Marrakech to Essaouira Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

Want to escape the chaos and do an awesome Marrakech to Essaouira day trip? 

If so then you have come to the right place. I live in Essaouira and my partner is from Essaouira.

So, every time we fly into Morocco, we always land in Marrakech and then take the bus to Essaouira. 

So, yeah, I know a thing or two about planning an epic day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech. What I will say is that you do NOT need to book an organized day tour to Essaouira. 

There are buses that depart at least five times a day from Marrakech to Essaouira. I would just take the first bus out and the last bus back to Marrakech. The trip will take around 3 hours each way. 

Plus, if you opt to get tickets from Supratours bus company, they will drop you off right in the medina. So, you won’t have to go far to enjoy some of the best things to do in Essaouira. 

You can even book your tickets online in advance. The bus station is also right by the Marrakech train station. So, just ask your hotel about the price of a taxi to/from the train station. 

Additionally, a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech is a great option since Essaouira is a small city. 

Therefore, you don’t need a guide to lead you around and can easily enjoy all that this vibrant coastal city has to offer in a day. 

The only downside of not booking a formal tour to Essaouira is that you won’t get to take pics of the goats sitting in the trees and eating the Argan. 

Other than that, you can easily travel from Essaouira to Marrakech on your own. But, dive a bit further into all the details so that you can plan a perfect Marrakech to Essaouira day trip. 

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First, Is Essaouira Worth Visiting?

Yes, Essaouira is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful coastal city that is home to an amazing beach, a vibrant port, and a beautiful medina. In fact, this is a great place to go shopping in Essaouira and you can easily see the Medina in a day.

Additionally, Essaouira is a lot cooler (in terms of temperature) than Marrakech and has a much more laid-back vibe. So, it offers you a great escape from the chaos of Marrakech. Plus, Essaouira is safe and perfect for solo travelers.

Marrakech to Essaouira Distance

The distance from Marrakech to Essaouira is about 177 km (110 miles). It will take you around 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive in Morocco there or 3-3.5 hours by bus. 

You could rent a car in Marrakech and drive yourself, but I think the bus is better. If you can’t visit both then look at Marrakech vs. Essaouira and decide which city is better for you.

How to Get from Marrakech to Essaouira

By Bus

There two bus companies, CTM and Supratours, that have buses traveling to Essaouira from Marrakech. They are both comfortable and tickets will cost between 100 and 120 Dirham ($10 and $12) each way. 

I prefer Supratours as opposed to CTM since the Supratours station in Essarouira is right by the Medina. So, it’s easy to hop off the bus and start exploring the city. 

IMHO this is the cheapest and easiest way to plan a Marrakech to Essaouira day trip. The bus from Marrakech to Essaouira will take around 3 hours and you’ll stop halfway in between at a rest stop to go to the bathroom and grab some snacks. 

Generally, there are around 5 departures daily from Marrakech to Essaouira via Supratours. The times are at 07:45, 09:00, 10:45, 14:45 (2:45 pm), 16:45 (4:45 pm) and 19:00 (7:00 pm). 

However, times change seasonally and during Ramadan. So, check the Supratours website for up-to-date bus times and pricing and to book your tickets in advance. 

You can take the CTM bus, but the station is a bit further from the Medina and they really only have one departure per day.

The Supratours station is also really easy to find in Marrakech since it located right near the train station. In general, a taxi there from the Medina will cost between 20 Dirhams and 50 Dirhams each way.

Just plan to be on the first bus out and to come back on the last bus of the day so that you have plenty of time to explore Essaouira in a day. 

You can also stop at a cool cafe in Essaouira once you arrive since Koozina Garden is right near the Supratours station.

Local Tip: If you have a large bag that does not fit in the overhead compartment, then you will need to pay 5 Dirhams to store it underneath the bus. 

You can do this at the luggage counter and need to get a special ticket that you stick to the outside of your bag. 

Once at the bus station, just ask someone about the bus to Essaouira and they will tell you where to go. I would arrive around 15 minutes ahead of time and don’t be surprised if the bus does not depart on time. 

By Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5 (78 Reviews) Price: $19 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍Meeting Point: Hotel pickup Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Essouira is small. So, if you use a Supratours bus to take you to Essaouira,, you will have no problem finding the Medina and enjoying all of the best things to do in Essouira. 

You definitely don’t need a guide to walk you around and the only real benefit of a tour is that you’ll get picked up directly from your hotel.

You will also stop to take pics of the cute goats in the Argan trees on the way from Marrakech to Essaouira. This sounds really cute but many farmers actually force the goats into the trees since they know that it attracts tourists.

 “The trip was great and well organized! Good communication on beforehand and during the trip. Ibrahim messaged us before, confirming the pick up location and after to check in how the day trip went. Faissal was an excellent driver! He got us there and back safely. We made a few stops along the way: a restaurant, an argan oil factory/shop and on the way back the same restaurant. Essaouira is such a lovely beach town. We enjoyed its beach and scenery. I definitely recommend this trip. It was good value for money.”

Hannan (read more reviews now!)

That being said, tours are pretty reasonable and will cost you between 200 Dirhams and 250 Dirhams per person. So, TBH, the tour may actually end up costing you less than taking the bus,

So, if you just want to chill in a bus or don’t feel like exploring Essaouira on your own, then you can book a tour like this one.

Ultimately, it just depends on whether you feel comfortable taking the bus to Essaouira on your own or if you would like to have a tour guide pick you up directly from your hotel.

I am a more independent traveler and always like doing my own thing and keeping my own schedule.

By Private Taxi

The cost of a private taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira is around 1000 Dirhams ($100) each way. However you can probably haggle down to 800 Moroccan Dirhams ($80.00). 

This is a great option if you want to quickly and easily get to Essaouira and are traveling with around 4 or 5 other people. Just book a taxi in advance with your hotel and you won’t have to worry about catching a bus. 

By Grand Taxi

This is a great way to do a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech if you are a part of a group. See, the rate from a grand taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira is fixed at 600 Dirham ($60.00). 

The Grand Taxi Station is right next to the public bus station by Bab Doukala. Just show up and ask about a grand Taxi and they will steer you in the right direction. 

Generally, Grand Taxis only leave when they are full and each person pays a portion of the 600 Dirham. So, each person would pay 100/120 Dirham depending on how many people are in the taxi. 

The downside is that if you don’t have four or five people in the taxi, you will have to wait until the taxi is full if you want to go. And, this could take hours.  

However, if you are traveling in a group of four or five people then this is a great option since you can just hop in the taxi and go. 

Local Tip: This is a much faster and easier way than traveling to Essaouira by bus if you are traveling with a group of four or five people. 

Renting a Car

Finally, you could try renting a car in Morocco. Depending on when you visit, car rentals can be pretty easy to find and can cost anywhere between $20.00 and $40.00 per day.

Just remember, that does not include gas and it will be a pain driving around/into and out of Marrakech.

All in all, this option is definitely viable, especially if you are visiting during the off-season. However, I would not recommend driving in Marrakech since it can be super stressful.

Additionally, the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira is pretty boring. Yes, it’s easy but there are no cool stops along the way that would make having a car useful.

Plus, the town of Essaouira is so small that you could easily walk anywhere you want to go. So, I would probably not rent a car to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira. I’d just take the bus instead.

However, there is freedom in renting a car since you get to come and go as you please. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about bus schedules and can stay as long as you like.

This way you can make the most of your Marrakech to Essaouira day trip.

Local Tip: If you decide to rent a car in summer, please make reservations at least two months in advance. Rental cars are very hard to come by during this time of year since it is peak travel season.

Is There a Marrakech to Essaouira Train?

Sadly, there is no train that runs from Marrakech to Essaouira. You’re only option is to use a bus to travel between the two cities. 

Sadly, the train only goes as far south as Casablanca and Marrakech. Hopefully they build one in the future because that would be amazing. 

Best Things to Do in Essaouira During Your Marrakech to Essaouira Day Trip

Essaouira may be small but there is a ton to do there. So, get my local tips on what to do in Essaouira in one day.

1. Visit the Medina

I love the Medina in Essaouira. It is beautiful since the streets are filed with vibrant white and blue paint. Plus, the vendors are a lot less pushy then the ones in Marrakech. 

I also love that the Medina is small enough that you don’t need a GPS but not so small that you’ll get bored during one day in Essaouira.

Plus, it is fully pedestrianized. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about mopeds and cars accidentally running your over. The streets are also in a grid-like pattern. So, you won’t get as lost as you would in Marrakech. 

You’ll also love that the Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates all the way back to the late 18th century. So, there is a lot of ruch history. 

Don’t come with a formal plan and just explore the souks, cafes (grab a mint tea), and enjoy the beauty of this magical place. 

You can chill on the rooftop at Mega Loft, visit Il Mare (great views of the ocean), and shop at the boutique inside l’Atelier-Café Boutique which is one of my fave restaurants in Essaouira. They also offer a fun Essaouira cooking class.

They also have great Wifi, stunning décor, excellent coffee, a fantastic boutique, and fun cooking classes too. You can also hit up a cool Essaouira hammam afterward since they are right next door.

Another great spot is the Mandala Society. They have excellent coffee and serve great vegetarian food in Essaouira as well as lots of gluten-free food in Essaouira.

2. Visit the Old Skala

Known locally as the Old Skala, no trip to Essaouira would be complete without taking s scroll along these ancient ramparts. 

Constructed in the 18th century to protect the medina and the port area, these battlements stand as a living time capsule and are a great place to watch the sunset. 

Otherwise, take in breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and see if you can spot some local fishing boats cruising by. 

To visit, walk down Rue Skala and make your way past a wealth of shops filled with artisanal crafts. If you want, stop to grab a local scarf since I got a pink one here that I love. 

Make your way through a historic arch, and walk up the sloping walkway to the top. Turn right to admire the views before exploring the many cannons on display.

You’ll also might recognize this place since it was used to represent Astapor in the  ‘Game of Thrones’ series. 

You’ll see the Old Skala make a guest appearance when Daenerys first looks out at the city and as the site of ‘The Walk of Punishment.’ 

Just know that the Old Skala is free to visit and open daily from 9:00 am to just after sunset.

3. Admire the Views from the Skala de Port

Not to be confused with the the Old Skala, the Skala de Port is an iconic landmark in Essaouira that was also featured in the series “Game of Thrones.” 

It was erected in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and features majestic stone arches that were used to protect the port.

For 50 Dirham per person, you can visit these ramparts by the port and even climb up the main tower for stunning views of the port, ocean, and a nearby island. 

You can also enjoy sweeping panoramas of the medina encircled by ancient stone. Just be aware that the Skala de Port is only open from 9;00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Local Tip: If you can try and visit on a Friday when admission is free. 

4. Explore the Fish Market by the Port

Essaouira’s port and harbor are a busy area where many local fishermen bring in fresh fish daily to sell to hungry locals and tourists. 

Therefore, the port is filled with hungry cats looking for a meal, seagulls soaring overhead, and vendors shouting about the fresh fish they have for sale. 

So, you’ll see an assortment of fresh seafood on display here, and stand in awe is local fishermen busily haul in their daily catches and tend to their nets. 

Amidst the hustle, the odors, and the grime, you’lll find sardines, pilchards, hake, sole, crabs, lobsters, octopus, flatfish, skates, eels, and even sharks for sale.

For a truly authentic, and delicious, meal, purchase some fresh seafood and have it cooked for you at a local open-air restaurant in Essaouira.

It’s a great place to go right after your visit to the Skala de Port since both landmarks are in the same area. 

Local Tip: If you walk all the way to the end of the port you will find a quiet spot where you can take photos of the beach. 

If you want, climb atop the old sea walls for unobstructed views of the ocean and a nearby island. 

5. See the Jewish Area

Like in Marrakech, there is a large Jewish presence in Essaouira. So, be sure to stop by the Jewish quarter and explore the derelict buildings and streets filled with dirt during your Marrakech to Essaouira day trip. 

It’s not the cleanest part of the city, but ti is authentic and offers a raw look at local life. 

Highlights include the Haim Pinto Synagogue and Bayt Dakira. The later is known as “the House of Memory” in English and is a Jewish museum with various artifacts and photos about Jewish life in the city. 

It is free to visit but most of the signs are in French. So, maybe just have a quick look around before heading to the Jewish cemetery just beyond Bab Doukkala.

To access the cemetery, exit the Medina via Bab Doukkala and look for a wooden door near the “Petits Taxis” sign. It’ll be on your left. It’s free to visit but will often be closed in the evenings and on Sunday. 

6. Walk Along the Main Beach

Just to the south of Essaouira’s historic Medina lies a sweeping 2-kilometer beach in Essaouira that is flanked by an expansive promenade where you can go for a walk. 

The shallow coastal waters, complemented by a strong breeze off the Atlantic, make this a great place for surfing and kite surfing.

If you want, you can even join a local football (soccer) game or watch the sunset from the ledge of the beachside walkway. 

You can even rent a sunbed on the beach for around 25 Dirham. However, as you move away from the Medina the price of a sunbed can go down. 

Then, towards the far end of the beach, you’ll find surfers, kitesurfers, as well locals looking to take you on camel rides, horseback rides, and ATV rides. 

If you’re looking for a drink on the beach, stop by local bars here like Ocean Vagabond and Beach & Friends (the tapas are lovely). 

You can even grab a taxi back to the Medina for 8 Dirham. Just be prepared for crowds and rogue trash since this is a very popular local beach. 

7. Enjoy a Horse and Carriage Ride to Safi Beach

Safi Beach is a great place to go if you don’t mind a lack of facilities and want to escape the crowds that regularly fill up the Main Beach. 

To visit, hire a horse-drawn carriage at Bab Doukkala to take you to the beach. 

They will be sitting at the Petit Taxi stand and will take your for a quick, 2 km carriage ride to the beach for 50 Dirham round trip. 

You can tell your driver to wait for you, or schedule a pick-up, so that you can explore the sand dunes, check out the rock pools, or go for a swim. 

However, there are no life guards. So, if you decide to swim then you do so at your own risk. 

8. Explore Moulay Hassan Square

Moulay Hassan Square is the most lively square in the entire city and is situated right in between the port in the Medina.

If you want, you can use an entrance in the wall by the oceanside of the square to walk along a small beach and explore the rocks that sit just beneath the Old Skala. 

In the square itself, you will regularly find street performers, people dressed as costumed characters (to take photos with kids), and vendors selling souvenirs. 

There are a variety of cafes and restaurants along the perimeter of the square. Feel free to stop at Crepes Time for a nutella crepe and have a delicious crepe for me.

9. Go Horseback Riding

Enjoy a beautiful horseback ride along the quiet southern beaches of Essaouira. 

No experience is needed and many local companies welcome riders of all skill levels. 

In particular, Diana Dromedaries is a great option if you’re looking to do some camel riding or horseback riding. 

The staff are kind and helpful and adept riders who can help you get better acquainted with riding horses.

They also give you helmets and ask that you wear long pants and close-toed shoes for your own safety. 

10. Go Camel Riding

You can also try your hand at camel riding with Diana Dromedaries. They are a great company and organize longer rides for a better experience. 

You can book anywhere between 1 and 3 hour camel rides that take you through the local dunes of Essaoira. 

 I really enjoyed the ride and think it’s a lot more fun, and private, then just going to the far end of the Main Beach (away from the medina) and asking a guy to give you a 10-minute camel ride.

11. Go Surfing or Kite Surfing

During your Marrakech to Essaouira day trip, you’ll quickly see just how windy this city really is. As a result, it’s great place to try either kite surfing or surfing (or both). 

For the best conditions possible, stop by in July or August when the winds are at their most powerful. But, you can try either of these adrenaline packed water sports at any time of year. 

Just be aware that the waves here are not massive. So, I would only suggest surfing here if you are a beginner or if you have kids who want to learn how to surf. 

In contrast, the wind makes kite surfing VERY intense in Essaouira. 

So, I would book a lesson at Moga Surf and sign up for some expert training from pro kite-surfer and F-One contestant, Ismail Adarzane. 

Trust me, kite surfing is very difficult and prepare yourself for a challengin day if you’ve never done it before. 

But, if you can’t get a surfing/kite surfing lesson at Moga Surf then try BleuKite, Explora, and Kitesurfmaroc.

12. Go Quad Biking

For the best and most idyllic quad biking experience along the southern beaches of Essaouira, head to Diabat village and book a tour with Diana Quad. 

Options range from brief one-hour rides to expansive full-day excursions, with  most people opting gor a 2-hour tour. 

Kids under 8 ride for free and each group is accompanied by a dedicated guide who provides assistance and direction. 

While it’s possible to pair up on a single quad to save money, it’s much more fun if everyone gets to drive their own vehicle.

Training is also minimal since you basically just drive into the dunes. But, do drive carefully and take in the remote beaches and quiet Berber villages all around you. 

Also be sure to bring plenty of snacks and food in a backpack since there is no place to stop along the way. 

13. Visit Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum

Tucked away inside a beautiful blue and white riad, this museum dazzles with elegant stone columns and a charming central courtyard. The staircase and central ceiling are equally awesome.

That said, while it’s a unique spot to visit in Essaouira, it’s not a must-see if you’re short on time. It’s not that the experience is disappointing, but the entry fee is a bit steep at 70 Dirhams ($7.00) per person, and all the signage is in French and Arabic.

As a result, you won’t get much historical context about this stunning 19th-century home or the artifacts on display, including photos, utensils, instruments, and jewelry.

However, if you are wandering around the Medina and are not sure what else to do during your day in Essaouira, then definitely have a look and see what this place is all about.

Local Tip: The last time I checked this museum was closed for renovations. But, hopefully they open again soon.

FAQs

How Long Should I Spend in Essaouira?

Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Essaouira. You’ll get to enjoy all of the city’s major highlights at a relaxed pace and without getting bored. 

You can also save money and book a room at one of the best hostels in Essaouira or one of the best hotels in Essaouira.

Just be sure you know when is the best time to visit Essaouira for an amazing trip. Also, use my guide to find out how much time to spend in Essaouira.

Can you do a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech?

Yes, you can absolutely do a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech. The Medina in Essaouira is compact and top attractions are all well-located near one another. 

So, it’s easy to see a lot in a short amount of time, especially since Essaouira is only a 3-hour bus ride away from Marrakech. 

How to get to Essaouira from Marrakech?

To get to Essaouira from Marrakech I would use Supratours. The journey will take around 3 hours and you’ll enjoy a twenty-minute pit stop along the way. Tickets start at 100 Dirham, there are 6 departures daily, and you’ll get dropped off just outside the Medina. 

How Much is a Taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira?

A Taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira costs around about 1000 Dirhams ($100). But, if you are good at haggling then you can probably negotiate the price down to 800 Dirhams ($80). 

That wraps up this guide to the best Marrakech to Essaouira day trip. Did your picks for the best things to do in Essaouira make the list? If not then let me know. 

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