I love Marrakech with its vibrant souks and bustling medina, but some of my most magical Moroccan memories happened when I ventured beyond the Red City. After spending so much time in Marrakech, I found myself craving different landscapes and a change of pace. That's when I discovered these two incredible day trips from Marrakech that completely transformed my Moroccan experience.
In this guide, I'll share my personal adventures to Essaouira and the Atlas Mountains - two completely different but equally spectacular destinations that showcase entirely different sides of Morocco. I'll walk you through what to expect, where to stop, and which trip might be right for you if you're short on time.
The Road to Essaouira: Morocco's Windy Coastal Gem
The journey to Essaouira begins with a nearly 3-hour drive from Marrakech, but don't let the distance deter you! The route itself offers a glimpse into rural Morocco that you won't get in the city.
Argan Country: A Scenic Journey West
As we headed west toward the Atlantic coast, I noticed the landscape gradually changing. The road to Essaouira winds through countryside dotted with argan trees - a sight unique to this region of Morocco. Our driver explained that this area is famous for its argan oil production, with numerous women's cooperatives scattered along the route.
We stopped at one of these cooperatives, where local women run businesses extracting oil from argan nuts. Inside, we watched as women demonstrated the traditional process of making argan oil, transforming the nuts into cosmetic products and culinary oils. While these stops are certainly designed with tourists in mind, they provide valuable income for local women and offer insight into this important Moroccan industry.
My mom purchased some face wash for about 300 dirhams (€30) - admittedly pricey, but the quality is genuine. Plus, our visit included mint tea and snacks, making it a pleasant break in the journey. If you're interested in sustainable tourism that directly benefits local communities, these cooperatives are worth supporting.
Arriving in Essaouira: The UNESCO Wind City
After several scenic stops along the way, we finally caught our first glimpse of Essaouira from a viewpoint. Our driver proudly explained that this coastal gem has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, originally inhabited by Berbers and now known as "the city of wind" - a nickname I would soon understand all too well!
The city has a rich multicultural history. It was once colonized by Portugal (like much of Morocco's Atlantic coast) and later by the French. Perhaps most interestingly, Essaouira was once known as the "Timbuktu of Morocco" due to its importance on spice trading routes, connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean.
Exploring Essaouira's Working Harbor
Our first stop was Essaouira's famous fishing port, which immediately struck me as wonderfully authentic. Unlike some tourist destinations where traditional industries become mere backdrops for photos, this harbor is very much alive and working. The scent of fresh fish fills the air as fishermen bring in their daily catches.
The harbor was congested with fishing boats of all sizes, creating a colorful patchwork against the blue Atlantic. Some appeared to be temporarily docked while others were clearly preparing for their next voyage. It's a fascinating glimpse into coastal Moroccan life that feels far removed from Marrakech's tourist crowds.
Walking the Historic Ramparts
After exploring the harbor, we made our way to the city walls. For 60 dirhams (about €6), you can walk along these historic fortifications that once protected the city. The walls offer spectacular views across Essaouira and the wild Atlantic beyond.
I was immediately struck by how many seagulls circled overhead - even more than back home on the Devon coast in England! The ocean breeze here is constant and refreshing, especially after Marrakech's heat.
For the best panoramic views, climb the tower at the corner of the ramparts. From this vantage point, I could see the entire fishing fleet, the medina's maze-like streets, and the vast Atlantic stretching to the horizon. Just be prepared to hold onto your hat - they don't call it the "wind city" for nothing!
Inside the White Medina
Stepping down from the walls, we entered Essaouira's medina - immediately noticing how different it feels from Marrakech. While Marrakech is famously known as the "Red City" for its terracotta buildings, Essaouira's structures are uniformly whitewashed, creating a bright, airy atmosphere that reflects the coastal sunlight.
The main shopping street resembles a souk, lined with shops selling everything from local handicrafts to argan oil products. If you're planning to buy souvenirs in Morocco, Essaouira is an excellent place to do it. The prices seemed reasonable compared to Marrakech, and many shops actually display fixed prices, reducing the pressure to haggle for everything.
One tip I'd offer: don't stop at the first restaurant you see near the entrance to the medina, even if you're hungry from the journey. If you walk a bit further into the shopping streets, you'll find much more interesting dining options. We were too hungry to follow this advice and settled for the closest place, which served decent but unremarkable food. I noticed several charming cafés deeper in the medina that would have been worth the short walk.
For lunch, we tried some local options. I ordered "vegetarian tacos" (more like a cheesy flatbread than authentic tacos) for 35 dirhams (€3.50) and fresh orange juice for 20 dirhams. My mom opted for a banana crepe for 25 dirhams. While not traditional Moroccan cuisine, it was a pleasant meal with generous portions.
Craftwork and Coastal Views
After lunch, we explored the quieter side streets branching off from the main shopping area. These less-visited alleys offer a more authentic glimpse of local life and are wonderfully peaceful compared to the busier thoroughfares.
We stumbled upon a small craft market tucked beneath the city walls, specializing in woven baskets and handmade decorations. The craftsmanship was impressive, and unlike many tourist markets, the prices were clearly marked and seemed fair without haggling.
Eventually, we made our way to the beachfront, where the powerful Atlantic waves crash against the shore. Essaouira is famous among surfers and windsurfers, though we didn't try either activity during our visit. The constant wind creates perfect conditions for these sports, and we spotted several windsurfers in the distance as we arrived in town.
Our day ended with the obligatory mint tea at a café overlooking the ocean - the perfect way to relax before the drive back to Marrakech.
The Atlas Mountains: Morocco's Majestic Highlands
Our second day trip took us in a completely different direction - to the High Atlas Mountains, just an hour's drive from Marrakech but worlds apart in landscape and atmosphere.
The Journey into the Mountains
The drive to the Atlas Mountains is significantly shorter than the trip to Essaouira, taking only about an hour from Marrakech. As we climbed in elevation, the temperature noticeably dropped, offering welcome relief from Marrakech's heat.
Our guide explained that we were approximately 1,400 meters above sea level - about 1,000 meters higher than Marrakech. This elevation difference creates a completely different climate, making the mountains a popular escape during summer when Marrakech can reach scorching temperatures of 45°C.
Traditional Berber Villages
Our first stop offered a panoramic view of a traditional Berber village nestled into the mountainside. Our guide pointed out that the village population was around 300 people, with agriculture and livestock being the main industries.
One interesting observation: the most colorful building in the village was the primary school, painted in bright blue and green. In every mountain village, our guide explained, you'll find a mosque and a primary school, with the school always being the most vibrantly colored structure.
The villages blend naturally into the mountainside, with earthen buildings that almost appear to grow from the rock itself. We could see five different settlements from our viewpoint, each one situated to make best use of the available water and arable land.
The Ourika Valley
Our journey took us through the famous Ourika Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and striking waterfalls. Our guide explained that this valley is extremely popular with Marrakech residents, who come to escape the city heat during summer months.
The landscape is dramatically different from Marrakech, with lush vegetation, terraced fields, and the constant sound of flowing water from the river that cuts through the valley. The colors were almost autumnal when we visited, creating a striking contrast to the city's palms and desert tones.
Coffee with a View
One delightful surprise on our mountain tour was when our driver produced a coffee machine from the trunk of his car and prepared fresh espresso for us at a spectacular viewpoint. Sipping strong coffee while gazing across the valley and listening to birdsong is a memory I'll cherish forever.
The peaceful atmosphere was palpable - far from the constant hustle of Marrakech, here we could hear nature and feel completely immersed in the landscape. I found myself wishing I could spend a week in these mountains rather than just a day.
Setti Fatma Village
Our journey continued to Setti Fatma, one of the most popular villages in the Ourika Valley and the starting point for hikes to the famous waterfalls. While we didn't attempt the hike (I was resting my legs from previous adventures), many tourists come specifically for this trek.
Even without hiking to the waterfalls, Setti Fatma offers plenty to explore. The village itself is more touristy than others we'd seen, but still maintains its authentic charm. We enjoyed lunch at a riverside restaurant, where we tried the classic vegetable tagine, cooked in traditional clay pots. The sound of the cascading river provided the perfect soundtrack to our meal.
A Traditional Berber Home
Perhaps the most special experience of our mountain tour was visiting a traditional Berber home that opens its doors to visitors. For a small fee, you can see how local families live and enjoy mint tea in their courtyard.
I was particularly impressed by their ingenious hamam (bath house) - designed for just one person, with steam rising from the top. The kitchen featured an array of traditional cooking implements, and the entire home offered insights into mountain life that no museum could provide.
We finished our visit with mint tea served with or without sugar according to preference, enjoying the hospitality and breathtaking surroundings before heading back to Marrakech.
Which Day Trip is Best? My Honest Opinion
After experiencing both day trips from Marrakech, people often ask me which one I'd recommend if you only have time for one. While both offer incredible experiences, my vote goes to the Atlas Mountains.
Here's why:
- Proximity - The Atlas Mountains are much closer to Marrakech, meaning less time in transit and more time exploring. We returned from the mountains about three hours earlier than from Essaouira.
- Variety - The mountain tour includes multiple stops and changing scenery, whereas Essaouira is primarily focused on the city itself.
- Cultural immersion - The opportunity to visit traditional Berber villages and homes offers deeper cultural insights than what you'll experience in Essaouira.
- Climate - The mountains provide a refreshing break from Marrakech's heat, which can be particularly welcome during summer months.
That said, if you're specifically interested in Morocco's coastal culture, seafood, water sports, or shopping for crafts, Essaouira makes for an excellent day trip. The coastal city has a completely different vibe from inland Morocco and helps round out your understanding of this diverse country.
A Note About the 2023 Earthquake
During our trip to the Atlas Mountains, we did witness some of the ongoing impact of the devastating earthquake that struck in 2023. Some villages we drove past showed signs of damage, with people still living in temporary shelters as reconstruction continues.
This tragedy claimed around 30,000 lives and caused immense destruction in certain areas of the mountains. However, it's important to note that earthquakes are extremely rare in Morocco, and the main tourist areas in the Ourika Valley were not as severely affected as other regions.
Tourism is vital to the economy of these mountain communities, and local businesses very much want visitors to continue coming. If you do visit, consider supporting local businesses and perhaps donating to organizations helping with rebuilding efforts, such as the Red Crescent.
Planning Your Day Trips
For both our day trips, we used a company called High Atlas Hiking (despite the name, they operate throughout Morocco). Our guide, Hassan, was excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, and an excellent driver. His car was comfortable and always stocked with water, which is essential for day trips.
Whether you choose Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, or both, getting outside Marrakech will add incredible depth to your Moroccan experience. These contrasting landscapes showcase just how diverse this beautiful country truly is.
Have you taken any day trips from Marrakech? Which one would you choose if you only had time for one? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Note: I'll be sharing more of my Moroccan adventures soon, including my time in Fez and Chefchaouen. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss these upcoming guides!