6 Days • 5 Nights
Essaouira & the Atlantic Coast: Ramparts, Beaches & Seafood
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The windswept, whitewashed port of Essaouira, with its honey-coloured ramparts and Portuguese-era bastions, is a beautiful highlight of this journey. Essaouira is the most charming town on Morocco's Atlantic coast, a blue-and-white walled port of honey-coloured ramparts where Atlantic waves crash against old Portuguese-era bastions lined with bronze cannon and wheeling gulls. You stroll the dramatic sea walls of the Skala de la Ville with the wind in your hair and sweeping ocean views, explore the fortified medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site laid out on a grid, and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic from the ramparts.
- The vast sweeping beach and famous Atlantic breeze, for walks, rides and watersports, are a delightful highlight of this journey. Essaouira's great crescent beach stretches for miles of golden sand along the bay, swept by the steady Atlantic wind that has made the town a world-famous watersports destination. You can take long, blustery walks along the sand, ride camels or horses beside the surf, and, for the adventurous, learn or enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing in the reliable breeze, with schools and rentals on hand. Quieter beaches such as Sidi Kaouki lie just down the coast. The wide sands, fresh wind and ocean energy are exhilarating.
- The fresh seafood and mellow, artistic atmosphere of Essaouira make it a delicious, laid-back highlight. Essaouira has a wonderfully bohemian, artistic soul and a superb seafood tradition. At the bustling harbour you choose the day's catch, sardines, sea bream, prawns and more, straight from the blue fishing boats, and have it grilled before you at the port-side stalls, or dine at atmospheric seafood restaurants in the medina. The town is full of art galleries, painters and craftspeople working thuya wood, and has long drawn musicians and free spirits, with a famous Gnaoua music heritage. The relaxed, creative, ocean-fresh vibe is a delight.
- A first taste of dazzling Marrakech, its souks, palaces and great square, opens this journey with colour. Before the coast, you experience the intoxicating Red City of Marrakech, a swirl of colour, scent and sound beneath the snow-capped Atlas. You wander the labyrinthine souks piled with carpets, lanterns, leather and spices, visit the exquisite Bahia Palace and the tranquil blue Majorelle Garden, and, as dusk falls, plunge into the great square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, a UNESCO-listed spectacle of storytellers, musicians and sizzling food stalls. It is a vivid, colourful contrast to the mellow coast to come.
- The relaxed medina and living crafts of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a charming highlight. Within its ramparts, Essaouira's medina is one of the most relaxed and welcoming in Morocco, laid out on an orderly grid and refreshingly free of the hustle of larger cities. You wander lanes of whitewashed, blue-shuttered houses, browsing workshops of thuya-wood marquetry, jewellery, argan oil and colourful crafts, and pausing in sunny squares and cafes. The gentle pace, artistic character and warm welcome make browsing here a pure pleasure. Wandering the relaxed, welcoming medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed lanes.
- Above all, this journey blends Marrakech's colour with the mellow, ocean-fresh charm of the Moroccan coast. Over six days you enjoy a first taste of dazzling Marrakech and its great square, then settle into the windswept, whitewashed port of Essaouira for four unhurried nights of ramparts and bastions, sweeping beaches and Atlantic breeze, fresh seafood and living crafts. Guided by expert local guides and warmed by legendary Moroccan hospitality, the contrast between the Red City's energy and the coast's mellow calm is delightful, and the sea air, seafood and relaxed rhythm utterly refreshing.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your journey begins as your flight arrives at Marrakech Menara Airport, where you are met and transferred to your riad in the heart of the medina. Marrakech, the Red City, is one of the most intoxicating cities in the world, a swirl of colour, scent and sound beneath the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and the warmth of the Moroccan welcome is immediate. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps sipping mint tea on a rooftop terrace or taking a first gentle stroll into the souks. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious flavours of Moroccan cuisine, tagines, couscous and fragrant spices, and to the coastal journey ahead. Rest well, ready for a taste of dazzling Marrakech tomorrow before you head to the Atlantic coast and the windswept charm of Essaouira.
This morning you enjoy a first taste of dazzling Marrakech with your guide. You visit the exquisite Bahia Palace and perhaps the tranquil blue Majorelle Garden, wander the labyrinthine souks piled with carpets, lanterns, leather and spices, and glimpse the great square of Jemaa el-Fnaa and the landmark Koutoubia minaret. Around midday you set off west towards the coast, driving across the plains through groves of argan trees, with a stop at a women's argan cooperative to see the famous oil made by hand (and perhaps the goats that climb the trees). You reach Essaouira, the windswept, whitewashed Atlantic port, in the afternoon and settle into your seafront riad or hotel. As the day ends, you take a first stroll on the ramparts as the sun sinks into the ocean. This evening, savour fresh seafood by the sea. Rest well in mellow Essaouira.
Today you explore the enchanting port of Essaouira with your guide. You stroll the dramatic sea walls of the Skala de la Ville, honey-coloured ramparts lined with bronze cannon where Atlantic waves crash against Portuguese-era bastions and gulls wheel overhead, taking in sweeping ocean views. You wander the relaxed, welcoming medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed, blue-shuttered lanes, browsing workshops of thuya-wood marquetry, jewellery, argan oil and colourful crafts, and pausing in sunny squares and cafes. You visit the bustling harbour, alive with blue fishing boats unloading the day's catch, and choose fresh seafood to be grilled at the port-side stalls for lunch. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, charmed by the town's mellow, artistic soul. This evening, enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. Rest well by the Atlantic in Essaouira.
Today is yours to enjoy the coast at a relaxed pace. Essaouira's vast crescent beach stretches for miles of golden sand, swept by the steady Atlantic breeze, perfect for long, blustery walks along the surf. You can ride camels or horses beside the waves, a classic Essaouira pleasure, or, for the adventurous, take a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson in the reliable wind that has made the town world-famous for watersports. Alternatively, you might take an excursion down the coast to the quieter beach of Sidi Kaouki, relax at a beach club, or simply unwind at your seafront hotel with a book and the sound of the ocean. As the day ends, you gather back in town for the sunset over the ramparts. This evening, savour more of Essaouira's superb seafood. Rest well by the sea, lulled by the Atlantic waves.
Today you continue to savour the mellow, artistic charm of Essaouira as you wish. You might explore more of the medina's art galleries and studios, meeting painters and craftspeople in this town long beloved of artists and musicians, and browse for last treasures, thuya-wood boxes, argan products, jewellery or paintings. You could take a boat trip along the coast, enjoy a spa or hammam, spend more time on the beach, or linger over coffee and people-watching in a sunny square, soaking up the town's famous Gnaoua music heritage and free-spirited vibe. This flexible day lets you enjoy the coast exactly as you please, reflecting on your relaxed journey through Morocco. As the day ends, you enjoy a final seafood dinner overlooking the harbour. Rest well by the Atlantic, carrying warm memories of the Moroccan coast.
After a final, relaxed morning by the Atlantic in Essaouira, perhaps a last walk on the ramparts or the beach and a leisurely breakfast, you are transferred back to Marrakech Menara Airport for your onward international departure (or you may fly directly from Essaouira where schedules allow). You leave having enjoyed a relaxed, coastal side of Morocco, a colourful taste of dazzling Marrakech and its great square, and the mellow, ocean-fresh charm of the windswept port of Essaouira, with its ramparts and bastions, sweeping beaches and Atlantic breeze, fresh seafood and artistic soul. The images stay vivid long after you land, the waves crashing on the honey-coloured ramparts, the blue fishing boats in the harbour, the camels on the wide beach and the sun sinking into the Atlantic. Morocco offers colour, calm, sea air and warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful country.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a seafood dinner in Essaouira
- Airport and land transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to medinas, kasbahs, palaces, gardens and sites as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert driver-guide, a Marrakech city tour, a scenic transfer to Essaouira via argan groves, a guided Essaouira medina and ramparts walking tour, time at leisure on the coast, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional watersports, boat trips and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities (including the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia and many others) can enter Morocco visa-free for stays of up to 90 days; a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and advise on any eVisa or authorisation needed before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), a closed currency best obtained on arrival at airport ATMs and bureaux de change; cards are accepted in hotels, riads, larger restaurants and shops in cities, but carry cash for souks, taxis, tips, rural areas and small cafes. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal across most of Morocco, with warm, pleasant days perfect for the imperial cities, mountains, coast and desert. Summer is very hot inland (Marrakech, Fes and the desert) but pleasant on the Atlantic coast, while winter is mild by day and cold at night, with snow in the High Atlas
- Language & etiquette: Arabic and Berber (Amazigh) are the official languages, French is widely spoken, and English is common in tourism. Morocco is a warm, welcoming Muslim country; modest dress is appreciated (cover shoulders and knees, especially in medinas and rural areas), and it is polite to ask before photographing people. Bargaining in the souks is expected and part of the fun
- Getting around: Touring is by comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle with your driver-guide, with some long but scenic drives across mountains, deserts and plains; medinas are explored on foot with a local guide, as their labyrinthine lanes are car-free. The desert is reached by 4x4 with camel treks into the dunes, and comfortable to luxurious desert camps for overnight stays
- Health & safety: Morocco is a safe, stable and welcoming country for visitors, and travel here is smooth and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Drink bottled or filtered water, eat at busy, reputable places, and use sunscreen, a hat and layers for cool desert and mountain nights. No special vaccinations are usually required, but we advise checking with your doctor
- Culture, cuisine & crafts: Moroccan culture is rich and vibrant, from the call to prayer and bustling souks to mint tea poured with ceremony. The cuisine is superb, tagines, couscous, harira soup, pastilla, grilled meats and honeyed pastries, and the crafts are world famous, carpets, leather, brass, ceramics, lanterns and argan oil. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight are avoided out of respect
- Power & practicalities: Power is 220V with European-style type C and E round two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Fridays are the main prayer day, when some shops close around midday. Tipping is customary and appreciated for guides, drivers and in restaurants. Haggling, mint tea and unhurried hospitality are part of the rhythm of Morocco, so relax and enjoy the warmth of the welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at Essaouira, and is it good for watersports?
Essaouira is more famous for its wind than for calm swimming, which makes it a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with excellent schools and rentals for all levels. The main bay is breezy and the water cool with Atlantic currents, so it suits beach walks, camel and horse rides and watersports more than lazy swimming; for calmer dips, hotel pools and sheltered spots down the coast are ideal. If a warm swimming beach is your priority, we can advise on the best options and seasons, or combine with a different coast.
Is Essaouira a relaxed, easy place to spend several days?
Very much so. Essaouira is one of the most relaxed and welcoming towns in Morocco, with an orderly, walkable medina, far less hustle than the big cities, a mellow, artistic atmosphere and a lovely sea-air climate that stays pleasant even when the interior is very hot. Its ramparts, beaches, harbour, galleries, cafes and superb seafood reward an unhurried stay, and it is easy to fill several happy days here or simply do very little. It is a favourite of travellers who want to slow down and soak up coastal Morocco.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner, dinners at desert camps and some half-board stays in remote areas). Moroccan cuisine is one of the world's finest, from slow-cooked tagines and fluffy couscous to harira soup, pastilla, grilled brochettes, fresh bread and honeyed pastries, all rounded off with sweet mint tea. We usually leave other meals free for you to explore, recommending the best local restaurants at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert driver-guide and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, plus knowledgeable local guides in each city's medina, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Morocco's guides bring the souks, palaces, kasbahs, deserts and rich culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and a good guide is invaluable in the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech and Fes.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many nationalities, including the UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia, can enter Morocco visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, needing only a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help with any authorisation needed, so your entry is smooth. Requirements can change, so we always verify the latest rules before you travel.
Is Morocco safe to visit?
Morocco is a safe, stable and welcoming country for visitors, renowned for its warmth and hospitality, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in busy souks and use registered guides to avoid touts; with these simple precautions, Morocco is a wonderfully rewarding and hospitable destination to explore.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal across most of Morocco, with warm, pleasant days perfect for the imperial cities, mountains, coast and desert. Summer is very hot inland but pleasant on the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, while winter is mild by day, cold at night, and snowy in the High Atlas. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of imperial cities, mountains, desert, coast and blue Chefchaouen, add nights in a luxury riad or a desert camp under the stars, include Volubilis and the Roman ruins, extend your time by the sea in Essaouira, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Morocco.
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