Essaouira Day Trip Review: A Breeze from Marrakech

Thinking about swapping the Red City’s buzz for ocean air? So, too it’s almost like I just got back from taking that day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, and I thought I would share what it was like. It is a change of scenery I think folks very often talk about – heading to this coastal town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Why Essaouira? What’s the Deal?

Essaouira is known locally as Mogador, and in some respects, it has this really chilled-out vibe going on. That said, it’s also historically important, given its past lives as a Portuguese trading post and that stuff. Think about it – you can wander around ancient ramparts, check out the colorful fishing port, or just sit back at a cafe, a bit like that European feel without all the European crowds.

Anyway, people dig it for all types of reasons. Perhaps some are surfing or kitesurfing (it gets seriously windy, yet very fun!). Still, others might fancy checking out art galleries and buying handcrafted stuff in the medina (old town), which, by the way, is a UNESCO spot.

Getting There: The Road from Marrakech

Alright, so, a few ways you could do this. Apparently, most people go by bus (Supratours or CTM are your classic options, typically), which will likely take about three hours, and that is what I ended up doing as well! That’s not really a bad shout – you just buy your ticket at the station, then sit back.

You could also snag a grand taxi with other people to fill it – arguably that’s faster, could be more fun, and you can haggle over the price, and it would still need to be prearranged. Then, of course, that’s hiring a private driver or joining a tour, so in some respects, the easiest ways if you want someone to handle everything, and in a way, are worth looking at.

As a matter of fact, heads up, the roads aren’t always totally straight; apparently, some bits are twisty-turny, especially closer to Essaouira, and there will be many places selling argan oil since that is an argan region!

First Impressions: That Atlantic Breeze

Clearly, when you rock up in Essaouira, and this is the honest truth, the ocean smell smacks you in the face! So you will probably see that a wide-open bay greets you when you step off the bus (or taxi). The air does smell nice – salty with this crispness to it, unlike Marrakech’s hotter, drier air.

Clearly, it feels less frantic than Marrakech right away; I mean, it’s not tiny, yet very touristy still; you will find people are still hawking you stuff. Basically, things just move at a different speed – you kind of slow down naturally, so to speak.

The Medina: Lost in the Moment

The medina in Essaouira is much more chill when you are strolling it compared to Marrakech’s. That said, just the same as Marrakech, you can just roam aimlessly through skinny streets, and, in short, there is less intense pressure to buy stuff!

Anyhow, I dig looking at the woodwork and the thuya wood – very typically Essaouira, so in some respects, you should have a look. Just look at artwork, carpets, leather stuff – yet arguably not as hectic.

As I was saying, prices overall can be a bit less than Marrakech; however, be ready to bargain! That is honestly expected there! Also, it’s quite interesting because the medina has like these cool blue-and-white painted buildings, a bit similar to that Greece aesthetic that, in fact, just adds to the appeal. It’s quite pleasant. Really.

Lunchtime: Fresh Seafood, Naturally

Right then, Essaouira? Yeah, in that case, you gotta have seafood. The harbor area (by the port) is actually packed with these itty bitty stalls and restaurants.

Typically, you pick out what you want from the catch of the day (fish, shrimp, whatever is looking fresh). They cook it right there on the spot. I mean, eating right by the water; could be slightly touristy; just be sure to ask prices before, you know!

I mean, I dug getting grilled sardines – nothing really fancy – they usually taste amazing! So you should also be keen on sampling a tagine if you haven’t had loads already in Marrakech. Then too it’s almost as easy as that. It has very good flavor.

Wandering the Ramparts: Views for Days

Anyway, one way that you have to walk those old city walls (Skala de la Kasbah is the name). Apparently, you get some awesome views from up there: views out across the Atlantic, that, just as an example.

They used to actually serve some protection back in the day, though. First off, they make awesome photo ops too. That, for example, cannon-lined walls overlooking the sea and town and that stuff… that is an instant photo opportunity.

The Beach: Wind and Water

I mean, the beach at Essaouira could be seriously breezy; people windsurf and kite surf so much because it is seriously windy, yet very fun and there are a number of lessons or equipment rental places around. But also the beach is very walkable.

Naturally, it does stretch for a good distance, typically. If you really wanted, like, you could go on camel or horse rides by the sea. It’s a lot more subdued than beaches in Europe and other parts of the world, and that may appeal to folks.

Unexpected Gems: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Now, I did not do this, yet arguably, you could see an argan oil cooperative where they’re producing argan oil that is sourced right locally in this very spot! A number of women’s cooperatives let you view that method, often and arguably letting you purchase products that just go on to directly support them.

Then there is always stuff like checking out some nearby Berber villages too or heading out for a hike; though if you’re just on a day thing, yet it might eat up way too much time in a way!

Things to Be Mindful Of, Though

• The Wind Factor: Essaouira can be windy; and sometimes in a way, it might get crazy-cold even with warm sun. Bring layers!
• Haggle Respectfully: Bargaining is definitely expected; make it friendly though! Don’t just be rude!
• Watch Your Stuff: Actually petty theft exists. Really keep an eye on your valuables; like your wallet!
• Plan Transport Ahead: Just especially if it’s not going during high season and if you don’t just want to grab those bus tickets very last minute at all. You can arrange transport back, so in some respects, don’t let time run out and always be very late