Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech: Port, Medina & Argan Visit

Summary

Essaouira’s blue alleys, lively port and argan traditions

You’ll leave Marrakech early and reach Essaouira’s breezy coast by midday, wandering its blue-and-white medina and tasting grilled sardines fresh off the boat. With your local guide, you’ll explore ramparts above crashing waves, visit a women-run argan cooperative (yes, you can try making oil), and return with sand still clinging to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Marrakech was quieter than I expected — just a few of us in the van, windows cracked for that first whiff of salty air. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out the argan trees along the road (I’d never seen goats actually climbing trees before; it’s real). When we finally rolled into Essaouira, it was all blue shutters and whitewashed walls, a bit faded by the sea wind. The medina felt slower than Marrakech — no one rushing you. I got lost almost immediately but somehow ended up at a tiny shop where an old man sold mint tea and dates. He grinned when I tried my rusty French.

We wandered down to the port just as the fishing boats came in. The air smelled sharp — fish and brine and charcoal smoke from grills set up right on the dock. Sardines sizzled on open flames; I ate mine with my hands, juice running down my fingers. There was this moment where a fisherman started singing to himself while mending his nets, not loud or showy — just part of his day. Youssef showed us the Sqala du Port, those thick stone walls with cannons pointed out to sea. The Atlantic looked rougher than I’d imagined.

After that we walked through Moulay Hassan square (lots of cats napping in sun patches) and into the old Jewish quarter — faded Hebrew carved above some doors if you look close enough. At some point we stopped at a women’s cooperative for argan oil. The smell inside was nutty and earthy; women sat together cracking argan nuts by hand, chatting in Darija and laughing when one of us tried to help (I was hopeless). We tasted fresh argan oil on bread — it’s richer than olive oil somehow.

The ride back to Marrakech was quiet again, everyone half asleep or looking out at those endless argan forests. There’s something about Essaouira that sticks with you — maybe it’s how life moves slower there or maybe just that salty wind that stays in your hair for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Essaouira and argan cooperative

• Travel from Marrakech to Essaouira
• Visit the fishing port and old harbor
• See the monumental Marin gate
• Stroll through the old medina Mogador
• Explore the old Jewish Quarter
• Visit the Sqala of the Kasbah
• Enjoy fish lunch at the port
• Visit women-run argan oil cooperative
• Experience argan oil making process
• Explore the argan forest
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira?

The trip lasts a full day with morning pickup from Marrakech and return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Essaouira day trip?

You’ll have time to buy lunch at small restaurants by the harbor—grilled fish is recommended.

What main sites do you visit in Essaouira?

You’ll see the port, Sqala du Port ramparts, medina, Jewish quarter, Moulay Hassan square, and an argan oil cooperative.

Is there hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech are included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; infant seats are available if needed.

Do you visit an argan oil cooperative?

Yes—a stop at a women-run cooperative is part of the itinerary where you can see how argan oil is made.

How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?

The drive takes about 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech by air-conditioned vehicle (fuel covered), guided visits through Essaouira’s medina and port areas at your own pace—including Moulay Hassan square—and a stop at a women-run argan oil cooperative before heading back in the evening.