• Essaouira Day Trip
  • Essaouira Day Trip
  • Essaouira Day Trip
  • Essaouira Day Trip
  • Essaouira Day Trip

Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

One of Marrakech's highly sought-after day excursions with a captivating journey to Mogador. This day trip to Essaouira invites you to delve into the rich history of the ancient city, offering a comprehensive full-day tour. Explore key landmarks such as the port, Sekkala, the old medina, and the Jewish quarter, culminating in a delightful fish lunch by the port. Immerse yourself in the traditional artistry of a women's argan oil cooperative, gaining firsthand insight into the intricate process of crafting argan products.

Itinerary

Explore Essaouira, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," a UNESCO World Heritage city that exudes timeless charm and authenticity. Nestled at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and religions, Essaouira captivates adventurous explorers with the warm hospitality of its people. The city is renowned for its Tuya wood factories and women's Argan oil cooperatives. Our excursion to Essaouira includes a visit to a women's cooperative, where you can witness a demonstration of local women preparing Argan oil. Upon reaching the city, embark on a self-guided tour of the Essaouira Medina, explore the bustling port, and savor a lunch of freshly grilled fish at one of the local restaurants by the waterfront. For a more in-depth experience, consider hiring a local guide who can lead you through the city. To make the most of your day, the Marrakech to Essaouira excursion begins early in the morning. Key highlights not to be missed during your free exploration of the city: Port Skala: A bastion with cannons offering a breathtaking view of the fishing port and the Island of Mogador. Skala de la Villa: An impressive marine bastion integrated into the cliffs, known for being a filming location for the third season of Game of Thrones. Port: Witness the vibrant activities of the port, adorned with blue boats, and engage with fishermen selling the day's catch. Mulay el Hassan Square: The heart of the town, surrounded by cafes and terraces where you can soak in the atmosphere during sunset. The Great Mosque: Located on Siaguin Street, this mosque stands as a prominent landmark alongside silversmith workshops and the charming squares of Bab el Sebaa and Chez Chaoni, home to the renowned café L'Horloge. Former Pacha Palace: A 19th-century palace now housing the Museum of National Arts. Mellah (Jewish Quarter): To the north lies the old Jewish quarter, featuring ancient synagogues and a bustling market, adjacent to the Bab Marrakech gate.

More info

Departure from the Hotel: Expect to depart between 8 am and 9 am from your accommodation. Arrival in Marrakech: Anticipate arriving in Marrakech around 6 pm to 7 pm. Duration of the Journey (Marrakech to Essaouira): The travel time from Marrakech to Essaouira is approximately 3 hours. Note: Please be aware that the travel program is subject to unforeseen changes that may arise due to factors such as weather conditions and traffic. Flexibility is maintained to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, and adjustments may be made as necessary for the safety and comfort of the travelers.

DAY TRIP FROM MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA

Tour Overview

Essaouria day trip from marrakech is a fun-filled and relaxing day trip from Marrakech After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”. Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Visit this sea-side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwateringseafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouira is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festeval that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi. Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Tour Details

 En route to Essaouira stop at an Argan Cooperative to see how women make Argan Oil, Nut Butter and cometics from the Argan nut. Option to continue directly to Essaouira or visit a local winery for a wine and cheese tasting. Enjoy the local wines produced in the region of Essaouira. ► The medina of Essaouira (formerly “Mogador”) is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town.  Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

► Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea that was once- in the 19th century-the only Moroccan port south of Tangier ► After lunch visit Orson Welles’ Square and memorial, designed by Samir Mustapha,one of the towns artists, which pays homage to Orson Welles filming of Othello inEssouaria.  Essaouira’s history is a reminder of the times when Spain, Portugal and England fought to maintain control over its coasts. It has a typical Portuguese harbor that is a stunning example of Moorish and Portuguese architecture. Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

► For a side-excursion within Essaouira  Morocco consider a visit at Ranch de Diabat, located in the small village Diabat. Ranch de Diabat arranges tours of high quality with quads on the beach, camels or horses – and it can be for 2 hours or it can be for several days. ► Weather permitting, consider extending your stay to try kayaking, kite surfing, wind surfing, or just regular surfing. Essaouira is the wind capital of Africa and the world. Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

OPTION: ESSAOUIRA JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR

Tour Essaouira’s  JewishHeritage Sites: Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Jewish Essaouira – The Synagogue, Cemetery & Mellah Essaouira’s total population is 70,000 with fewer than 25 Jews. The Jewish community dates from around 1700. Visit the Essaouira Jewish Synagogue & Mellah: Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Jacky Kadoch is the president of Essaouira’s Jewish community. Rabbi Chaim Pinto, the synagogue of the revered Pinto is located in Essaouira’s medina within the Jewish Mellah. The building is an active synagogue, used when pilgrims or Jewish tour groups visit the city.  Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Tour the Essaouira Jewish Cemetery:

Essaouira was founded in 1765. The oldest tombs date from 1776. Contrary to Jewish tradition and Mosaic Law, the tombs are sculptured with very marked human forms. The marble, granite, and sandstone memorial markers are rough stones or boulders, flat, shaped stones, finely smoothed and inscribed stones, and mausoleums. Some have traces of painting on their surfaces. Inscriptions are in Hebrew and French. The local Jewish community owns the site. The sea is adjacent to the cemetery. Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech

Tour Essaouira’s Jewish Mellah:

Essaouira’s mellah covers over 10 percent of the town, but Jews constituted almost 40 percent of the population in the late 1880’s. Jewish stars on the doors to the mellah show the degree to which Jews were accepted in Essaouira, to the point that some of the richer Jews did not even live in the mellah. Commemorative plaques indicate the buildings in which synagogues were located.  Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech