Enjoy our Marrakech day trip to Essaouira; and discover one of the loveliest Morocco coastal towns. Marrakech is also well placed for a wide range of Excursions and outdoor activities; to better explore its surrounding countryside. We warmly welcome you in Morocco; and hopefully you could join us, and give us the opportunity to guide you within one of our popular excursions from Marrakech.
During your holidays in Morocco; especially if you are staying in Marrakech; there are such amazing things to see outside; allowing you change your rythme from the bustle city. So why not “Marrakech day Trip to Essaouira“.
[day-trips-to-essaouira]
MARRAKECH DAY TRIP TO ESSAOUIRA ITINERARY
Our day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech starts at 08:30 am; departure from your hotel, take the road West; towards Essaouira, through the city of Chichaoua and Ounagha (visit the wine factory, optional).
As we approach the town of Ounagha; we will be greeted by the sight of trees filled with strange dark and white shapes. These shapes we’ll soon realize; are goats-they perch implausibly on the highest and most delicate-looking branches to get at the fruit of the argan trees.
This oddity represents the first stage in a process that powers the economy of the region. After they pass through the goats; the fruits are reduced to a hard, indigestible core. This hard nut is taken cracked, crushed, and roasted to extract argan oil, which can be used for everything from cooking to beauty treatments.
There are numerous cooperatives along the way; where dozens of women work to produce oils that are sold throughout Morocco and beyond. You might be interested to have a look, how the products are being made here. Afterwards, getting to Essaouira you will be able to walk and explore the city by yourself; possible order for the guide.
When your visit is done; meet your driver and leave straight to Marrakech; ends our “Marrakech Day trip To Essaouira”, by a drop of at your accommodation.
About Essaouira
Essaouira is a charming colorful fishing town; about three hours travels West of Marrakech. It consists of a heavily fortified medina surrounding by a very modern; but compact, new town.
For thousands of years, Essaouira’s harbor attracted traders and invaders from across Europe. During the first Century A.D ; ships came from across the Roman world to trade gold and other valuables for the most prestigious commodity in the Roman world at the -imperial purple dye. This dye was made from a type of sea snail, which lived around the rocks of Essaouira’s ile de Mogador. The town continues as a quiet fishing and trading port until it caught the attention of the Portuguese; who captured the port in the 16th century. Over the next hundred years; the town was fiercely contested between Morocco and the seafaring nations of Europe.
After a number of close calls; the Alaouite sultan Mohamed III decided to take action. He saw Essaouira as a key part of his empire’s valuable trade with Europe; and thought it would make suitable base for Morocco’s navy. As such, it needed protection.
The man who was commissioned to realize the sultan’s vision was the French engineer Theodore Cornut; captured by the Moroccans from a French ship. Cornut’s design included more than Just enclosing the city with walls.
He also drove a number of wide, straight boulevards through the center of medina. His designs from the core of the Essaouira we see today. A well- ordered place laid out around its port; with a more open and less cluttered atmosphere than neighboring Marrakech.
Now the attractive seaside town of Essaouira is much loved Holiday spot for ordinary Moroccans; a quiet friendly town That nonetheless boats a vibrant cultural life and excellent souks. Essaouira’s impressive fortified medina is a fascinating place to explore; and the area’s stunning beaches are popular with windsurfers and kite surfers from around the world.
What to pack for Marrakech Excursions?
• Sunglasses, Sun cream and Hat.
• Camera-phone charger.
• Warm cloths in winter months
WHAT DOES MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS INCLUDED?
√ Transportation in a private Mini van vehicle or 4WD equipped with A/C + Fuel.
√ An English speaking driver.
√ Guided city tour.
WHAT DOES MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS EXCLUDED?
Χ Lunch and drinks.
Χ Tips
Please contact us for a tailor-made price quotation →
If the itinerary of our day trips to Essaouira from Marrakech does not suit your interests or you are looking for something customized,
do not hesitate to contact us.