About 190 km west of Marrakech, Essaouira is a fortified town on the Atlantic coast, formerly known as Mogador. Its medina, laid out in the 18th century, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Ramparts, a fishing port, white houses with blue shutters and a long wind-swept beach: the town is a complete change of air after Marrakech. It is easy to visit in a day by bus, as long as you leave early.
Highlights
Skala du Port
This bastion has guarded the harbour entrance since the 18th century. From its ramparts you can see the islands offshore, the medina and the boats coming in. The Skala de la Ville, further north, lines up its cannons facing the ocean.
The fishing port
The blue boats, nets and seagulls make up the town's best-known scene. In the late morning, fishermen unload and sell their catch. Nearby stalls grill fresh fish to order.
The medina
Its straight streets and monumental gates are easy to explore on foot without getting lost. Wander through the souks, the cabinetmakers' workshops specialising in thuya wood and the art galleries.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Book your outbound and return tickets in advance, especially at weekends and in high season, as buses often leave full. Allow about 100 to 140 MAD one way, roughly 9 to 13 euros, depending on the company and departure time (prices checked in October 2026). Bring a jacket, even in summer: the wind is frequent and the air cooler than in Marrakech. The water stays cold all year and the beach is better suited to walking, surfing or kitesurfing than to swimming.
How to get there
By Supratours bus from its station next to Marrakech railway station, with several departures a day; the journey takes about 3 hours with a stop. CTM also runs the route from its Marrakech bus station. In Essaouira, buses arrive near the medina walls, within walking distance. Marrakech agencies also offer day trips by minibus.
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