The alarm buzzed at what felt like the middle of the night. "It's not even 7 a.m. I'm up. It's still dark. Oh my god." The things we do for travel!
But that's exactly what you need to do for a proper day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech. The early start is worth every yawn, I promise you.
I quickly got ready and headed down for breakfast. The morning feast was a perfect introduction to what the day would bring: "Moroccan bread, Moroccan pancake, Western pancake." The Western one was tiny and "looks like a tiny McGriddle" - not quite what I was used to back home, but absolutely delicious in its own right. With only 15 minutes to eat before departure, I savored every bite of these morning treats.
The Journey to Essaouira: Unexpected Wonders
The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira takes about 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. What makes this day trip to Essaouira special isn't just the destination but the journey itself.
As we traveled west from Marrakech, I watched the landscape gradually change - "green become browner" - as we approached the Atlantic coast. The terrain gets more rugged, the air more salty.
The Famous Tree-Climbing Goats
About halfway through our journey, our tour guide made an unexpected stop that turned out to be one of the highlights of my day trip to Essaouira. There they were - the famous tree-climbing goats of Morocco!
"Look at all the goats. There's a few of them in the tree," I couldn't believe my eyes. These nimble creatures were perched in the argan trees like they were lounging in armchairs!
I even got a chance to hold a baby goat - an adorable moment that left its mark: "I just held a baby goat and I realized my sweater kind of smells like goats." A small price to pay for such a unique experience!
One travel tip I learned quickly: "Wherever tour guide takes you sometimes the people will ask for money like the ladies who tend to the goats." They "had their hands out" after showing us the goats, so I gave them some coins. This is fairly common in Morocco, so keep small change handy during your day trip to Essaouira.
Arriving in Essaouira: First Impressions
After the goat adventure, we continued our journey, and finally, I could see the white walls of Essaouira in the distance. The name itself had been a challenge: "I'm glad I finally am able to say that right. I think up to today I wasn't able to say that word." (For fellow travelers: it's pronounced "es-sah-WEE-rah").
The sun was shining brightly as we entered the city, and I immediately felt the change in climate: "I think I definitely brought the California something with me. The jacket had to come off." The coastal location of Essaouira gives it a milder climate than Marrakech, making it perfect for a winter day trip to Essaouira when inland temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
Exploring Essaouira's Medina
The heart of any day trip to Essaouira is exploring its UNESCO-listed medina (old town). With its blue and white color scheme, fortified walls, and artsy atmosphere, it's easy to see why Game of Thrones chose to film here!
The Souks and Markets
The markets of Essaouira are a shopper's paradise. "This goes on for a while. Probably been walking for like 20 minutes, but they all sell the same." Like many Moroccan markets, there's a repetition of goods, but each vendor adds their own personal touch.
What makes Essaouira's souks different from Marrakech's is the laid-back atmosphere. Here, shopkeepers are less aggressive, letting you browse in peace. "It's just like any other tourist place. When you go further in, like maybe their prices are better, but I don't know."
Silver and Jewelry
Essaouira is famous for its silver jewelry, and I couldn't resist stopping at one of the many silver shops in the medina. The shopkeeper shared an interesting tip to determine authenticity: "You're saying if it's real, the silver should write on a piece of paper." Apparently, genuine silver leaves a mark when scratched against paper, while fake silver won't write.
I wasn't planning on shopping, but sometimes the best souvenirs are unplanned: "Oh my god. Oh, interesting... Oh, y'all. I bought some jewelry." Though not for myself, it made for perfect gifts to bring back home.
Seafood Lunch by the Port
No day trip to Essaouira is complete without sampling the fresh seafood! Being a fishing port, Essaouira offers some of the freshest catches in Morocco.
I stopped at one of the many seafood stalls near the harbor, where you can pick your fish, and they'll grill it right in front of you. "I asked for hot sauce. Lol." The Moroccan hot sauce, harissa, adds the perfect kick to grilled fish.
Essaouira's Beautiful Beach
Sunset in Essaouira
After lunch, I took advantage of the free time in our schedule: "Have some time before we have to get back. Let's check out the water." Essaouira's beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand that extends for miles.
"Unfortunately, the water's kind of cold, but it is winter." Essaouira's beaches are more suitable for walking than swimming during winter months, but they're no less beautiful. "Toes in the sand. It's pretty though."
I found a quiet spot to relax and enjoy a sweet treat I'd picked up in the medina earlier: "I think I'm going to eat my cakes. As if I'm not eating a cake tonight." Just be careful of the seagulls – they're notorious for stealing food from unsuspecting tourists!
The beach also offers spectacular views of the walled medina and the Skala de la Ville, the 18th-century sea bastion that defends the harbor. "Look how pretty you are," I couldn't help but admire the postcard-perfect scenery.
Heading Back to Marrakech
All too soon, it was time to end my day trip to Essaouira: "Saying bye-bye to the beach and heading back to Marash." The return journey takes about the same time as the morning drive, though it often feels quicker.
I arrived back in Marrakech as the sun was setting, with enough time to rest before dinner: "So, I just got back to my Riad. It was only like a seven minute walk, honestly."
A word of caution about walking alone in Marrakech, especially if you're a solo female traveler: "I got harassed on the street. Some guy was like, 'It's not safe for you there.' I'm like thinking I know where I'm going, so I just ignore him." Trust your instincts, know your route, and walk confidently – most harassment is just an attempt to get you to hire them as a guide.
Reflecting on the Perfect Day Trip
Back at my riad, I could fully appreciate the contrasts between bustling Marrakech and breezy Essaouira. "Look how pretty this Riad is. It's like palace." The traditional Moroccan accommodations are a highlight in themselves.
My day trip to Essaouira was capped off with a delicious dinner: "My chicken couscous dessert of the night... This is Yasine pouring my Moroccan mint tea." The perfect way to end an adventure-filled day.
Practical Information for Your Day Trip to Essaouira
How to Get There
- Organized Tour: The easiest option for a day trip to Essaouira is booking an organized tour from Marrakech. Prices typically include transportation, guide, and sometimes lunch.
- Grand Taxi: Shared taxis leave from Bab Doukkala in Marrakech when full. More economical but less comfortable than a tour.
- Bus: CTM and Supratours operate several daily buses between Marrakech and Essaouira (approx. 3 hours).
- Private Driver: More expensive but offers flexibility and comfort.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (November-February): Mild temperatures, good for exploring but too cold for swimming. Less crowded.
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, not too hot.
- Summer (June-August): Hot in Marrakech but pleasant in Essaouira due to the ocean breeze. Popular with windsurfers due to strong winds.
- Fall (September-October): Warm temperatures and fewer crowds.
Must-See Attractions
- The Ramparts: The iconic sea walls offer the best views of the ocean.
- The Port: Watch blue fishing boats bring in the day's catch.
- Skala du Port: The famous bastion and sea defense.
- Tree-Climbing Goats: Usually seen on the route to Essaouira.
- Medina Markets: Explore the less crowded, more relaxed version of Marrakech's souks.
- The Beach: Miles of golden sand perfect for walks.
Travel Tips
- Start Early: A day trip to Essaouira requires an early start to make the most of your time.
- Bring Cash: Small denominations for tips and purchases in the medina.
- Sun Protection: Even in winter, the coastal sun can be strong.
- Dress in Layers: Essaouira can be significantly cooler than Marrakech, especially when the wind picks up.
- Haggle: But do so respectfully. Start at about half the asking price and work up from there.
- Watch for Seagulls: They're known to dive for food, especially near the port.