Essaouira Day Tour from Marrakech: An Honest Review
Planning a escape from the red city? That could be what you’re thinking if you are currently situated in Marrakech. Now, taking a day tour to Essaouira might be just the recharge you’re seeking! A whole host of tours will offer to whisk you away to the coast, it is so. But are these trips really worth it? I had a particular tour, and this is what I learned along the way, in case that’s helpful.
Why Essaouira? A Breath of Fresh Air
Marrakech, very famous but intensely overwhelming as well, might just test your mettle if you’re not used to that kind of place. So, a change of scenery, some sea breeze, perhaps it sounds appealing, it does really. Essaouira, known as the “Windy City” of Africa, so too delivers that change, and plenty of it, really! Its laid-back atmosphere and the absence of the intense haggling found in Marrakech make it something you might love if you are someone who enjoys more relaxed settings, that could be true!
The trip presents a chance to experience Morocco’s coast without having to commit to a multi-day journey, might be something important to bear in mind. Very, the ramparts, the medina, that is, all of it presents a more chill kind of cultural feel, somewhat like a smaller, more manageable version of Marrakech.
Booking the Tour: What to Consider
Finding a day trip to Essaouira? That might be easy to find. Tons of agencies in Marrakech offer them, too it’s almost like they’re the only ones there! Costs can swing dramatically, so in that case compare prices carefully! So, things you’ll need to be mindful of, for example: What exactly is covered? Are meals included? Will the trip be in a small group or in a bus with like forty other people? It makes a real difference to your enjoyment if you have clear details like that, seemingly!
Also, consider the travel time. A trip to Essaouira from Marrakech runs for roughly three hours, it might be good if you took that into account. That means spending six hours on the road, so for example, is it the way that you would like to spend your day? Verify what the vehicle has on offer; ideally you will find things such as air conditioning and comfy seating – particularly in summertime. Plus check to see when the departure is and return times, after that you should be able to settle on the thing you would like.
The Drive: Views and…Goats?
Alright, now on with it to the journey, the excursion itself! It definitely won’t be an exaggeration to claim that this can be one of contrasts, in some respects. So, driving out from Marrakech, the scenery evolves. In that case, dusty plains slowly turn into Argan trees growing everywhere. I even caught a glimpse of goats in Argan trees! Pretty much every trip involves such a stop, in fact so drivers hope for travellers to spend on Argan products from local co-operatives, basically.
Some people may possibly find such detours as time-wasters when it is something they are really not wanting to be doing, actually! A more cynical visitor would imagine they’re more of a commission scheme involving the business owners there too it’s almost like you get dragged along just to push up sales of the products, I suppose! Should that not appeal to your tastes, then possibly come up with a way of discreetly getting past that part so that the tour guide doesn’t try to persuade you so firmly.
Essaouira Medina: A Calmer Vibe
You know, once we were in Essaouira, everything noticeably slowed down just a little, actually. The medina here is a UNESCO World Heritage site. That said, it doesn’t quite possess the craziness one might observe in Marrakech, anyway! Wander narrow passageways without worrying you might get lost too quickly, or stressed with constant haggling.
The blue-and-white color scheme of the town is very picturesque. In a way, it will give the whole area a distinctive vibe that is truly its very own style. Do try your best to stop off in little artisan shops, in the end if you have some time spare and you aren’t held hostage by the tour group leader! You may wish to test the native food in small cafes – these are both wonderful alternatives, in the end. All these tiny treasures may be closer to your heart as compared to following on the beaten trail, I would guess.
The Port and the Sea: Fishing and Fresh Seafood
Essaouira’s port is really active, you know, and in fact a wonderful place just to take some pictures! That is, look at the fishermen come in with their haul. Take a whiff of the salty air; It is all just lovely when on vacations! Have a walk through and view the piles of fish, clearly there. Now it might feel a little smelly for one’s noses (for sure to vegans too it’s almost certain!) though at the same time a peek here is simply essential, that is very obvious! As a matter of fact there are places nearby the docks selling barbecued fish so then be brave and maybe sample fresh, inexpensive fish straight from ocean to plate.
Things to Do: More Than Just the Medina
Essaouira provides far more than just the medina, as a matter of fact! If you want an outdoor activity, find something close to the coastline – just get ready for big breezes! So, one may walk across sands, and after that enjoy a camel ride in the sea area and surrounding dunes, actually! The powerful winds here make it a premier place for kite surfing and windsurfing.
Alternatively, it can be enjoyable just to relax by the shoreline at certain coffeehouse with clear looks out across to Atlantic region! Check out ramparts as that will provide striking viewpoints of the whole of city and beach area, possibly that sounds good! In short there are a range of choices on offer; one really should select whatever one is feeling ready to handle there and then.
Potential Downsides: What to Watch Out For
The Windy City title does kind of give something away about one of the potentially uncomfortable parts! Obviously, one may find Essaouira quite windy, very obvious I suppose. At any rate pack layers regardless of what time that you decide you intend going because there may be breezes. I want to suggest it’s vital to be well prepared especially to the coastline where the winds become a little ferocious, really!
Trips are long (three hours either way!) which may not actually be appropriate given everyone’s likes for certain, admittedly! Do make a judgement; one must think carefully irrespective of how many time at location will adequately compensate time used journeying; So really, what sort would like from time in place?
And as with all destinations very well known, Essaouira is certainly susceptible tourist crowds, certainly in summers! Don’t expect solitary walks around if at height regarding peak tourist times during the year. A few find persistent sellers more annoying even so this pales in significance compared what anyone will undergo whilst on visit of Marrakesh. So really go at prepared – with feeling understanding of something it could feature amongst cons connected using visiting this great location!
Is the Essaouira Day Trip Worth It?
You should decide regardless of if it is correct based for just individual prerequisites; it should to say, the truth might possibly depend with likes! In case just really are exhausted Marrakesh madness so subsequently wish have small bite another thing at place rather less serious: it becomes commendable alternative possibly just the tonic.
Make that to really appreciate value need consider several components: moment taken get here against value, how travel group may impact the understanding & what on earth individuals may be wishing in practice whilst visiting! After the case you’ll then likely judge it if this suits to just expectations for specific needs!
For most? Then almost certainly yes!
- Worth Considering for quick seaside breaks away on frantic pace based from Marrakesh.
- Travel is important Take for three long periods going/arriving – ensure value equals duration!
- Take pleasure at slow speeds:: That’s better calm and much more simple over very loud as much as ever during very occupied location within central Marrakech.
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