Essaouira

With its long beach, calm harbor and friendly locals, Essaouira has developed into one of the more tranquil spots in Morocco. Windsurfers glide over the waves, the call of seagulls echo, and fishing boats pull into harbor. The salt air provides crisp respite after a few days in Marrakech or the heat of the Sahara.

A Day in Essaouira

Departure time at 8 a.m. Our driver will pick you from your hotel in Marrakesh to enjoy your sea breeze day.

This area is famous because of the argan trees that provide the nuts for argan oil. On our way from Marrakech to Essaouira we will visit a woman’s argan oil cooperative. Here you will meet the women working with the Argan nuts to make oil and other products. We will also stop to take photos of the Argan trees, the goats that work with the family to harvest the nuts, and the goat shepherds and their families.

We will arrive in Essaouira at lunch time and you have the rest of the day to enjoy yourself. The Portuguese were responsible for the construction of the massive stone walls that still surround the old medina of Essaouira. This, among other reasons, is why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can have a delicious fresh fish lunch at the port, pick a beachfront restaurant, or find a cafe inside the walls of the medina. You can walk inside the 18th century medina and you can also discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. If you prefer we can arrange for a guide, at an extra cost, to take you through the medina.

In the late afternoon we return to Marrakesh with the certainty that this day was a highlight of your Morocco visit.

Susan’s Tip: there are many wonderful products at the Women’s Argan Cooperative. If you want to take them home, get them wrapped securely and place them in your checked luggage.