3 Best Things To Do In Essaouira – A One Day Guide

Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most popular and laid-back beachside towns on the southwest coast of North Africa.

I spent one day in this bright and breezy coastal town while I was backpacking Morocco with Travel Talk Tours and have put together this complete guide of the 3 best things to do in Essaouira during your visit.

WHERE IS ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is approximately a 3-hour drive west of Marrakech, located on the southwest coast of Morocco.

Essaouira can be reached by bus, plane, or private taxi.

If you prefer to travel budget, CTM is the most reputable bus company in Morocco and their buses operate daily, to and from Essaouira. Click here to check timetables.

If time is sensitive and you would prefer to fly, there are daily flights available to Essaouira which you can search for on Skyscanner.

 

3 THINGS TO DO IN ESSAOUIRA

ESSAOUIRA BEACH

A casual stroll, swimming, or surfing at Essaouira Beach is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.

It is a popular spot for surfing in the Atlantic Ocean during the swell season in the winter months of December through to March and on windy days it is a haven for kite surfers.

For non-surfers, Essaouira beach stretches 2km around the bay, so you’re guaranteed to find a secluded spot along the sand to sunbathe and swim.

Half a dozen restaurants and cafes are situated along the pristine shoreline at Essaouira Beach – the perfect spot for lunch and to chill in a hammock or beach chair, soaking up some Vitamin-D.

See All → Hostels & Hotels in Essaouira

Essaouira Beach

 

EXPLORE ESSAOUIRA MEDINA

Getting lost in the rabbit warren of souks inside the medina was one of my favorite things to do in Essaouria!

Each small street is filled with handmade garments of sorts, spice shops, souvenir stores, and seafood restaurants. In 2001, the medina of Essaouira was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, don’t forget to head over to the large open square down by the Essaouira Port when it comes alive during the late afternoons and into the night.

Listen to the street buskers and grab something to eat and drink as the sun begins to set over the Atlantic Ocean.

Must Read → 10 Day Morocco Itinerary

Essaouira Square – What to do in Essaouira

 

Have you got travel insurance for Morocco? We all know accidents can happen and having World Nomads Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. 

 

ESSAOUIRA PORT

Lastly on this list of things to do in Essaouira is a visit to the traditional blue fishing boats that can be found down by the fort walls, one of Essaouira’s main attractions.

A postcard-like setting is a painter’s dream and it’s also one of the best locations to watch the sunset.

After some hours spent down on Essaouira Beach, followed by getting lost inside the beautiful medina, the bustling port is the best place to finish off a day in Essaouira!

Book Now → 10 Days in Morocco Tour

Afternoons spent at Essaouira Port

 

 

HOW TO GET TO MOROCCO

Arriving by plane is the easiest and most convenient way to begin your adventures in Morocco.

I flew to Morocco with Royal Air Maroc which is the country’s largest and most reputable airline that offers daily flights, excellent customer service, and an all-around comfortable experience.

Search All → Flights to Morocco

MOROCCO VISA

Visitors to Morocco can spend up to 90-days on a tourist visa which is free of charge. The only requirement is that your passport has to be valid for a period of 6-months before its expiry.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The currency in Morocco is Dirham (MAD) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 10 MAD.

Purchasing a sim card in Morocco is very cheap and simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival or visit a phone store close to your accommodation. For approximately $10 USD, you can get a local sim card that comes with 10GB of data.

Alternatively, I recommend purchasing an eSIM online in advance and enjoying unlimited data throughout Morocco.

Need a travel money card?

Wise offers multi-currency debit cards which can be used worldwide and you’ll save hundreds on transaction fees. Get your Wise card today for free!

MORE MORROCO TRAVEL GUIDES

• Morocco Guide: 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
• Chefchaouen Guide: 5 Things To Do In Chefchaouen

 

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

• BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
• SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
• VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
• BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
• RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
• GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
• TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase World Nomads travel insurance
• TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free

Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you have any questions about things to do in Essaouira, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can! For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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