Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech: A Detailed Review
Thinking about escaping the intense heat and frenetic energy of Marrakech? Then maybe a day trip to Essaouira sounds just about right. A popular choice is the private tour, which promises a hassle-free way to visit this charming coastal city. But like your holidays, are they very really worth it? Let’s check out the ins and outs of my experience so you can then see if it’s basically a good fit for your travel plans.
Why Choose a Private Day Trip?
Okay, so why would you select a private day trip instead of, maybe, braving the local buses or renting a car? Well, very basically, it comes down to comfort and convenience. Getting around in Morocco can sometimes be a little chaotic. With a private tour, everything is organized. Someone is very there to pick you up from your riad (that’s, like, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard) and take you straight to Essaouira in a super comfy vehicle, without having to worry a bit about schedules or getting lost. Pretty sweet, right?
And that peace of mind is super precious, especially if you’re really not that used to traveling in Morocco. Plus, a private guide can definitely give you insights into the local culture and history that you really wouldn’t get if you went by yourself. I mean, that’s a big win in my book!
What to Expect on the Road to Essaouira
So, the ride from Marrakech to Essaouira is about three hours, very give or take, but it’s really not a boring one. The landscape kind of transforms as you move further away from Marrakech. You go from the flat, dusty plains to rolling hills dotted with argan trees. Speaking of those trees, that’s precisely where you might spot some goats happily munching away on the branches. Yeah, you did very hear right – tree-climbing goats! It’s basically a really funny sight and definitely a photo op you don’t want to miss.
Too, along the way, you might make a stop at an argan oil cooperative. Now, these cooperatives are frequently run by women and they’re involved in the production of argan oil, which is known to be something special to Morocco. You can basically learn about the process of how they get that oil from the nut to, like, the bottle, and maybe you can also get a few samples of some argan oil products.
And remember, if you’re someone who gets motion sickness easily, you might really want to take some medicine beforehand. That winding road can kind of get to you!
First Impressions of Essaouira
Arriving in Essaouira really feels like you’re kind of stepping into a different world, you know? The atmosphere here is definitely much more laid-back than what you’d typically find in Marrakech. The medina, the old town, is absolutely surrounded by these imposing, old stone walls, giving you a feel of its really rich history.
And, unlike Marrakech, Essaouira has a super breezy, coastal vibe. It’s more or less known as the “Wind City” of Africa, so too expect to feel a strong, refreshing breeze as you explore. All that wind is seemingly the reason why it’s also a very popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. That is amazing, isn’t it?
Exploring the Medina
Okay, so the medina in Essaouira, it’s slightly different from the one in Marrakech. The streets, you see, they are narrower, and a bit less chaotic, so you are able to move freely, or so to speak. Too, the whitewashed buildings with their blue shutters are simply charming. Wandering around this medina actually felt really magical, it felt like discovering something new at every turn. Almost everything is very interesting!
Do very check out the local shops that, incidentally, offer a wide array of handmade crafts, woodwork, and local art. Essaouira is widely known for its thuya wood products, it has a really distinctive smell and the patterns on that wood is more or less captivating. Be prepared, I tell you, you’ll likely really want to buy something to remember your visit.
If you’re very hungry, get the local grub! Seafood is big out there. The fish is really fresh, like it literally jumped out of the ocean. There are countless little grills where you can find everything. The local restaurants will gladly whip up your catch exactly as you want, how awesome is that?
The Skala de la Kasbah: A View to Remember
To all the amazing spots, there’s basically one you absolutely have to visit: the Skala de la Kasbah. So, it’s a fortress along the coast and it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you happen to like old cannons and defense structures, then it’s certainly your lucky day, very too, as you’ll have both.
As I recall it, I could more or less imagine what it must have felt like to have been a sentinel stationed to watch out for potential invaders. That view over the ocean is something that, like, is really just stuck in my memory.
The Essaouira Port: A Glimpse into Local Life
You also might want to check out the Essaouira port. And trust me, it’s the place that absolutely will have you reaching for your camera! You may see tons of blue fishing boats bobbing in the water, and the local fishermen going about their daily work. Just so you know, this basically paints a picture of real life here.
Too, early in the morning or late afternoon is probably when it gets busiest, when they bring in all the daily catch. Very likely you will notice seagulls screeching as they are flying overhead in an attempt to swipe up a fish snack.
Lunch in Essaouira: A Culinary Delight
When you are there, just remember to very take advantage of the opportunity to treat yourself to some local seafood. As previously said, there are, actually, very a number of great restaurants near the port that specialize in seafood dishes.
Now, for instance, I went to one restaurant where I got myself grilled fish with a simple salad, and I was completely satisfied. Everything tasted simply awesome because it was very well prepared, everything very fresh.
Free Time: Wandering and Relaxing
So, part of the beauty of a private day trip is the freedom it actually gives you. After that, like, structured sightseeing, you typically have some time that you could explore as you like, do what pleases you, right?
Like you, I too spent some of mine going aimlessly through the streets, going to hidden squares, just absorbing that unique atmosphere in Essaouira. Also, very walking along the beach can simply just be good for the soul. Too, many tourists ride camels at the beach for some reason!
What to Buy in Essaouira
Oh! Be prepared, though! This is definitely where your travel budget begins to take a hit! But, of course, every city has, like, that thing that they do extremely well in – and you really would want that special something!
Just maybe very go check out the wood items that have the thuya fragrance on them. I think it is the one special thing from out there that just screams “Essaouira!”. Some tourists like to buy spices, cloths and all kinds of stuff from out there.
The Drive Back: Reflecting on the Day
Oh well, all trips have to stop sometime, so back in the vehicle, you’re driven again to Marrakech. You will be sleepy but very happy at this point, guaranteed!
Basically, your driver will take the normal route, maybe you will be in time to still catch those awesome views once more.
Very probably, if you took the trip in the correct season, you might get rewarded with a wonderful, colorful sunset, which is certainly just the correct, best way, as it happens, to conclude an incredible day. Oh! You just might get lucky.
Is a Private Day Trip to Essaouira Worth It?
So, is this something I would do very again? That private tour is highly very likely what I would pick. If you, or like your fellow traveler, don’t want that Marrakech heat, or like your fellow traveler needs to be alone for a bit, and just chill from all those people and noise from the big city, it’s really a very awesome way of getting out there.
It might sting a little if you’re short on the cash, or so to speak. But if you are that way inclined, I tell you, I feel like it really earns its keep back due to how well you’re able to make the most of the day, by just keeping away any stress or concerns about, say, transport issues or how you have to haggle every time you are dealing with a taxi guy in Marrakech.
This private trip is just wonderful!
Quick Facts about Essaouira’s Coastal Charm
- Tranquil Escape: Provides a chill alternative to Marrakech.
- Argan Route: The scenic route gives you views of argan trees and potential tree goats, how funny is that?
- Medina Vibes: Relaxed and friendly with special crafts!
- Ocean Views: Great panoramic viewpoints for photo junkies to take snapshots with.
- Seafood Feast: Eat fresh from the boats.