Essaouira Day Trip from Agadir with Medina & Argan Stops

Summary

Essaouira’s medina colors, argan trees, Berber coffee breaks

You’ll travel from Agadir through Morocco’s countryside with stops for tree-climbing goats and fresh Berber coffee before exploring Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina with a local guide. Taste argan oil at its source and wander colorful souks at your own pace. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see those goats? They really do climb trees here,” our driver grinned as we slowed down outside Agadir. I’d heard about the “flying goats” but didn’t expect to spot them so soon — just hanging out in the branches like it was nothing. The road to Essaouira is longer than I thought (about three hours), winding through dry hills and little villages where the air smells faintly of woodsmoke and something sweet I couldn’t place. We stopped for coffee in a Berber village — not fancy at all, but the kind of strong brew that wakes you up even if you’re jetlagged. The woman behind the counter smiled when I tried my rusty French; she answered in a mix of Arabic and French, and somehow we understood each other well enough to laugh about my pronunciation.

The next stop was an argan oil cooperative. It’s touristy, sure, but watching the women crack open those hard nuts by hand is kind of hypnotic — their hands move fast, way faster than mine would. The smell inside is nutty and earthy, almost buttery. Our guide explained how this oil ends up in everything from bread to shampoo (I bought a tiny bottle because why not). By the time we reached Essaouira itself, the wind had picked up — salty and cool compared to Agadir’s heat. Walking into the medina with our local guide felt like stepping into another world: blue doors everywhere, cats weaving between stalls, old men playing cards under faded awnings. He pointed out details I’d have missed — Portuguese cannons on the ramparts, tiny fish stalls tucked behind alleys.

I wandered off during free time (the souk pulls you in) and ended up buying a handful of dried figs from a woman who wrapped them in newspaper. Lunch was on our own; I sat near the port with grilled sardines that tasted like they’d jumped straight from sea to grill — messy fingers, no regrets. There’s something about Essaouira’s light that makes everything look softer; maybe it’s just being by the Atlantic or maybe it’s how relaxed everyone seems here. On the drive back to Agadir I kept thinking about those goats in trees — still not sure how they get down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Essaouira city tour and stops

• Drive through the Atlas Mountains
• Stop to see flying goats on argan trees
• Coffee break in Berber village
• Visit argan oil factory
• Guided tour of Essaouira Medina souk
• Explore Kasbah ramparts and La Scala
• Visit municipal market and craft complex
• Free time for lunch and city sightseeing

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Agadir to Essaouira take?

The drive takes around three hours each way, plus stops along the route.

Is hotel pickup included for this Essaouira excursion?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Agadir.

Are meals or lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to choose where to eat in Essaouira.

Is this day trip suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome.

Do we visit an argan oil factory during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at an argan oil cooperative along the way.

Will there be a local guide in Essaouira?

Yes, a local guide leads part of your city tour inside the medina.

Are entry fees or taxes included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Agadir with an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, guided walking tour of Essaouira’s medina with a local expert, plus stops for Berber coffee and an authentic look at argan oil production before returning comfortably in the evening.