and watch the sea | 45 minutes |
Opening hours and prices change, so check them before you go. For a longer trip that includes the coast, see our Morocco tour packages.
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How to plan your visit to Essaouira
- One day: the medina, the ramparts, the port and a grilled fish lunch.
- Two days: add the beach, an afternoon of watersports and a calm evening on the walls.
- Three days: add argan cooperatives, crafts and time to do nothing.
Walk the medina in the morning, have lunch at the port, and keep the ramparts for the golden hour.
Essaouira from Marrakech
Essaouira is roughly 175 to 190 kilometres from Marrakech, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. You can go by a private driver, which gives you the freedom to stop on the way and to leave when you like. A day trip is possible, but a night on the coast makes the visit more relaxed. Read our Marrakech travel guide and our guide to the things to do in Marrakech to plan the rest of your stay.
Practical tips for Essaouira
- Bring a light jacket. The wind can be cool even on a sunny day.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the ramparts and the medina lanes.
- Agree on prices first for guides, boats and crafts.
- Try the fish at the port, and check the price before you order.
- Choose your season. See the best time to visit Morocco and read is Morocco safe for tourists.
- Eat well. See our Moroccan food guide.
Tours that include Essaouira
- 8-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: the cities, the mountains, the desert and the coast.
- 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: a longer route with Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara and Essaouira.
- 14-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: the full Morocco trip at a comfortable pace.
- Morocco tour packages: private tours from 249 euros per person.
See all tours from Marrakech.
Ready to explore Essaouira and beyond?
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Things to do in Essaouira: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Essaouira?
The highlights are walking the whitewashed medina, climbing the Skala de la Ville ramparts and their cannons, visiting the fishing port and the Skala du Port, eating grilled fish, relaxing on the beach, trying kitesurfing or windsurfing, browsing the arts and crafts shops and shopping for argan oil and thuya wood.
Is Essaouira worth visiting?
Yes. Essaouira is relaxed, breezy and easy to walk, with a UNESCO-listed medina on the Atlantic coast. It is a good contrast to Marrakech and the Sahara, and it is popular with travellers who want sea air, seafood and a slower pace.
How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
Essaouira is roughly 175 to 190 kilometres from Marrakech, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road depending on traffic and stops. That is why it works as a long day trip, although one or two nights give you more time.
Can I visit Essaouira in one day from Marrakech?
Yes, you can, with an early start. You have a few hours in the medina, the port and the ramparts, and lunch by the sea. If you want the beach or watersports as well, stay at least one night.
How many days do I need in Essaouira?
One day is enough for the medina, the port and the ramparts. Two or three days suit travellers who want the beach, kitesurfing, relaxed meals and quiet evenings.
What is the best time to visit Essaouira?
Essaouira is windy for much of the year, which is great for kitesurfing and keeps the coast cooler than Marrakech in summer. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable. Read our best time to visit Morocco guide for a month-by-month overview.
Is Essaouira good for kitesurfing and windsurfing?
Yes. The steady winds on the Atlantic coast make Essaouira a well-known spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Beginners can take lessons, and the wind is strongest in the afternoon, so plan your day accordingly.
What should I eat in Essaouira?
Fresh fish and seafood are the speciality, often chosen at the port and grilled nearby. Read our Moroccan food guide for more dishes to try across the country.
Can I combine Essaouira with other places?
Yes. Many travellers combine Essaouira with Marrakech, and our longer Morocco tours include the Atlantic coast along with the imperial cities, the mountains and the Sahara.
Is Essaouira safe for tourists?
Essaouira is generally relaxed and welcoming, but like any busy medina it has persistent sellers and unofficial guides. Agree on prices first, and read our guide on whether Morocco is safe for tourists.
How do I book with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Essaouira trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
