Marrakesh to Essaouira Tour: Is it Worth it? A Detailed Review

So, you’re sitting there in Marrakesh, sipping your mint tea, maybe, and the question pops into your mind: should I take a day trip to Essaouira? It’s almost always plastered on every “must-do” list for Morocco, right? It’s very tempting. A breath of Atlantic air, maybe some fresh seafood. You might have spotted one of those small group tours running from Marrakesh to Essaouira that offer, what’s often pitched as, ‘optional activities.’ But here is the big question: is it really worth trading in a day in the Red City for a bus ride and a peek at the coast?

Explore the full article for detailed travel notes

First Impressions: The Drive and the Vibe

First off, there’s the drive. It’s about three hours, or sometimes a little longer, depending on the traffic leaving Marrakesh, maybe a rogue donkey or two that might hold things up, you know? The landscape, arguably, isn’t exactly mind-blowing for the first part of it. It tends to be fairly flat and dry. Though, keep an eye out as you start getting closer to Essaouira. Is that area populated with those, pretty remarkable Argan trees dotting the hills? Often there are goats chilling in them, that is definitely a photo op.

When you get to Essaouira itself, the first thing you’ll notice, clearly, is the air. It’s much cleaner, brisker than Marrakesh. It’s like the ocean air is actually slapping you in the face, in a refreshing sort of way. Then there is the town itself. It feels smaller, a bit more relaxed, a little less intense compared to Marrakesh. This might be a plus, clearly if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by the energy of the bigger city.

Exploring the Medina: A Breath of Fresh Air

The medina in Essaouira feels so much more manageable than the crazy maze that exists in Marrakesh, usually. You can walk around without feeling like you’re being herded through a cattle chute, right? Shops often offer the similar souvenirs, too it’s true, but people, seemingly, aren’t quite as pushy, mostly. You can often browse in peace, possibly chat with the local artisans, without feeling pressured to purchase anything. It’s rather a welcome change. The blue and white color scheme is pleasing, and it creates a very relaxed atmosphere. Though the sea breeze certainly helps!

I might just give you a tip for exploring. Simply get a bit lost. Wind your way through the narrow streets, as a matter of fact, and soak up the vibe, arguably. It’s a very creative, artistic community and the medina, you see, reflects that. Street art seems to pop up in unexpected places, similarly to artisan workshops where you can usually watch people creating things right in front of you.

The Optional Activities: Worth the Hype?

Right, here’s a big part. Usually, those “optional activities” could be things like camel rides on the beach, visiting an Argan oil cooperative, even a cooking class. Are these, actually, worthwhile? In a way, it kind of depends what you’re interested in.

• Camel Ride: These might be fun, that’s a good start, just a little touristy, or arguably, extremely touristy, seemingly, but if that’s your thing, go for it. That said, be ready for the possibility that it could be a little underwhelming. The beaches in Essaouira are fairly windy, often. So it is possible you will be battling sand whipping into your face while trying to enjoy the ride, that you could be.
• Argan Oil Cooperative: These are frequently included in the tour package, which is why, very likely, there will be several of you at once. You will witness how Argan oil is produced, which is, seemingly, interesting, and obviously, a good chance to buy some (very possibly) overpriced product. My feeling about this? I often feel that the experience feels a bit staged.
• Cooking Class: You know, that can sometimes be pretty cool, clearly if you’re a foodie, that’s almost always great, although, it might cut into your time exploring the town, in some respects. Consider whether you’d rather wander the medina yourself or learn how to make a tagine. You may think differently, though.

The Port and the Seafood: A Must-Do

Here’s one thing, I suggest you definitely make time for. It is the port, and more specifically, the seafood you often get there, usually. This may sound cliché, yet eating fresh seafood is a pretty essential experience. The port can be super lively. Usually there are fishermen bringing in their catch, seagulls squawking. Maybe just a general sort of organized chaos. It has an appeal of its own. You often find small grills set up near the port, and then you can select the seafood you’d prefer and they’ll cook it right then for you. I might add that it’s tasty, reasonably priced, with the atmosphere all but being included in the price.

Just a tiny word of caution though: seemingly be mindful of hygiene when eating at these stalls. Though, to be fair, that goes for street food nearly anywhere. It’s highly tempting to try the seafood.

🚀 Discover more things to do and hidden gems here

The Beach: Wind, Waves, and Water Sports

The beach at Essaouira is often, windy. That’s very much a defining characteristic. This usually makes it a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, arguably. If you’re keen to give it a try, seemingly, there’s no shortage of places that usually give lessons and rent equipment. If water sports aren’t your thing, just so you know, you can go for a stroll, fly a kite, maybe just watch the surfers do their thing. It’s almost always atmospheric.

I should warn you. It might not be the best spot for sunbathing. The wind tends to pick up the sand. Very soon you’re getting sandblasted. But honestly, the wind could be a nice change from the intensity of the sun elsewhere in Morocco.

Crowds and Tourists: How Busy Does It Get?

Essaouira could be a popular destination. But, in a way, it really is not as intense as Marrakesh, not nearly. You may notice more tourists, definitely. And you can hear different languages being spoken all the time. This just seems to be the character of the city. Even at the peak times, that is almost always high season, it seems to be a bit easier to get around, that’s for sure. A tiny tip is that if you’re looking to avoid the biggest crowds, simply head there during the shoulder season. Perhaps, spring or fall. That can often be perfect weather.

Value for Money: What Does the Tour Cost?

So let’s address what the tours often cost, and in particular, whether you are getting a reasonable offer, seemingly. Tour prices do vary greatly, and very often that seemingly does depends on what’s included, usually. Research and compare various options might be a good starting point. Don’t only check the prices, actually find out, what others are offering.

• The tour might usually incorporate transportation in a comfortable van/bus. You want air-con, of course!
• Are some meals part of it? The lunches are very, very often at extra charge.
• Is there a knowledgeable guide along? What are the general comments on them?

Don’t, as a rule, only choose the lowest priced option. Find the offers, as a matter of fact, where there are reasonable value included.

Final Verdict: Is the Day Trip Worth It?

In that case, is taking that day trip, definitely, really a good idea? It kind of depends. What are your interests?

• If you want a change of scenery from Marrakesh. Is that worth doing? So go.
• Perhaps you adore exploring medinas, yet you hate being pressured by vendors, of course. Is that worth doing? Of course, you will find the change in Essaouria delightful.
• Are you a watersports lover? Maybe a foodie? What about photographers or culture buffs. Is that worth doing? You will probably adore Essaouria, but possibly want to remain there more than a day
• Are you limited on time. Do you hate long bus trips? Is that worth doing? Very often that quick overnight-stay can really provide the greatest overall feeling.

If you find that you want just a brief change from busy Marrakesh, definitely take the tour. Though, maybe I could give one small thought. Make plans for a longer trip another day!

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