Sitting quietly on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, somewhere in the west between Safi and Agadir, Essaouira is the kind of place that doesn’t demand your attention. Unlike its more buoyant, flamboyant neighbour Marrakech, Essaouira is shy and unassuming, and reveals its magic only to those who have the patience to slowly uncover it. This Essaouira 3 day itinerary is designed for travellers who want more than just a quick look , because while It can be done as a day trip, its true spirit and irresistible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty beckon you to slow down and soak in every moment over several days.
What is essaouira famous for?
Once a strategic port and trading hub known as Mogador, Essaouira has long held a magnetic pull on dreamers and artists. It was Morocco’s hippie escape hatch. A place for seekers, misfits, romantics, and rebels. Its windswept shores and whitewashed remparts have inspired figures from Orson Welles, who filmed parts of Othello here, to music legends like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, who sought solace and inspiration in its laid-back energy. In recent years, Netflix brought back the spotlight to Essaouira with its film Lonely Planet.
Wander freely: Essaouira is best experienced without rigid plans so allow yourself to get lost.
Sunset is sacred: Find a rooftop bar or rampart spot early for those epic Atlantic sunsets.
Eat fresh and local: Try grilled sardines and seafood tagines from family-run eateries or the harbour stalls.
Dress in layers: The Atlantic breeze can turn cool, even in summer. Bring a scarf or light jacket.
Bring cash: Many small shops and food vendors don’t accept cards, so have Moroccan dirhams handy.
Respect local customs: Modest dress and polite greetings (“Salam”) go a long way in the medina.
How to get to Essaouira
- Arrival: The nearest airport is Marrakech Menara (RAK), about a 3-hour drive or bus ride away. Buses run regularly from Marrakech’s central station to Essaouira, and offer a cost-effective option with comfortable seating, air conditioning and pretty countryside views. Some services include extended lunch stops or detours to cooperatives that produce argan oil, so you get the chance to purchase locally made cosmetics, which are cheaper than elsewhere. If you’re in a rush or prefer comfort and flexibility, opt for a private transfer instead.
- Getting around town: Essaouira is very walkable. Its compact medina and harbour area are best explored on foot. For short hops outside town, petit taxis are available but often hard to stop so prepare to wait for some time.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes as many streets are cobblestone or sandy paths.
Is Essaouira worth visiting from Marrakech?
Absolutely! it’s a refreshing coastal escape just three hours from Marrakech. Essaouira has a cooler climate which makes it ideal to visit in the summer. The temperature difference between the two cities can be at least 10 to 15 degrees. While you can do a day trip, you’ll only scratch the surface, so I highly recommend spending at least two nights so you can explore the city at a slow pace and enjoy all it has to offer.
What is the best time to visit Essaouira?
Essaouira is an all-year destination but April to October offers the warmest weather and a steady breeze. July and August are popular but windier, which would be perfect if you want to try surfing or kit surfing.
For art and music lovers, plan your visit in June to catch the Gnawa and World Music Festival, when the city comes alive with open-air concerts and performances across the medina.
Photos from one of early editions of Gnawa and Jazz festival
Where to Stay in Essaouira?
- Medina: I usually recommend staying inside Essaouira’s UNESCO World Heritage medina if this is your first time. You’ll want to soak up the historic atmosphere, wander through lively souks, and explore the many artisan workshops and galleries. Most riads are inside the medina so take time to check recent reviews before choosing one. My favourite options are Riad Baladin and Riad Chbanate.
Riad Chbanate. Photo Booking.com
- Harbour Front: if you want sea views and the freshest seafood steps from your door, accommodations near the harbour offer a lovely and peaceful seaside atmosphere. Some apartments are so close to the sea you can hear the sound of waves lulling you to sleep. Favourite options include
Jack’s Apartments & Suites and Madada Mogador.
- Diour Jdad: This quieter residential neighbourhood just outside the medina offers a glimpse into local life, with leafy streets, shops and a more relaxed pace. This is great if you are seeking authenticity and local life. Favourites include Riad Zahra and Residence Louzani.
Rooftop views at Residence Louzani
- Diour Jdad: This quieter residential neighbourhood just outside the medina offers a glimpse into local life, with leafy streets, shops and a more relaxed pace. This is great if you are seeking authenticity and local life. Favourites include Riad Zahra and Residence Louzani.
Where to eat in essaouira
Essaouira has a wide range of restaurants that suit every budget.
Budget ($)
Il Forno di Mogador Pizzeria: Popular pizzeria where you can have wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Only a couple of minutes from Residence Louzani if you stay there so perfect for a takeaway to enjoy on the terrace.
Patisserie Driss: Iconic pastry shop in the medina serving Moroccan sweets, croissants, and strong coffee. Great for breakfast or a snack.
Restaurant La Tolerance: Simple, affordable Moroccan dishes like tagines and couscous.
Fresh fish stalls at the port: Choose your catch and have it grilled on the spot, served with bread and salad.
Mid-Range ($$)
La Table by Madada: Elegant Moroccan and French fusion with fresh seafood and refined presentation. Reservations recommended.
Ocean Vagabond: Relaxed beachfront café with seafood, salads, and vegetarian options. Perfect after a beach walk.
Triskala Cafe: Quirky and bohemian with a menu that changes daily based on fresh market finds, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Higher-End ($$$)
Umia: Intimate restaurant bistro blending Moroccan flavours with Mediterranean influences, ideal for a special night out.
L’Heure Bleue Palais: Fine dining inside a luxury riad, offering gourmet Moroccan and international cuisine in an elegant courtyard setting.
Salut Maroc!: Colorful, art-filled restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, serving creative Moroccan-inspired plates.
Essaouira 3 day itinerary
Day 1- The Welcome
Check into a Riad inside the Medina
Pick one with a rooftop. I don’t care how “charming” the courtyard is, what you want is height. The rooftops are where the magic happens.
Walk with no purpose
Once you check in, switch your phone off or use it only to take photos. Ditch Google Maps. Essaouira’s medina is small enough that you can’t truly get lost, but twisty enough to make you doubt yourself. It’s all part of the fun. Let the blue doors and tiled walls pull you in and let go of control.
Sit by the port and eat grilled sardines
Head down to the fishing port and follow the smell of charcoal and the sound of friendly banter. You’ll find small stalls grilling fresh sardines right off the boats—no frills, just flavour. Squeeze some lemon and eat it with your hands. It’s simple, delicious, and part of the rituals of the city. Don’t worry too much about where you sit or how it’s served. This is as local as it gets.
Shop without guilt
Souvenirs don’t have to suck. Skip the plastic camels and go for:
Argan oil – Essaouira is the only region in Morocco where Argan trees grow naturally, so you’re getting the real deal. Look for co-ops or small shops where it’s cold-pressed and locally made.
Handwoven rugs – They’re not cheap (and shouldn’t be), but if you haggle with respect and a smile, you might just walk away with a piece of art for your floor or wall.
Original paintings – Many local artists sell their work directly from their workshops or the street, and they’ll often share the meaning behind each piece. It’s half gallery, half storytelling.
Thuya wood boxes – This fragrant wood is unique to the region, and the boxes made from it are beautifully crafted and smell like a cedar forest in the sun. they’re great for storing jewellery, memories, or gift someone.
Don’t go sightseeing yet. Just chill
This is not a “10 things to do before you die” checklist. Day 1 is about letting the city soak into your skin. Cancel your plans. Embrace the art of doing nothing.
Sunset at Skala de la ville
Climb the wall. Lean on a cannon. Watch the waves go wild as they hit the rocks. It’s windy as hell but the Atlantic doesn’t care if your hair looks good.
Day 2 – The soul of the city
Set an alarm. You won’t regret it. Essaouira at 7 am has a whole different vibe. No crowds. No shops open. No influencers filming a Reel wearing a clay tagine like a hat. Just you, the stone walls and the occasional sleepy cat.
Go for a slow morning walk
Before anything opens, head toward the ramparts. Pretend you’re the main character in a moody French novel. Don’t check the map. Let the smell of the ocean and the whisper of the wind guide you. You won’t regret it.Walk to the Mellah
The old Jewish quarter is one of the quietest, most atmospheric places in Essaouira. You’ll see fading synagogues, narrow alleyways, and blue doors that hold more history than you’ll ever Google. There’s so much beauty in the silence.
Photo by Elmehdi Alem
Breakfast at Cafe Aftass
Order the full spread. You’ll get fresh bread, msemen or mlaoui (Moroccan crepes), argan oil (the edible kind—not the stuff for your hair), and amlou, the almondy, nutty, addictive paste that’ll probably ruin peanut butter for you forever. Sip your coffee slowly, and watch the world go by, locals walking to work, tourists taking photos, artisans chiseling away at their next masterpiece just a few feet away. Morning doesn’t get more Essaouira than this.
Visit Galerie Damgaard
Real Moroccan art. Bold. Unfiltered. This is not a souvenir shop. Just raw creative energy in a beautiful old building. Look for the big pieces in the back. You’ll wish you brought a bigger suitcase.
Swing by Dar Souiri
This is a historic building and a cultural centre, but sometimes it feels more like a secret club. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear Gnawa musicians jamming or catch a rehearsal. If not, just enjoy the calm. Either way, it’s worth it.Go for a walk on the beach
You could rent a board or sign up for a surf lesson. Essaouira’s waves are perfect for beginners and pros alike. Or skip the board altogether, wander barefoot along the shoreline, and let the sand exfoliate your soul while you watch kite surfers dance across the horizon.
Lobster at Chez Zak
Treat yourself. Life’s short. Lobster is delicious. Chez Zak is humble and usually full of locals. You’ll get messy but will leave happy and full.
Talk to people
This is the secret sauce. Essaouira is full of conversations waiting to happen. Vendors, artists, old fishermen. Ask them something about the history of the city. Tell them where you’re from. They’ll tell you a story.Day 3 – The Silence
You’ve walked, you’ve shopped and you’ve eaten your body weight in bread and olives.
Now, you rest.
Get a day pass to Jardin Villa Maroc
This is your soft landing. A poolside garden. Quiet and private. Olive trees and sea breeze and mint tea on demand. It’s the perfect place to exhale, unplug, and forget what day it is.
Les Jardins de Villa Maroc offers day passes (with advance booking) that include access to their beautiful garden, pool, and an outdoors barbecue lunch. It’s located on the suburbs of Essaouira but if you can’t arrange your own transport, they’ll pick you up from their sister riad in the old town for a small fee.
But if they’re full or you’re curious to explore more, here are a few equally peaceful alternatives:
Le Jardin des Douars. A short drive from town, tucked in the hills, with lush gardens, two pools (one adult-only), and a proper restaurant that serves cold rosé and warm tagine. The day pass includes lunch and towels.
Villa Beldi Just minutes from the medina, this charming boutique stay is set in a lush garden with a heated pool, peacocks, and cactus-dotted courtyards. The restaurant serves fresh Mediterranean-Moroccan fusion, and passes are available for a daycation.
Wherever you go, bring a book, or don’t. Order lunch in the garden. Nap under a parasol. Meditate in the shade. Swim. Sleep. Repeat.
Final sunset at Taros
You can’t skip this. It’s a rite of passage.
Find a table on the rooftop. Order a drink.
As the sun sets, take a moment to sit still and take it all in. The changing light, the steady wind, and the sound of waves hitting the shore. It’s a simple reminder that some things don’t need to be chased. They’re just there, doing what they’ve always done.
WHAT TO WEAR IN ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira has a cool climate all year round so think of layering lightly in the summer and bring warm clothes and a rain jacket in winter. If you are staying in the medina, you will be immersed in local life so modest clothing is appreciated if you are a female (cover shoulders and knees).
Final Thoughts
Essaouira’s magic lies in its ability to make you feel simultaneously transported to another era and completely at ease in the present moment. Go with a curious mind and you’ll discover a different side of Morocco, one where history melts into the ocean, where Gnawa rhythms spill into the streets, and where time seems to slow just enough for you to savour every detail.
