One Day in Essaouira Itinerary: The Ultimate Local’s Guide

If you’re planning a short trip to Essaouira then you need this local’s guide in your life. It’s filled with expert tips and secret tricks to help you make the most of your one day in Essaouira itinerary.

I have lived in Essaouira since January of 2023 and know what to do, what not to do, and how to make the most of your time.

So, if you use this epic guide, you don’t have to stress about trip planning and can just enjoy this amazing beach town.

You’ll also love the compact size and quiet feel of this place. It gives the town a beautiful vibe that makes most people never want to leave (I know I didn’t).

Plus, all of the best attractions in Essaouira are well-located inside (and around) a small and walkable medina.

Therefore, you’ll have no problem seeing the city’s major highlights with just 24 hours in Essaouira. Yes, 2 days in Essaouira is ideal. However, you can get a feel for this charming AF beach oasis if you plan a 1 day Essaouira itinerary.

Enough chitty chat and let’s dive into this one day in Essaouira itinerary.

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Local Tip: If you are visiting Essaouira from Marrakech then I highly recommend leaving on the last bus from Marrakech. This way you can spend the night at one of the top hotels in Essaouira and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.

The first bus from Marrakech to Essaouira leaves at 7:45 am (this changes throughout the year), so the earliest you could arrive in the city is 11:00 am if you’re doing a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.

Therefore, if you can, arrive the night before and hit the ground running so that you can fully enjoy all of the coolest things to do in Essaouira.

1. Breakfast at Al Jazira

Located about halfway down the beach, Al Jazira is an amazing, cheap, and authentic breakfast spot in Essaouira where you can get amazing things like batbout, msemen, omelets, harira, bissara, tea, coffee, etc.

There’s no sign out front so this restaurant in Essaouira can be difficult to find. Just type “Snack Aljazira” into Google and you should be able to get directions. If you see an insane line of people out front then you know you’re in the right place.

It’s a great place to visit after traveling to Essaouira since you know you’ll get a great meal.

Personally, I get a cheese omelet, a cafe latte, and msemen when I come here. All are awesome and made fresh to order. My partner usually gets the batbout and mint tea and we share everything.

Try to get here as early as possible. We got here at 10:00 am on a weekday and they had already run out of msemen. FYI, it will also be packed with people since the food is really good.

But, it’s worth the wait and the less-than-stellar service. This place is also very local. So, you won’t get silverware or napkins (you have to use leftover paper to wipe your hands).

The most expensive thing on the menu is also just 15 Dirhams ($1.50). But this place is epic and just a perfect place to go for a delicious Moroccan breakfast.

You can also go to Chez Miloud and enjoy the best brunch in Essaouira if you decide to get up a little later in the day. They have great food, are in the Medina, and don’t run out of things.

Both are very vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Essaouira since many menu items do not contain meat.

2. Main Beach

Since you’re here anyway, why not take a walk on the beach promenade? It’s around 2 kilometers long and will take you along the most famous beach in Essaouira. In fact, it’s one of the best beaches in Morocco.

If you have time you can come back at sunset for a drink at Ocean Vagabond or Beacn and Friends since these are two of the most fun bars in Essaouira. Just arrive early since tables do fill up.

You can also go swimming during your 24 hours in Essaouira. But, the water at Main Beach is extremely cold and I am not a fan of swimming here.

However, swimming is safe and a great way to cool off on a hot day, especially if you’re in Essaouira during the best time of year.

3. Walk Around the Medina

I love the Medina in Essaouira for a ton of different reasons. First of all, it is a beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with charming, blue and white streets that are just waiting to be explored.

Secondly, the Medina is small and laid out like a giant grid. So, you can quickly and easily see the entire Medina even if you’re only planning a one day in Essaouira itinerary.

Lastly, this is a great place to go shopping in Essaouira since there are lots of shops and vendors selling everything from rugs to lanterns to spices to t-shirts. I love picking up cool Moroccan souvenirs here.

Get lost, have a look around, and enjoy the overall vibe of this amazing place. I especially enjoy walking around because when you compare the Essaouira vs. Marrakech vendors, they are a lot less pushy and a lot more chill.

Therefore, I feel like I can walk around without feeling pressured to buy something.

I generally tell people to wander around and have fun getting lost. However, if you want a great coffee go to Mandala Society (the food is also great).

Another great spot is Hostal Smala. They have an awesome rooftop cafe in Essaouira where you can order a non-alcoholic drink and admire sweeping views of the Ocean. You can also do some coworking in Essaouira if you feel inclined.

Alternatively, if you want some epic jewelry head to Centre de la Bijuteria Artesanal and Calligraphy Amazigh for some stellar souvenirs.

If you’re looking for Essouira attractions then you could stop by the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum (not worth it IMHO), the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish Museum, and the Jewish Cemetery.

Just take as much time as you need and really soak up the incredible historic feel of the city during your one day in Essaouira itinerary. Added bonus? This is one of the best things to do in Essaouira for free.

4. Visit the Scala de Port

The Scala de Port is one of the most iconic attractions in Essaouira and a must-see during your 1 day in Essaouira itinerary.

Just walk outside the Medina, towards the fish port, and you’ll see a tower on your right. It was built in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah to protect the port.

Today you can pay 50 Dirhams ($5.00) for a ticket (FYI it’s free on Fridays) and climb to the top of this local landmark for sweeping views of the city, the Ocean, and a local island.

It’s also an epic spot since this place was famously featured in the Game of Thrones television series.

5. Visit the Fish Market for Lunch

After visiting the Scala de Port, you’ll probably be hungry for lunch. If so then head through the arch and make your way to the fish market.

Have a look around and see what fish appeals to you the most. Buy whatever you like for lunch since Essaouira is known for having some of the best and freshest seafood in the region.

It’s fresh and great if you are gluten-free in Essaouira.

When you’re ready, go back through the arch and sit down at one of the restaurants near the port. There are lots of plastic tables and chairs and locals will be happy to grill your fresh fish for you so that you can enjoy an authentic, local meal.

If you’re not into seafood then you can head to Moulay Ali (local hole-in-the-wall with fresh bread, good prices, and epic chicken, L’Atlellier (great shopping, cooking classes, and quiche/avo toast), Fish Burger (they have good vegetarian food), and Bistro Essaouira (good burgers).

6. Enjoy Some Fun Activities

Depending on how energetic you feel you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or chill at a local rooftop cafe like KSOU Cafe and Restaurant.

I love this place since they have these cute little Moroccan tents for you to sit beneath as you look out at the Atlantic Ocean.

However, if you want to spend the next few hours enjoying exhilarating activities then try camel riding, quad biking in Essaouira, horseback riding in Essaouira, surfing in Essaouira, and kite surfing in Essaouira.

Now, if you love water sports and want to learn how to kite surf and surf during your 24 hours in Essaouira then book a lesson with Moga Surf.

The pros over there are awesome, world-class athletes who will teach you everything you need to know. You could also try doing a fun surf camp in Essaouira.

Otherwise, you can book a fun quad ride or camel ride with Diana Dromedaries. They are a great company and offer excellent excursions that take you towards Diabat, a small town that is a lot less crowded than Essaouira.

Alternatively, you can show up at the end of the beach (near Beach and Friends) and book any one of these activities with the people there. However, the quality of the experience can sometimes be lacking.

7. Catch the Sunset at the Old Skala

There are many places to catch an amazing sunset in Essaouira. However, the Old Skala is one of my faves since the views of the Atlantic Ocean are stunning and this landmark is free to visit.

Just know that you will have to leave RIGHT after the sun sets since this is when the Old Skala closes.

I would also arrive an hour or two before sunset since this historic military fortification from the 18th century fills up with people who want to sit on the old canons and watch the sun sink beneath the horizon.

If you keep your eyes on the horizon you might even see a couple of fishing boats glide by.

To get here, walk down Rue Skala and pass through an ancient archway. Continue up the ramp and you’ll see a viewing platform as well as 19 historic canons on your left.

You might even recognize this place since it was also featured in Game of Thrones and was used to represent Astapor.

8. Grab Dinner at Caravan Cafe

Initially established by French artist Didier Spindler, who wanted to showcase his funky sculptures and paintings inside an old riad, this fab eatery is a great place to go since the lamb shank and the Camembert nuggets are out of this world.

However, the only thing better than the food is the atmosphere. It includes eclectic lamps, giant portraits of shahs, vintage Moroccan furniture, and colorful paint everywhere, as well as magicians, fire breathers, and acrobats walking through the dining room.

You’ll even get a complimentary glass of rum punch upon arrival, making this one of the best places to go in Essaouira in the evening.

You also won’t break the bank during your one day in Essaouira itinerary since most dishes cost around 70 Dirhams ($7.00), with a fab vegetarian menu if you’re not into meat.

It’s a super fun place to go and this is easily one of the best things to do in Essaouira at night.

Local Tip: If they are fully booked then try Dar Adul, and Dar Caravane since both are owned by the same person.

How to Get From Marrakech to Essaouira

Because most people spending 24 hours in Essaouira come to the city from Marrakech, I’ve outlined all the different ways to get from Marrakech to Essaouira.

You can take a taxi, book a private transfer, or take the bus. Personally, I would take the bus since it’s cheap, safe, easy to use, departs regularly throughout the day, and drops you off right at the Medina.

• Take a Grand Taxi – A Grand Taxi costs 100 Dirhams per person and they depart from the regular bus station (Gare Routier Marrakech) near Bab Doukala in Marrakech. The downside to taking a Grand Taxi is that space is limited and you’ll have to wait for 5 other people to board the taxi before you can leave.

• Take the Bus – Supratours buses depart from the Supratours station at 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 10:45 am, 2:45 pm, 4:45 pm, and 7:00 pm daily. You’ll then arrive in Essaouira in around 3 hours and 20 minutes. Tickets cost between 100 Dirhams ($10.00) and 120 Dirhams ($12.00). Prices and times vary based on the season. So, visit their website first and book tickets online in advance. This way you don’t have to worry about tickets selling out.

• Book a Private Transfer – If you’re traveling with 4 or 6 other people then you may want to book a private transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira. It’s the easiest way to travel and you’ll have plenty of space for your luggage. They tend to cost around 800 Dirhams ($80.00) per vehicle.

Do I Need a Tour Guide for this One Day in Essaouira Itinerary?

No. You 100% do not need a tour guide in Essaouira. Not only is Essaouira safe, but the Medina is small and easy to navigate on your own. Plus, the locals are super friendly. So, if you get lost then just ask someone for help.

Additionally, the Supratours station is located just outside the Medina and all of the top attractions in the city are within walking distance of the Medina.

So, you should have no problem completing this Essaouira one day itinerary on your own if take the bus here from Marrakech to Essaouira.

You can also try some cool day trips from Essaouira if you have extra time in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Essaouira

If you’re planning to spend the night in Essaouira (and you 100% should) then here are my picks for the all-time best places to stay in Essaouira.

• Chill Art Hostel (Budget) – Not only is the decor at this boho-chic hostel in Essaouira amazing, but it’s well-located in the Medina and includes complimentary breakfast. The rooftop is amazing, the staff is awesome, and the rooms are quiet, even if the beds are outdated. But, you can still meet people since Chill Art Hostel has a friendly atmosphere.

• Ryad Watier (Mid-range) – Everything about Ryad Watier is amazing and this is 100% where I would stay if I was spending the night in Essaouira. The rooms are huge, the rooftop terrace is epic, the staff is amazing, the riad is quiet/well-located in the Medina, and the breakfast is amazing. This is basically the best riad in Essaouira and you’ll never want to leave.

• Riad Perle D’Eau (Luxury) – Riad Perle D’Eau is perfect if you want epic views of the ocean from your room. You can also head to the rooftop terrace for breakfast and marvel at the best views of the ocean in Essaouira. Seriously, you’ll be blown away by the high-end rooms, helpful staff, epic brekkie, and superb location of this riad in the Medina.

That wraps up this guide to a perfect one day in Essaouira itinerary. Did your fave activities make it on this 24 hours in Essaouira itinerary? If not then let me know.

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