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Weekend Itinerary
2 Days in Essaouira
The perfect weekend on Morocco's Atlantic coast — ramparts, seafood grills, wind sports, Gnaoua music, and the most relaxed medina in the country.
At a Glance
Duration: 2 full days
Budget: 400–800 MAD ($40–80) excl. hotel
Walking: ~8 km/day
From Marrakech: 2.5–3 hrs by bus
Best season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Wind note: Strong Jun–Sep
Day 1: Medina, Port & Ramparts
09:00
Arrive & Bab Sbaa
20 minFree
Enter the medina through Bab Sbaa, the main gate. The UNESCO-listed medina is compact and grid-like (Portuguese-designed, unlike the labyrinthine Arab medinas) — you won't get lost. Orient yourself at Place Moulay Hassan, the central square.
If arriving by bus, the station is a 10-min walk from Bab Sbaa
09:30
Skala de la Ville
30 min10 MAD
The 18th-century sea-facing ramparts with a row of European bronze cannons pointing out to sea. Walk the full length for Atlantic views, the sound of waves crashing below, and excellent photography. The Skala featured in Game of Thrones (Astapor).
Morning light is best for photography from the ramparts The small gallery under the Skala has local art
10:15
Medina & Woodworking Souks
1.5 hrsFree
Essaouira's medina is famous for thuya wood — a unique fragrant wood carved into boxes, chess sets, and furniture. Wander the woodworking quarter to watch artisans at work, then explore the spice souk, jewellery alley, and textile shops.
Thuya wood items make excellent souvenirs — light and unique to Essaouira Prices are more fixed here than Marrakech; light bargaining only
12:00
Fishing Port & Seafood Lunch
1.5 hrs50–100 MAD
The fishing port is the heart of Essaouira. Watch the catch come in, the boats being repaired, and the seagulls circling. Then sit at one of the open-air grill stalls and pick your fish — they grill it on the spot with salad and bread. One of Morocco's best food experiences.
Choose a stall that looks busy — high turnover means fresh fish A mixed grill plate feeds two people for 80–100 MAD
13:30
Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum
45 min10 MAD
A small but well-curated museum in a 19th-century riad. Collections include Amazigh jewellery, Gnaoua musical instruments, traditional costumes, and historical photographs of Essaouira. Good context for everything you're seeing in the city.
Usually quiet — rarely crowded
14:30
Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
30 minFree
Essaouira had one of Morocco's largest Jewish communities until the mid-20th century. Walk through the Mellah to see the old synagogue (now restored), the Star of David motifs on buildings, and the distinctive architecture that differs from the rest of the medina.
The Jewish cemetery outside the walls is also worth a visit
15:15
Rooftop Café Break
45 min25–40 MAD
Head to a rooftop café (Taros or Café de France) for mint tea and a rest. Watch the square below, the port activity, and the Atlantic horizon. Essaouira invites a slower pace — take it.
Taros has live Gnaoua music some evenings
16:30
Skala du Port
30 min10 MAD
The harbour-side bastion with views over the port, the Mogador Islands (home to Eleonora's Falcon), and the medina walls from the water side. A different perspective from the Skala de la Ville.
Best at late afternoon when the fishing boats return
17:30
Sunset from the Beach
1 hrFree
Walk onto Essaouira's long, wide beach for sunset. The combination of the medina silhouette, the fishing boats, and the Atlantic light is spectacular. Camel rides are available (50–100 MAD) if you want to photograph the moment from a different vantage point.
The wind can be strong on the beach — bring a light jacket Walk south toward the ruins of Borj el-Berod for a quieter spot
Day 2: Beach, Art & Gnaoua
09:00
Breakfast at Your Riad
45 minIncluded
Most riads in Essaouira serve generous breakfasts — msemen (flat bread), amlou (argan-almond paste), eggs, fruit, and mint tea. A leisurely start to Day 2.
Ask for amlou if it's not on the table — it's an Essaouira specialty
10:00
Beach & Water Sports
2 hrs200–400 MAD for lessons
Essaouira is Morocco's wind-sport capital. Book a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson (2-hour beginner sessions from 300 MAD), or try surfing on the southern end of the beach where the waves are gentler. If you prefer to relax, walk to the Borj el-Berod ruins along the sand.
Explora, Ocean Vagabond, and Magic Fun Afrika are reputable schools Morning wind is usually lighter — better for beginners
12:30
Lunch at Triskala
1 hr60–100 MAD
A cozy café in the medina with excellent vegetarian and Moroccan dishes. Try the cauliflower tagine or the pastilla. A calmer, sit-down alternative to yesterday's port grills.
Small space — arrive early or prepare to wait briefly
14:00
Gallery Walk
1.5 hrsFree
Essaouira has a vibrant art scene. Walk the galleries along Rue de la Skala and Rue Mohammed el-Qorri. Many feature Gnaoua-inspired art, surf culture, and Amazigh motifs. The Galerie d'Art Frederic Damgaard is the anchor gallery in town.
Many artists have studios in the medina — ask gallery owners about visits
15:30
Gnaoua Music Experience
1 hrFree–50 MAD
Gnaoua music originated in Essaouira (the city hosts the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival). Seek out a live Gnaoua performance — street musicians play in Place Moulay Hassan most afternoons, and some riads and cafes host evening sessions.
Tip the street musicians — this is their livelihood The festival is in June if you can time your visit
16:30
Final Souk Run & Argan Shopping
45 minVaries
Pick up last souvenirs. Essaouira is one of the best places to buy genuine argan oil (culinary and cosmetic) — the region is the heart of argan production. Also look for saffron, handwoven textiles, and the unique thuya wood pieces.
Culinary argan oil is darker and nuttier; cosmetic is lighter — make sure you know which you're buying Cooperative-sourced argan costs more but guarantees quality and fair wages
17:30
Farewell Sunset from Place Moulay Hassan
1 hr25–40 MAD
End your Essaouira weekend at the heart of the city — Place Moulay Hassan. Grab a table at a café facing the square, order a final mint tea, and watch the evening promenade as Essaouira's residents come out for their evening stroll. The golden light on the white-and-blue medina walls is unforgettable.
If you're heading to Marrakech, the last CTM bus leaves at 18:00 — book in advance
Getting to Essaouira from Marrakech
By Bus (Recommended)
CTM or Supratours, 2.5–3 hours, 80–100 MAD. Several departures daily. Book online or at the station. Supratours departs from next to the train station in Marrakech.
By Private Transfer
2.5 hours, 1000–1500 MAD for the whole car (up to 4 passengers). Can stop at an argan cooperative en route. Book through your riad or through Serenity Morocco Tours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Essaouira?
Two days is ideal. Essaouira is a small, walkable city. Day 1 covers the medina, ramparts, port, and souks. Day 2 is for the beach, water sports, gallery-hopping, and a relaxed pace. A third day would add a camel ride, argan oil cooperative visit, or surfing lesson — but two days gives you a thorough, unhurried experience.
How do I get from Marrakech to Essaouira?
The most common route is by bus (CTM or Supratours, 2.5–3 hours, 80–100 MAD) or by private transfer/grand taxi (2.5 hours, 1000–1500 MAD for the whole car). The road passes through argan country with scenic stops possible. There is also a small airport with occasional flights from Casablanca.
What is the best time to visit Essaouira?
April to June and September to November for the best weather. July–August is peak season but also the windiest — Essaouira is called the "Wind City" and the alizé trade winds blow strongly in summer (great for windsurfing, less great for beach lounging). Winter (Dec–Feb) is mild and uncrowded but occasionally rainy. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in June is a highlight.
What is the budget for 2 days in Essaouira?
Expect 400–800 MAD ($40–80) per person for 2 days, covering meals, entrance fees, and incidentals. This excludes accommodation (150–500 MAD/night for a good riad) and transport from Marrakech. Essaouira is one of Morocco's most affordable coastal towns — the port grill seafood lunch is one of the best-value meals in the country.