Marrakech to Essaouira Day Trip: Argan Trees, Medina & Beach

Summary

Essaouira’s blue alleys, sea air, and argan groves on a Marrakech day trip

You’ll feel Essaouira before you see it — salt on your lips, music drifting from shop windows. Taste fresh argan oil at a women’s cooperative, wander blue-washed alleys in the medina, eat fish straight from the grill by the port. This day trip is all about small moments that linger long after you’re back in Marrakech.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed after leaving Marrakech was how the air changed — drier at first, then salty and cool as we got closer to Essaouira. Our driver, Youssef, played some old Gnaoua music and pointed out the argan trees dotting the hills. We stopped where goats were actually climbing in the branches (I thought that was just a postcard thing). The women at the cooperative let us try grinding the argan nuts by hand — I got more on my shirt than in the bowl. The oil tasted nutty, almost sweet, but it’s the smell I remember most: earthy and somehow green.

Rolling into Essaouira felt like stepping into a painting — blue doors everywhere, seagulls yelling over the port. The medina isn’t huge but it’s layered; French balconies above Portuguese walls, cats sleeping in doorways. I wandered past stalls selling silver jewelry and these little pastries dusted with sugar (I bought two, probably should’ve bought more). Lunch was up to us — I picked grilled sardines by the harbor because they smelled too good not to. The wind off the Atlantic is no joke; it’ll tangle your hair in seconds. But it keeps everything fresh.

I met an old man near La Skala who showed me how he carves thuya wood — his hands moved so quick I could barely follow. There’s something about Essaouira that makes you slow down without noticing. I lost track of time just watching waves crash against the ramparts. When we finally piled back into the van for Marrakech around 4:30pm, I was sunburned and sandy and still thinking about that sea air. It’s not a fancy day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira — but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira

• Pick up from Marrakech at 8 am
• Drive to Essaouira with rest stops
• Stop at argan tree field for photos
• Visit women's cooperative to taste argan oil
• Stop at panoramic view of Essaouira
• Free time to explore Essaouira Medina
• Lunch in Essaouira at own choice
• Meet driver at drop-off point
• Drive back to Marrakech
• Drop off at hotel or riad

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?

It takes about 2.5 hours each way by minivan between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

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

Do we visit an argan oil cooperative?

Yes, there is a stop at a women’s cooperative where you can see how argan oil is made and taste it if you want.

How much free time do we get in Essaouira?

You have several hours of free time to explore Essaouira’s medina and beach before meeting your driver for return.

Are entry fees included?

Entry to Essaouira’s medina is included with your tour.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is included; you can choose where you want to eat in Essaouira.

What should I wear for this tour?

The weather can be windy or cool near the coast; bring layers and comfortable shoes for walking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, private transport by air-conditioned minivan with fuel covered, entry to Essaouira’s medina, stops along scenic argan groves with an optional tasting at a women’s cooperative, plus transport insurance—before heading back to Marrakech in late afternoon.