Well firstly, the long stretch of sandy beach is more sheltered that Essaouira, and Agadir enjoys a slightly warmer climate. Its a very pleasant walk along the shoreline from Essaouira to Diabat (when the river between the two places isnt flowing). Policy Our Morocco Trips Reviews Map of Morocco A transfer from Essaouiras medina is included in your day pass fee. We shared the octopus carpaccio ($12.30) and pancakes with smoked trout ($14.25) from the seasonal menu with a glass of delicious Beauvallon wine from Moroccos Meknes region ($7 per glass). Alternatively, take a Grand Taxi (same price as the bus) or arrange a private car through your accommodation. A day trip to Essaouira: The details. To the south of Essaouiras Medina is a 2km arc of sandy beach with a wide paved promenade along the entire stretch. In the evening we will go back to Marrakech where the end of our service is. All schools speak Arabic, French, English and Spanish. The former is the main street of tourist shops, whereas the latter offers local markets for purchasing fruit, meat, fish, and local produce. Looking north from Essaouiras Ramparts (which were used as the set of Astapor in Game of Thrones), you can see a sandy beach buffeted by the Atlantic waves. On this Essaouira day trip from Marrakech, we will visit Essaouira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, an angling town where sympathy is its main virtue.Day trip to Essaouira to find the ancient Portuguese fortress and angling port. Thanks so much! From a 10min to 3hr drive, here we share the best day trips from Essaouira, including Safi, Sidi Kaouki, Taghazout, and even Marrakech. Have you previously visited Marrakech and found it all a bit too much? Its the more expensive day pass of the two (250DH per person) , but its a slightly more upmarket place and the BBQ buffet spread is fantastic. There are a handful of horseback riding companies that cater to all abilities. Whilst its a relaxed and laid-back Moroccan town, there are also an array of activities in Essaouira to balance your chilled vibe with an adrenaline hit. If youre visiting Essaouira with teens, then kite-surfing is a must do activity! This is actually the shrine and pilgrimage site of Sidi Kaouki, a 19th-centurymarabout (a Muslim religious leader and teacher), and who this Berber village is named after. Combine culture, desert adventures, and seaside relaxation with this 7-day trip from Marrakech. It is jam packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour (with photos). The cheapest option is to take the CTM bus. All rights reserved. There are so many things to do in Essaouira, but if you're staying a week or more, or perhaps using Essaouira as a longer-term base for your Morocco travels (indeed Essaouira is a popular destination in Morocco for digital nomads ), you may be looking for some ideas for day trips from Essaouira. If you have more time, you may want to follow our 5-day Agadir to Essaouira road trip itinerary which takes in many of the suggested Essaouira daytrip suggestions below, including Diabat, Sidi Kaouki and Taghazout. Head to Essaouira beach for surfing, kite-surfing, wind surfing, plus there is also quad biking and camel rides! If you ever feel like youre lost, find your way back to one of these main medina arteries. Indeed around Moulay Hassan Square, theres a distinct European vibe with restaurants spilling out onto the pavement and street musicians to entertain. However, there are also Asian and Italian restaurants, as well as specific vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Essaouira. If you do have the time, dont mind the fee (70DH per adult), and are passing by, its worth a browse for a different change of pace. Indeed the shop sellers in Essaouira will proudly tell you that shopping with them is much more relaxed than in Marrakech. Quit Marrakech and head along with the Moroccan sceneries to Essaouira. However, there are always days cooler and hotter than this. This area of the Medina is not as well maintained as the rest of the Medina; buildings are crumbling away and the streets arent very clean. 4. But from the Ramparts, there is no obvious way down, unless you are bold enough for a big jump. Firstly whenDaenerys Targaryenarrives to Astapor, and then again as The Walk of Punishment two episodes later. What are our suggested things to do in Essaouira? Diabat sees only a small fraction of the tourists compared to Essaouira, and the hippie communes are long gone. But dont make a special effort to visit if youre short on time. Plus if youre visiting Essaouira with teens, its one of the few Moroccan towns that you can let them be independent and wander on their own, yes Essaouira really is that safe. Whether youre looking for acamping spot, a characterful Airbnb in the heart of the medina,a high end hotel, or a beach resort with swimming pool, there will be something in Essaouira to suit your budget and needs. Car rental can also be arranged from $36 per day. The Medina of Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is UNESCO World Heritage site built in the late 18th-century. Save. View this tour. You can opt for a private or public hammam. However, there are signs of restoration projects and its fascinating to see a very different and raw side to Essaouira Medina. Indeed, the wind can make all the difference to how warm (or cold) it may feel, especially on the exposed beach; Essaouira has been coined the Windy City of Africa for a reason! There is a flat fee of 15DH per person, or 90DH for the whole taxi (i.e. There are a number of kite-surfing schools in Essaouira. ), many visitors only have a day to explore Africas Windy City. There are also a few shacks as temporary homes. Drinks: Refreshed and dressed to party, we arrived at the lively Taros rooftop bar to see the sun set over the Atlantic. While small in size it's a favorite for many visitors. If youre more interested in the last question, check out our guide to the best bars in Essaouira, which includes some superb beach and rooftop bars for a sundowner. Walk through the fish stalls and then follow the harbour wall to the end. Option 1 of a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen by car takes about 7 hours and 20 minutes A day trip from Marrakech to Chefhcouen by car. Check out our step-by-step self-guided Essaouira walking tour. The three-hour road trip was fueled by snacks from a patisserie ($1 for two pains au chocolat) and coffees from a back-of-the-van cafe en route ($1.40 for two). Please note that any prices quoted here were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Kids may like to collect a few to make a mosaic. Theres also an on-site halal abattoir and stalls selling grilled-meat kebabs. Explore Dar Sultan Palace in Diabats sand dunes, 21. The price is 200DH and includes tasting: There is no shuttle service to the vineyard, so visitors need to make their own way over (a Grand Taxi or private driver). Updated for 2023, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira. How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira READ OUR GUIDE: Enjoy a day pass at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. Take the track opposite the mosque by the roundabout as you enter Diabat. Housed in an 1800s colonial house with an impressive stairway and ceiling, it displays old photography, utensils found from prehistoric ages, musical instruments, old photography of Essaouira, jewellery and some armoury. They just dropped us off in Essaouira (after the argan oil shop of course) and told us to meet back at the bus a few hours later. You will find the standard tagine, couscous, brochette, and Western standards at most of the restaurants. Jan 8, 2020 11 min read. Visiting Essaouira in October: is this the best month to visit? You can also hire boogieboards for the kids to play in the surf. The range of accommodation for such a small town is really quite impressive. Marrakech City Tour: Private Full-Day Guided City Tour with Luxury Transport. READ OUR GUIDE: Had Draa market (Sundays)READ OUR GUIDE: Ida Ougourd market (Wenesdays). English. Essaouira Private Full-Day Trip from Marrakech (All . 14667703, "We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. READ OUR GUIDE: Val dArgan wineryDistance from Essaouira: 25km (25min drive). There are a handful of quad biking companies in the nearby village of Diabat, and we recommend Diana Quad. Essaouira is very, very different to Marrakech and laid back vibes radiate throughout the medina and along the beach. Visitors are welcome for wine tasting, or to enjoy Moroccan cooking accompanied by the wines harvested on site. Supratours is the main bus company that travels between Marrakech and Essaouira. Hardly anyone goes here, and theres an end-of-the-world, abandoned feel to it. Paris Orly to Essaouira (4 flights per week with, London Stansted to Essaouira (2 flights per week with, Brussels South Charleroito Essaouira (2 flights per week with, Marseille Provence to Essaouira (2 flights per week with. If you have more time to spend in Essaouira and are looking to venture deeper into the countryside or along along the Atlantic coastline, then check out our guide to the best day trips from Essaouira, which includes Safi, Taghazout, and even Marrakech. Indeed the surf here is much stronger than Essaouira beach. Day Trips. If you want to visit a beautiful town where you can breathe the air of the Atlantic ocean and at the same time dive into an environment of artists (music and painting . Take in the windswept views of the Atlantic Coast, with the wooden fishing boats, rocky outcrop, and an offshore bird sanctuary. READ OUR GUIDE: Had Draa marketDistance from Essaouira: 30km (25min drive). Day 1: CASABLANCA Transfer from the airport to the hotel in the middle of town. There is also bed and breakfast accommodation available, with guest rooms spread around the gardens with a swimming pool. Those visiting Essaouira with kids will appreciate the generally clean and sandy beach to play, and the shallow waters for little legs to splash around. Once you get over any initial inhibitions, it really is the most amazing feeling, and you will feel the cleanest you ever been in your life! And this best thing is that the medina is traffic free! Get your camera ready! Although with its Portuguese history and coastal location, we believe there is more to this sleepy town and is worthy as a full day trip from Essaouira. Im a writer and yoga teacher based in Taghazout, Morocco. Although most people will find 2 hours is enough. However, the taxi wont drive down the track to the beach, you will need to walk this. Book in advance. Our only expense was a two-liter bottle of mineral water ($.75). Alternatively, how about riding into the sunset on a camel, horse, or quad-bike? THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor Head toEssaouira beachforsurfing (including kite-surfing and wind surfing), plus there is alsoquad biking, horse ridingand camel riding! About Essaouira Portuguese, French and Berber architecture frame the maze-like streets of Essaouira, a charming and vibrant port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean. And for Game of Thrones fans, Essaouira is an absolute must visit as Essaouira was the set for Astapor in Game of Thrones! The noise, scents and colors helped awaken our senses and get our bearings. Essaouira is pretty easy to get to. Explore Essaouira is the go-to online resource for planning a visit to the beautiful Moroccan port town of Essaouira. On the far end of the beach, away from the Medina, is where youll find the surfers, kite surfers, and camels. Being a fishing port, it will come as no surprise that Essaouira is haven for seafood lovers. The heated pool is larger, and as the day pass (11am to 6:30pm) to use the pool is slightly cheaper (from 100DH per person), its popular with families. Paradise Valley is a stunning hidden gorge with ponds to paddle and swim in. This barista-style cafe with Icelandic roots offers a taste of Scandinavia in Morocco. 12 BEST day trips from Essaouira One Day Itinerary for Essaouira, Morocco - That Travelista Set on a hillside, the market is separated into distinct areas: a large open fruit and veg market spills out in front of the mosque, a Halal abattoir will be found down a little alleyway, and animals are traded in a walled square. How can I get tickets to the next World Cup? Its a stunning place to watch an Essaouira sunset, and this is where locals come to play football. Arrival: We left our car in Essaouiras port lot as our hotel had no parking facilities. But one of the top things to do in Diabat is to visit the ruins of Dar Sultan Palace, nestled amongst the sand dunes between village and the beach. With a plate of fresh watermelon on the house, the total bill including water, orange juice and two mains came to $35 for two. With direct flights from European cities (Ryanair currently fly twice per week from London Stansted), Essaouira has been firmly put on the map as a destination in its own right, promising a laid-back and colourful medina, a long swathe of sandy beach, and year-round good weather. This will take you all around the medina (including the ramparts and Jewish Quarter), the fishing port, and to both beaches. The price is 200DH and includes tasting: There is no shuttle service to the Val dArgan, so visitors need to make their own way over (a Grand Taxi or private driver). If you are visiting Essaouira with kids, you may find that a private transfer is easier and more cost effective for a family. Is Essaouira worth visiting? We tucked into crpes filled with Nutella and amlou, a nut butter with argan oil ($2.50 each), orange juice ($1.50) and Moroccan mint tea ($1.50). Here we have put together a lovely self-guided walking tour for you to follow at your own pace. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from just outside Bab Doukkala. The last bus back leaves Marrakech at 7pm and arrived to Essaouira at 10pm. And at the opposite end of Essaouira Beach youll find some oh-so-cool beach bars, which are perfect after a surf orquad bikingin the dunes. The journey takes 3 hours by bus, with a 20 minute comfort break enroute. Essaouira does experience some cloudy and drizzly days. There are so many choices for restaurants in Essaouira, that dining out is really one of the best things to do in Essaouira. Although there are early return buses if you prefer. Enjoy a day pass at a pool in the countryside, beaches around Essaouira are popular with kite-surfers, Essaouira Beach: everything you need to know, Experiencing a traditional hammam in Essaouira, Diabat, Morocco: Jimi Hendrix and sand castles, Enjoy a day pass at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, Agadir to Essaouira road trip: 5 day itinerary. This is a must do if youre visiting Essaouira with kids. The three-hour road trip was fueled by snacks from a patisserie ( $1 for two pains au chocolat) and coffees from a back-of-the-van cafe en route ( $1.40 for two). From a 10min to 3hr drive, here we share the best day trips from Essaouira, including Safi, Sidi Kaouki, Taghazout, and even Marrakech. Hire sun loungers and a parasol on the beach, 50DH for a pair. August is when the beach is busiest as not only is it the European and Moroccan school holidays, Essaouira is one of the coolest places in Morocco at this time where elsewhere temperatures are soaring to the unbearable mid-40s. Known best as a surfing outpost, surf shacks have sprouted all along the hill above the beach, which is surrounded on all sides by sandy cliffs hundreds of feet high. Me and my 2 colleagues used Red Kech Travel during our 4 day stay in Marrakesh. Travel from Marrakech to Essaouira by air-conditioned vehicle, stop to visit an Argan Co-operative and on arrival, immerse yourself in the historical port town a melting pot of Berber, African and Portuguese influences. Thanks so much! Breakfast is served on the bright roof terrace. Buses from Marrakech take around 2.5 hours and several companies travel this route. Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit: Essaouira travel FAQs: everything you need to know before your visit. The shop sellers enjoy a good chin-wag and are rarely pushy, no haggling is required with the petits taxis as its a flat fare of DH7, the medina is traffic free, and the sandy beach provides a place of natural calm, even on a windy day. From Marrakech : Full Day Trip To Essaouira. There are a number of synagogues to visit (at the time of writing, tourists were allowed inside Haim Pinto Synagogue), as well as the Jewish cemetery past Bab Doukkala, which also has a Christian cemetery adjacent. Considering Essaouira has been coined, the Windy City of Africa, its no surprise that it is one of the best places in the world for kite-surfing. In our A Total Trip franchise, writers document what they spent on a recent getaway. READ OUR REVIEW: Htel Domaine de LArganeraieDistance from Essaouira: 11km (20min drive). READ OUR GUIDE: Essaouira wine tasting at Val dArgan. This is the sister hotel to Villa Maroc, Moroccos oldest riad-hotel situated in the heart of the medina, and a transfer is included in your day pass fee. The main reason tourists visit Sidi Kaouki is for the surfing. The Medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century ramparts, built by European engineers. 10 hours. Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira - Morocco Tours Agency The calm vibes of Essaouria create a safe environment. Is Essaouira worth visiting? If thats the case, your accommodation is key. But if you are visiting Essaouira during the high season months ofJulyandAugustand want to escape the crowds, Diabat is the place to come. This is arranged on booking. Ask to see the official tariff if they do (see photo below). There is also lots of broken ceramics to be found here on this beach. Its just a 2km ride and 50DH will secure you a private return fare. However, at the time of writing, the earliest bus leaving Essaouira to Agadir is 14:30, which arrives at 17:30; not ideal times if youre planning a day trip from Essaouira and not planning on staying overnight. READ OUR GUIDE: How to get around Essaouira. Thirdly, Agadir is home to Crocoparc, a superb reptile park and a must if visiting Agadir with kids. Essaouira does experience some cloudy and drizzly days. Just 25 minutes along the road from the centre of Essaouira to Marrakech is Domaine du Val dArgan. This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Best Marrakech Day Trip to Essaouira 2023/24 - Grand Morocco You will need to get to the Grand Taxi station, which is next to the main bus station in Essaouira. Bus number 2 runs from Bab Doukkala to Sidi Kaouki every 2 hours and tickets cost 7DH per person (purchase tickets on the bus). day trip from marrakech to essaouira In 1506, the Portuguese built a fortress there called 'Castelo Real de Mogador' but due to the resistance of the local population, the Portuguese left on the 4th of December 1510, although despite being abandoned it remained protected by the Saadians during the seventeenth century. Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit: Essaouira travel FAQs: everything you need to know before your visit. Otherwise, you may receive a chest massage towards the end of your massage. Is Essaouira worth visiting? Here are 10 reasons we say yes! Here are 10 reasons we say yes! And if this is your first visit to Essaouira (or you havent been for a while), check our our essential travel information for visiting Essaouira, which includes lots of tips, such as what to wear in Essaouira and how to get around Essaouira. The waters here are very shallow, but the strong Atlantic wind brings waves that are great for surfing and kitesurfing. There are six buses per day from Marrakech to Essaouria leaving at 07:45, 09:00, 10:45, 14:45, 16:45 and 19:00. This beautiful open space fills up with buskers and street performers each afternoon: perfect for people-watching. Essaouira Day Trip (0 Reviews) 64 / Person Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec 1 Days Marrakech Marrakech Details Itinerary Location Photos Tour overview We invite you to explore the best of Essaouira by signing up for our carefully designed Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech. Baked by the desert and benefiting from the trade winds off the Atlantic, Domaine du Val dArgan is the first and only Moroccan vineyard exclusively dedicated to grape varieties of the Rhne Valley. Its a very pleasant walk along the shoreline from Essaouira to Diabat (when the river between the two places isnt flowing). Although we wouldnt blame you if you just wanted to chill around the medina sipping mint tea and taking long sunset walks along the beach; Essaouiras chilled out vibes are very easy to slip into! Activities: In the afternoon, we drove to the countryside for a pool day at Jardins de la Villa Maroc, an 18th-century riad turned boutique hotel. Being on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira doesnt experience the extreme temperatures of other Moroccan tourist destinations, and with an average of 300 days of sunshine, its generally a great year-round destination. 171. from $190.22. The stone arches and even the mosaic tiles are still clearly on display. USEFUL GUIDES:Essaouira airport guideHow to get from Marrakech to EssaouiraMarrakech to Essaouira busEssaouira to Casablanca bus. So what is there to do in Essaouira? Snacks: We dropped our swim stuff at the hotel and settled into Dolcefreddo, an open-air cafe on the main square. For those arriving by plane at Essaouira Airport, the airport transfer to the city center is $27. Visit Morocco's charming Atlantic port of Essaouira on this day trip from Marrakech. Step into the enchanting world of Marrakesh, Morocco, where the magic of the ancient city intertwines with the pulsating energy of modern life. 6 questions to ask before visiting in 2022, Algeria set to open its doors to tourists with new visa system, Where locals go: where our Spain experts vacation in Spain, 15 best places to go off-grid around the world in 2023. Updated for 2023, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira. Plus a wander around the medina feels far less touristy that Essaouira, and for surfers, Safi provides another excellent surf spot along Moroccos Atlantic coastline. So why come to Agadir? Essaouira can be a lovely base for Moroccan adventures further afield. This is the easiest day trip from Essaouira being only a ten minute drive or beach stroll away. While away your days with long strolls along the beach and afternoons spent browsing the medina, ramparts and fishing port with plenty of mint tea stops, before heading back to the beach to watch the sun dip behind the fishing port. It seems remarkable that this is the first entry point from the Ramparts, but the high walls of the medina and subsequent buildings, just mean that any other entry point is not possible. All the kite-surfing schools also offer surfing tuition, and will get you standing up on that board, riding a wave, by the end of your first lesson. Sidi Kaouki travel guide: everything you need to know. Just 25 minutes along the road from the centre of Essaouira to Marrakech is Domaine du Val dArgan. A transfer from Villa Maroc in the medina is included in your day pass. We tried a few dishes to share: a Moroccan salad ($1.50), savory puff pastries known as briwates ($3.60), vegetable couscous ($6), and seffa, a cinnamon-and-almond pasta dish ($6), plus water ($1.50). Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 4,297. from $108.70. Cross the High Atlas mountains and explore Morocco's desert, filled with fortified kasbahs and old caravan routes. Answer: The best time to visit Essaouira's famous weekend street market, Souk el Had ( the Sunday Souk) is around 1 pm, most exhibitors spend the earlier hours setting up their carts and stalls, so the main action only really starts around 2 pm until around 6 pm, all depending on demand and the weather ( which should be fine and sunny in Septemb. Thanks so much! Top 10 Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco - Wandering Wheatleys This will only be passable at low tide. However, its worth the visit over to Diabat to explore Dar Sultan Palace, a once-grand palace that has been left to the elements, and is now nestled amongst the sand dunes between Diabat village and the beach. Cars and mopeds are not permitted to enter the medina (although you will spot the odd moped chugging through), so its a lovely place to wander and get lost. Taxis wont take you along the track to Diabat beach though. Is Essaouira worth visiting? Your guide will probably let the kids have a go driving, whilst sat in front of him. Being a fishing port, it will come as no surprise that Essaouira is haven for seafood lovers. A country of desert and ocean, bustling port towns and sprawling countryside, Morocco is best seen by road. Rarely on the tourist radar, the coastal town of Safi just a two hour drive north of Essaouira, is famed for its pottery. Average lunch and dinner: 160 MAD. Total: $92.25 (of which my share was $44.60), The final tally (for one): pre-trip spending ($45) + on-the-ground spending ($162.60)=US $207.60 or2032 MAD (Moroccan dirham). Marrakech, Central Morocco. You will also find iguanas, tortoises, snakes, and a very cool cactus garden. This vibrant metropolis, known as the "Red City" for its iconic red sandstone buildings, invites you to explore a maze of bustling souks, marvel at . Its a long, but very doable day trip from Essaouira. With little wind, conditions were perfect for a beach walk, a sea swim and a snooze on the sand. Essaouira quad biking is brilliant fun and a great way to explore the beach further south from Essaouira. But the French history of the town also means that there are some fantastic patisseries and creperies dotted around the medina. Do note that March and April coincides with Ramadan in 2024. de lIstiqla, which runs into Av. Enjoy a day trip to Essaouira, on the coast of Morocco. Round-trip bus rides from Marrakech: 160 MAD + 10 MAD for luggage = 170 MAD. Essaouira offers a much slower and easy-going pace, and can make for a relaxing destination. Head to the blue Lima Bus, Essaouira sign on the right as you exit Bab Doukkala and take the Lima bus, Line 2 (7DH per person). The BBQ buffet lunch spread is fantastic. All the written explanations are in French and Arabic, there is no English. Take a horse and carriage to Safi Beach, 17. Drizzly days are more commonly between December and February, but even still, only a couple of rainy days per month are expected. Hidden off a dusty road through the village of Ghazoua, Htel Domaine de LArganeraie is just a 20 minute drive from Essaouira. As Essaouira is perched on Moroccos western coast, it offers epic ocean sunsets. There are a couple of options: Les Jardins de Villa Maroc and Htel Domaine de LArganeraie.
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