How Many Days in Essaouira? The Ultimate Local Guide

If this is your first time in Essaouira then you might wonder how many days in Essaouira will be perfect for you.

Well, like with most things, the answer depends on what you want to do and what your travel style is.

Now, the first thing you should know is that Essaouira is small. Like, you can walk through the entire Medina in a few hours small.

So, if you’re the type of traveler who always likes to be on the go and who likes to be busy from the morning into the evening then I would spend no more than a few days in Essaouira.

However, if you enjoy relaxing on the beach and sipping on coffee at cute cafes while reading your book, then you can easily spend at least a week here.

Trust me, I have lived here since January of 2023 and quickly ran out of things to do. But, I didn’t freak out or move away. Instead, I embraced the chill lifestyle that this beach town has to offer and got a solid education in the art of relaxing.

So, follow my local guide and figure out exactly how long to spend in Essaouira.

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How Many Days in Essaouira? The Short Answer

Two days is generally enough time to spend in Essaouira for most travelers. Sure, you won’t be able to enjoy all of the best activities in Essaouira.

But, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the city’s highlights at a leisurely pace. You also won’t get bored and will still have enough time to complete your Morocco itinerary and enjoy the best accommodations in Essaouira.

However, if you enjoy relaxing and are really just looking for a stress-free, super chill vacation in Morocco, then you can easily spend up to a week soaking up all that this city has to offer, especially if you are into surfing or kite surfing.

You could also head to Agadir if you have a little extra time and don’t want to decide between Agadir and Essaouira.

What to Do in Essaouira When You Visit

Here is a guide on all of the best things to do. This way, based on what you’re interested in, you can figure out exactly how many days in Essaouira will be perfect for you.

1. Visit the Main Beach

If you’re not sure how long to stay in Essaouira then give yourself enough time to enjoy the Main Beach. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s windy. Yes, it’s a smidge dirty. But, it is just an amazing place to visit and one of the best beaches in Essaouira.

It stretches out for 2 kilometers and has a lovely beachfront promenade for you to walk along. You can even try kite surfing, regular surfing, join a beachfront football game, or rent a beach chair with an umbrella for 25 Dirhams ($2.50).

Also, be sure to stop by and watch the sunset if you’re in Essaouira after dark. Now, as you farther down the beach and away from the Medina, you’ll find many locals advertising camel rides, horseback riding, and ATV trips too.

Local Tip: Once the sun sets we like to head to Ocean Vagabond or Beach & Friends for nice drinks and even better tapas.

2. Wander Through the Medina

Like in Marrakech, Essaouira’s Medina is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 18th century and is well worth visiting.

However, unlike Marrakech’s Medina, this old, walled part of the city is small, easy to navigate, and filled with pretty chill street vendors that won’t harass you to buy something in Essaouira.

So, take some time to explore the beautiful white and blue buildings that line the labyrinth of small alleys and hidden passages that make up the Medina.

You could easily spend a day visiting the many shops, restaurants, and boutiques that make up this incredible space. You might even be able to find something to add to your Essaouira wardrobe.

You also don’t have to worry about anyone running you over with their motorbike since this part of the city is mostly just for pedestrians, making the Medina a super safe place in Essaouira.

It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in local culture, as you meander through the souks and enjoy a mint tea at a local cafe.

Don’t leave without visiting the rooftop at Mega Loft or Il Mare since both are unbeatable. You can also stop by l’Atelier-Café Boutique for a coffee and try a cool cooking class at one of the best restaurants in Essaouira.

If you have time, you can also visit an Essaouira hammam, try an Essaouira cooking class, or stop at one of the best coffee shops in Essaouira since many are tucked away inside the Medina.

3. Check Out the Old Scala

A stop at this coastal gem is a must regardless of how many days you spend in Essaouira.

After all, these ancient fortifications were constructed in the 18th century to protect the medina and harbor from potential threats.

Today, these walls stand as a historic symbol of the city’s grand past and make a great place to watch the sunset.

However, because the Old Scala is only open from 9:00 am until sunset, you’ll have to leave quite quickly once it gets dark.

To visit, walk down Rue Skala, passing stores filled with unique souvenirs. Eventually, go beneath an old arch and make your way up a ramp that opens up into a breathtaking viewing platform.

Take in amazing panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean before turning left to admire 19 historic canons on display.

After a moment or two, this spot might even look familiar to you since it was featured in scenes of Game of Thrones to represent Astapor.

4. Enjoy Scala de Port

In Essaouira, there are actually two historic fortifications that are known as “scalas.”

This one is located near the port, outside the Medina walls, and costs 50 Dirhams ($5.00) to visit. Although, if you’re on a budget, you can always stop by on Friday when admission is free.

It was constructed in the 18th century during the rule of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and is celebrated for its sturdy stone arches, which were designed to safeguard the port.

During your visit, ascend the principal tower for breathtaking views of the port, the Medina’, a neighboring island, and the vast ocean. Game of Thrones fans will also love that this spot was featured in the series too.

5. Relax Along the Edge of Moulay Hassan Square

Moulay Hassan Square is one of the main squares in Essaouira. It sits right in between the port and the Medina and is lined with lots of European-feeling restaurants.

It’s always filled with people, vendors selling souvenirs, street performers, and locals walking around dressed as costumed characters (this is for the kids).

If you want, you can even walk through a gap in the wall near the ocean and climb on the rocks along the shore. It’s one of my favorite places to relax and watch the sunset.

Afterward, stop by Crepes Marrakech and grab a delicious Nutella crepe for me. This is one of the best crepe shops in the city.

6. See the Local Fish Market

Essaouira’s lively port and harbor are abuzz with activity as fishermen bring in their boats, offload the day’s haul, and offer their fresh seafood to eager buyers.

As a result, this area comes alive with cats hunting for food, seagulls gliding overhead, and merchants peddling their seafood.

So, stop by and purchase a wide array of fresh seafood that includes sardines, pilchards, sole, crabs, lobsters, octopus, flatfish, skates, eels, and even sharks.

For a taste of local culture and cuisine, consider dining at one of the neabry, open-air restaurants since they will cook your newly bought seafood for you.

It’s an ideal stop after exploring the Skala de Port, as both landmarks are situated close to one another.

Local Tip: Beyond the fish market you’ll find a pathway that leads away from the Medina. Use it to walk the edge of the pier and take in sweeping panoramas of the beach, ocean, and a nearby island.

7. Explore the Jewish Quarter

A visit to the Jewish Quarter in Essaouira is something I love to do since it deepens your understanding of the heritage and culture of the area.

Contrary to what some might think, numerous Moroccan cities have impressive Jewish districts filled with fascinating things to do.

In Essaouira, you’ll discover buildings and streets that are weathered, dusty, and filled with sand, reflecting the raw and real aspects of local life here.

Notable landmarks are the Haim Pinto Synagogue and Bayt Dakira, or “the House of Memory”. Bayt Dakira serves as a Jewish museum, presenting artifacts and photographs that chronicle the history of Essaouira’s Jewish community.

The museum is also free to visit, although most exhibits are in French. So, you probably won’t spend too much time here. I know I didn’t and was here maybe a half an hour.

Afterward, head to the Jewish cemetery. Exit the Medina through Bab Doukkala, then look for a wooden door on your left that is close to the “Petits Taxis”.

Visitors are welcome to visit for free, but the cemetery does tend to close in Sundays and at night. Yeah, I made the mistake of visiting at night once and just had to walk back home.

8. Try Surfing or Kite Surfing

Unsure how days in Essaouira are enough? Then consider taking advantage of the city’s strong winds and doing a bit of kite surfing or surfing.

Winds typically reach their peak in July and August, making these months ideal for such activities. Although, you can enjoy these exhilarating water sports throughout the year.

Personally, I don’t surf in Essaouira. The waves are small and the water is cold. I would surf in Sidi Kaouki, not Essaouira. However, it is a great place for beginners to learn the fine art of surfing. Just be sure to wear your wet suit.

Alternatively, kite surfing offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Just schedule a lesson at Moga Surf, where Ismail Adarzane is a celebrated kite surfer, and F-One competitor, who will teach you all about the sport.

It’s a pretty difficult sport to learn so I highly recommend taking a lesson. If Moga Surf doesn’t work for you though, try BleuKite, Explora, and Kitesurfmaroc.

9. Go Quad Biking/ATVing

I love ATVIng through Essaouira. It’s quiet, safe, beautiful, and just a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing place.

Just book a tour with Diana Quad and you can ride over to Diabat village. While you’re there you can see the ruins of an old palace or see where Jimmi Hendrix once hung out.

I like Diana Quad specifically because they offer a wide range of tours that include everything from one-hour trips to full-day excursions.

Children under 8 also get to ride for free, and each excursion includes a guide to help you with navigation and safety.

While sharing a quad is okay, I like driving my own vehicle. Your guide will also provide you with hands-on training so that you can stay safe while driving past epic beaches and quaint Berber villages.

Just pack ample snacks and water since there’s nowhere to stop for them during the tour.

10. Visit Sidi Kaouki

If you’re not sure how many days in Essaouira is right for you then definitely spend at least one day visiting Sidi Kaouki.

First of all, the beaches are stunning and much less crowded than the ones in Essaouira. Secondly, the waves are a lot stronger here, making this a perfect spot for serious surfers.

Just grab some gear from a local surf shop and you’ll be good to go. Plus, this amazing spot sits just 30 minutes away from Essaouira. So, it’s really easy to get to.

To visit take the number 2 bus, departing every two hours from Bab Doukkala, since it costs a mere 7 Dirhams ($0.70) and includes a stop at the airport.

It’ll take around an hour to get there and you can just get your ticket on the bus. Just be sure to leave early since buses stop running before it gets dark.

Otherwise, you could visit using a Grand Taxi for 15 Dirhams ($1.50) per person. Just figure out how you’ll get back since taxis don’t like going all the way out there.

Then, once in Sidi Kaouki, go surfing, relax at the beach (beach chairs are 50 Dirhams), dine at local restaurants, go ATVing, try camel riding, or do some horseback riding.

There are also some bars over here so this is a great place to grab a drink in Essaouira.

FAQs

Is Essaouira Worth Visiting?

Yes, Essaouira is worth visiting since you can enjoy the beach, explore the Medina, and enjoy sweeping views from the Old Scala and Port du Scala.

Which is Better Agadir or Essaouira?

Agadir is better if you like big cities and Essaouira is better if you like small beach towns. However, both cities have nice beaches.

Can You do a Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech?

You can deffo do a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira. It’s easily one of the best day trips Marrakech has to offer since Essaouira is a short three-hour bus ride from Marrakech.

You just need to figure out how to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira first. However, I recommend spending the night in Essaouira if you can, even if it’s at one of the best hostels in Essaouira.

That wraps up this guide on how long to spend in Essaouira. I hope you know how many days in Essaouira you need for your next trip.

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