Beyond the Red City: The Best Things to Do in Essaouira with Morocco Desert Trips

Hello to you, dream-makers and travellers! Well, you are in Marrakech, you say? You most certainly have been blown away by the colorful pandemonium of a square called Djemaa el-Fna, you have become lost (in the most satisfying way possible) in the maze of local souks, and even had a pause in the quiet courtyard of a local riad. Marrakech is pure magic, a city that breathes life, history, and is full of the tales no one knows. Yet, there is a small secret that we at Morocco Desert Trips can share with you without fears: the magic of Morocco is miles and miles beyond the city gates! In case you were wondering what are the really enthralling best things to do in Essaouira that you have to look forward to .

As your leading moroccan travel agency, we think that the best way to have an ultimate memorable experience in Morocco is the way that will enable you to enjoy its amazing diversity. and that, exactly, is what our well-designed marrakech day trips , Marrakech desert tours and longer morocco tours will accomplish. No more: disregard the worries about preparation; we have come to provide you with information, motivation and to make this trip something 100 per cent unique. With that said, strap in because we are about to reveal the very best things to do in Essaouira that will take your Moroccan adventure to mythical heights!

Why Essaouira? The Coastal Gem’s Unique Charm

You may be having thoughts of saying, Marrakech is great, why should I go? And, you know, it is amazing! However, consider piling on the magic to your visit to Morocco. This is the strength in the pursuit of what to do in Essaouira. A photogenic beach town where some people like to refer to as the Windy City of Africa or the Pearl of the Atlantic would serve as a foothold to the imperial cities and an advantageous addition to the story about your experiences in Morocco.
So, here is why Essaouira should not be missed out on and why exploring our Marrakech desert tour or multi-day tours to Morocco, including Essaouira, would be a total game-changer in your journeys throughout Morocco:
A FRESH BREEZE (Literally!): Following a rip-roaring tour of the Marrakech, the fresh sea wind of Essaouira is a positive relief. It is also known to have regular winds and thus it is a water sports haven to those who love water sports and activities.

Essaouira: UNESCO Heritage Meets Bohemian Charm
Blue and White Beauty: Blue and white mosaics on the buildings are the trademark of the city and allows everyone to order a photo at every corner. It is a visual treat that is unlike other cities of Morocco.
• Artistic and Musical Soul: Ever since it has been a land of the artist, the musician and free soul. It will offer you a lot of art galleries and handicraft workshops, as well as a very interesting music scene, well-represented by the Gnaoua music.
Fresh Seafood Paradise: As a busy fishing harbor, Essaouira has some of the best and tastiest seafood in Morocco, which is barbecued in front of your eyes.
Stress Free and Seamless: That is where Morocco Desert Trips excels. We take care of all the logistics details relaxed transport, professional guides and well-adjusted schedules. There is nothing you have to do, except taking a seat, letting out your breath and enjoying the magic. There are no planning headaches, only an adventure!
That said, however, assuming that you am up to making the most of your visit to Morocco and exploring the top things to do in Essaouira, it is time to take a closer look at these details!

Exploring the Medina – The Heart of Essaouira’s Charm

Essaouira medina is the pulsating heart of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and where you encouraged to go, to wander, to explore and to find its character. It is one of the absolute best activities in Essaouira.
Wander Ancient Ramparts (Skala de la Ville and Skala du Port):
o What it is: The most recognizable factor of Essaouira is these majestic stone walls that decorated with old cannons in brass, that aimed at the ocean. Skala de la Ville and Skala du Port provide panoramas of the medina rooftops and the Atlantic and panoramas of the busy fishing port respectively.
o Your experience there will consist of: Imagine that you are walking in the tracks of ancient defenders and you feel the sea wind on the face and you hear the powerful crashing waves. The sceneries are just breathtaking more so at sunset. you can look across at seagulls wheeling in the air and see the fishing boats in bright blue bobbing in the harbour below.
Why it has to be done: it is a breathtaking photo opportunity that provides a feeling of history and a new view of the city and the sea. It is an important component in every visit to Morocco to Essaouira.
• Lose Yourself (Don de triplemente) in the Souks:
o What it is: Souks of Essaouira are a welcome contrast to the high-energy source of Marrakech. They are less tense, less stressful and more friendly with a special offering of crafts.

Visit Art Galleries & Boutiques:

What it is: Essaouira has been the getaway of artists, with its light, its bohemian atmosphere and the beauty of the coast. The medina strewn with a lot of tiny art galleries and independent shops.
- The kinds of experiences you will get: Visit unusual paintings, sculpture, and modern Moroccan art. Most of the artists are working in the studio, and you can even see them working. The boutiques provide fashionable clothes, jewelry and decor, which are sometimes with an Essaouiran twist.
- The reason you should do it: It is a perfect opportunity to seeing the local talent, pick something unique and feel the creative vibe of the city.
- Wander in the Mellah Old Jewish Quarter:
- What it is: The Mellah is the old Jewish quarter of Essaouira, although in fact the Jews once constituted a large proportion of the population in Essaouira.
- What you are going to experience: Although much of it is in the shambles, one can still observe remnants of synagogues and unique architectural style. It has a moving observation about the multicultural history of the city and the people who made the city what it used to be and what it makes it now.
- Why it should be done: It gives a more historical layer to Essaouira and gives an insight into the cross-stitching of the Moroccan society.
- With Morocco Desert Trips, our professional guided marrakech day tours to Essaouira will guide you through all these hidden treasures and emblematic places and travel to Morocco will be a unique experience.

The Bustling Port & Fresh Flavors – A Taste of Local Life

The port of the city is a spectacular sensory experience offering an interesting side of real-life rhythm of Essaouira and its attachment to the ocean. It is one of the most real activities in Essaouira.

Behold the Daily Catch and Busy-ness:

o What it is: Go down to the port in the morning or in the middle of an afternoon to watch the legendary blue fishing boats come back with their catch of the day.

o What you will see: The port is a beehive: fisher folk bringing in their nets, seagulls crying in the air and local consumers haggling the prices. The air smells of sea and fresh fish. It is a very active realistic scene which is a real representation of coastal Moroccan life.

o Why you have to: It is a cool, authentic and cultural experience that brings you closer to the maritime history of Essaouira.
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Portside Delights: Savor Fresh Seafood by the Sea

o What it is: right next to the fishing boats, there is line upon line of no-frills, mini stalls where you can choose your fresh fish and seafood, then they grill it right then and there.

What you are going to get: Just imagine selecting your fat sardines, succulent prawns or a whole grilled fish and sitting down at a plain table to devour it with fresh bread, a plain salad and a drop of lemon! It is a very country and tasty gastronomic unusual experience.

o Why it should be done: Essentially, this is the best things to do in Essaouira as far as foodies concerned! It is an indisputably, best fresh seafood at very affordable rates.

Moulay Hassan Square: The Central Hub:

o What it is: This big open space is the main square of Essaouira, which is adjacent to the main gate of the medina.

o What it is going to be like: It bordered by cafes and restaurants, so it is an ideal place to people watch. There will be local inhabitants walking around and children playing as well as street entertainers. It is an excellent cafe to have a coffee or mint tea and enjoy the calm environment of the city.

What makes it a must-do: It gives a hint of the social life of Essaouira, a little more open and free in comparison to the very narrow streets of medina.

When you go on our morocco tours you will have ample time to experience the ambience of the port and indulge in the culinary delights making your visit to the Morocco a feast of the senses.

Beach & Adventure – Essaouira’s Windy Side

The wide coastline of Essaouira and the constant wind leads to the fact that it is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and those who want to have a different coastal experience. This is one of the most exciting activities in Essaouira.
Essaouira Beach: Walks and Sunsets:
o What it is: A broad, sandy beach 5 or 6 miles long to the south of the medina.
What you will feel: Ideal to take a long stroll whether during high tide or low tide. The Atlantic sunsets are actually ravishing, with the sky blazing in flames. Although it is possible to swim, the high winds tend to make it very cold even during summer.
o Why it should be a priority: It can provide beautiful nature scenery, a feeling of greatness and location that can help to spend time in relaxation or romantic evening stroll.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing Lessons:

Essaouira – A World-Class Haven for Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
What you will have: Many schools on the beach provide teaching at any level, starting from no experience and finishing with the advanced. What would it be to be across the wind and along the waves!
Why you should do it: It is one of the most adventurous and inimitable experiences you can have in Morocco and as an adrenaline junkie or someone who is a bit adventurous, it should be on the list of top things to do offered in Morocco.
• Horseback Riding or Riding Camel on the Beach:
o What it is: A traditional Essaouira time out! A short ride on camel or horse along the beach can be easily arranged and one frequently goes a short distance into the dunes standing directly behind the beach.
o What you will feel: Think of you horse galloping on the sand and the oceans air coming into your hair, and in the distance you can see the ramparts of the medina. It makes a scenic and stress-free mode of viewing the coast.
o Why it has to be done: It is a popular, creative activity that provides a good photo experience and a memorable unique experience when done with family or friends of all ages.

Quad Biking or Buggy Tours in the Dunes:
- What you’ll experience: An exhilarating ride over varied terrain, offering a different kind of adventure and fantastic views of the coast and the surrounding landscape.
- Why it’s a must-do: It’s a thrilling activity for adventure lovers, providing an adrenaline rush and a unique way to explore the area beyond the beach.

Our morocco tours to Essaouira can incorporate these exciting activities, especially as part of a morocco custom tours package, ensuring your trip to Morocco is packed with adventure.

Cultural Immersion & Unique Experiences in Essaouira

On top of the major attraction, Essaouira also provides more in-depth cultural experiences that enable one to get touch with the Morocco way of life and culture. These are among the most rewarding activities of Essaouira.
• Get to Know Gnaoua Music:
What it is: Essaouira is the spiritual capital of Gnaoua music, a mesmerizing fusion of the African, Berber and Arab rhythms, with strong ties to the spiritual traditions. In Gnaoua, a world music festival is held annually in the city in month of June.
What you will get: Gnaoua music will sound in the cafes, small spots and sometimes even in the street even when the festival is not on. Find a local performance and go experience a performance so mesmerizing and soulful in its distinction of a next level.
o Why it should be done: It is a cultural experience that is otherwise impossible to have and gives a real sense of the power and rhythmic musical tradition that is an inherent part of Essaouiras history.
✓ Traditional Moroccan Cooking Classes:
o What it involves: Find out how the Moroccan cuisine works in an interactive cooking lesson often located in a traditional riad.

Hands-On Flavors: Cook, Learn & Savor Moroccan Cuisine
o Why you should do it: It is so much fun and interactive to be able to learn about the Morocco food culture which is a significant part of the Morocco lifestyle and culture and to learn new skills and recipes.
A visit to an Argan oil cooperative:
o What it is: The area around Essaouira is known to have the argan trees and many cooperatives (run by women most of the times) that make the precious argan oil.
What you will see: Get to know how the traditional method is used to produce argan oil starting with cracking of the nut by hands to pounding into a paste. You will know about the difference between the culinary and cosmetic argan oil and may get a chance to buy the original products.
o Why it must be done: It is educational, and a great cultural experience that sheds light on a necessary local industry and the labor that goes into it to provide a unique experience that gives back to the local communities.
Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum:
- What it is: Located in the heart of the medina, this museum is housed in a former pasha’s residence and showcases local artifacts, traditional costumes, musical instruments, and historical documents related to Essaouira’s past.
- What you’ll experience: Gain a deeper understanding of Essaouira’s history, its diverse cultural influences, and its unique artistic heritage.
- Why it’s a must-do: It provides valuable context to the city you’re exploring, enriching your overall trip to Morocco.

These immersive experiences, carefully curated by Morocco Desert Trips, ensure your trip to Morocco is filled with truly unique things to do in Morocco.

How Essaouira Fits into Your Broader Trip to Morocco with Morocco Desert Trips

The distinctive character of Essaouira allows travelers to make it multifaceted when coming to Morocco. Do not even have 24 hours or need to combine it with some other adventure then Morocco Desert Trips can perfectly engage it in your plans.

As a Day Trip in Marrakech:

o Popularity: It is one of the most popular marrakech day trips and this is not without a reason. It is not far and gives a complete change of environment.

What to anticipate: Our personal day excursions between the city of Marrakech and Essaouira would usually be a relaxed 2.5 to 3 hours of drive per way. You will still have a lot of time to visit the medina, see the port, have lunch, and maybe even a little beach activity. All transportation covered by us and it is stress free.

o What makes it awesome: It is ideal when a person wants to have a little taste of the coast and an alternative vibe but does not want to make a commitment by staying over.

Morocco Tours: Fractional Part of Larger Tours to Morocco:

o Perfect Fit: Essaouira can easily be inserted into longer morocco tours which include the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains and the desert. Let me give you an example, you would first visit Marrakech but after that, you might have one or two nights in Essaouira and then drive through the Atlas into the desert to the Sahara or move into Fes.

o Various Itineraries: This enables one to have a really varied trip through Morocco, a seaside respite in between the bustling medinas and the expanses of the desert.

Morocco Custom Tours:

o Tailor-made to Yourself: And here we are experts. In case you interested in going to Essaouira, we will create a morocco custom tours itinerary that revolves around your preferred interests in the city, be it the water sports, art, or food tourism.

o Flexibility: We are able to adapt the time you want, the accommodation (from beautiful riads to luxurious trip to morocco hotels) and the adventurous activities so they will perfectly fit with your heartfelt inclinations.

Beyond Essaouira – Expanding Your Moroccan Adventure with Morocco Desert Trips

Although Essaouira provides a unique experience, do not forget that it is not the only aspect of the spectacular diversity of Morocco. Morocco Desert Trips is your way to go in terms of all round moroccan travel agency.

Atlas Mountains Tour / Atlas Mountains Day Trip Marrakech: Compare the breathy sea air of Essaouira to the majestic beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Walk in the villages of berber, explore the waterfalls and spectacular panoramas.

Morocco Desert Trips / Morocco Desert Tour: A journey into the deep silence of Sahara dunes, a journey into deep silence of golden dunes of the Moroccan desert. Our morocco desert trips (consisting of 2 days tour to desert Zagora, 3 days desert tour to Merzouga and longer desert tours morocco) provide memorable moroccan desert tours through morocco camel treks and a night under a million stars.

Imperial Cities: The historical depths of Fes, Rabat, and Meknes have to be explored as they offer their share to the culture and they have distinct cultural attributes that can add up to the coastal flavor of Essaouira.

Our Promise: Why Morocco Desert Trips is Your Ultimate Moroccan Travel Agency for the Best Morocco Tours

The most important thing is to select the best person with whom you intend to go to Morocco to make your travel dream to Morocco worthwhile. We are not only a morocco tour company at Morocco Desert Trips, but you can also consider us as your trusted friends who deeply committed to ensuring that you have an outstanding trip in Morocco. That is why we position ourselves as the ultimate best morocco tours company to use when having your trip, particularly when seeking the unique things to do in Essaouira:
• The Best Local Guide and Super Connections: We are a group of homegrown and Moroccan passionate born and bred, Moroccan people. We do not work out of guidebooks, but we have in depth, real knowledge of what our culture, history and hidden gems are all about. This real understanding will mean that your visits to Morocco remain very real, respectful, and eminently enriching.

Custom Crafted: Morocco Tours Tailored to You
Luxury Travel Curators: If you are looking to live your life to its fullest, we offer our luxury trips to morocco and morocco luxury tours to those who want more than the best of everything, exclusive tours with luxury accommodations and services.
• Seamless Morocco All Inclusive Packages: Our seamless morocco all inclusive packages designed to cater the end to end arrangement of the tour on the basis of a personalized tour. This enables you to sit back and forget all your logistical worries and enjoy your journey in Morocco. We even have all inclusive wedding packages morocco to put forth unique and stress free weddings.
Unwavering Commitment to Authenticity & Quality: We partner exclusively with the most reputable luxury properties, highly skilled local guides, and utilize top-tier, meticulously maintained vehicles. Our commitment to authentic experiences, delivered with impeccable quality, is unwavering, ensuring a truly distinctive experience.
Dedicated 24/7 White-Glove Support: From your very first inquiry until your final departure, our dedicated team is available around the clock to ensure your Moroccan travel journey is smooth, enjoyable, and entirely worry-free.

More Than a Trip: Crafting Lifelong Memories in Morocco

Practicalities of Your Visit in Morocco: The Most Important Guidelines of Your Morocco Tour Guide
Well, to have everything go just right and experience to the fullest the magic of an Essaouira vacation and the magic of Moroccan travel, it can help to know these handy hints, your very own moroccan travel agency experts, your guide to the most memorable morocco tours and attractions you can do in Essaouira:
• Best Times to Visit: To experience the best temperatures in every region, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable to visit in, particularly morocco desert trips and atlas mountains tour activities. The wind can blow in Essaouira during the summer which is excellent when it comes to watersports but not so good when you want to sunbathe. Your personal consultant may guide you as to when is a good time according to your particular itinerary.
• Packing with Purpose: Morocco also has a vast climate depending on regions and seasons. A wind breaker or lightweight jacket, this is essential in Eth Ssaouira even on hot summer nights. Bring layering clothes to wear in warm and cool weather. One of the requirements to discover the medina and any atlas mountains day trip, in general, is comfortable and robust walking shoes. Do not forget an oversized hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sun shades.
• Hydration Always Comes First: Hydrating should be the main priority. During your drinking-water trips in Morocco, at warmer times and morocco desert trip, it is advisable to consume a lot of bottled water. Your personal car will never run out.

Cultural Etiquette: Warm Welcomes & the Gift of Mint Tea
Learn a Few Phrases: A little bit of elementary knowledge of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) to be able to say the greeting (Salam Alaikum), thank you (Shukran) and no, thank you (La shukran) will go a long way with the locals and this alone can make a big difference in your communication.
• Cash on Local Charms: Although the large hotels and restaurants take cards, it is wise to carry small change of the Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) to make small purchases in the souaks or in the street food, as well as tipping.
• Respectful Photography: It is always best to get permission of taking the photograph of a person, more so in a more rural setting or in a traditional corner. Your personal guide can best guide you on this and will do it with the help of respectful interaction when you come to morocco tours.
• Flawless Connections: Sophisticated camps and salubrious hotels tend to give impressive Wi-Fi connectivity. To be connected everywhere with no interruptions to your connectivity, your own driver will also help you in case you want to have a local SIM card.
Doing it with Morocco Desert Trips, you will be completely ready to enjoy all the marvelous moments of your journey to Morocco.

Your Unforgettable Journey to the Best Things to Do in Essaouira Awaits with Morocco Desert Trips!

Treating yourself to a tour of the best activities to do in Essaouira is not simply a choice, it is an offer to resonate with a deep journey, a discovery in time, space, and nature in a pleasant destiny at a serene pace in conditions of comfort and personalized care. A trip to Morocco should be an experience like no other; whether it is the electric folklore of the souks and squares of Marrakech or the calm beauty of the Atlas mountains or the golden dunes of the Sahara in a morocco desert tours, you are sure to have the time of your life.

We believe that what sets us apart at Morocco Desert Trips as the top morocco tours experts is that we are not only dream weavers but also leaders in morocco tours. Depending ridefully on your interests, we can organize the highest-quality morocco tours, which carefully crafted to comply, and the practices offering the best services to our travelers.

Stop letting your ambition of going through the best things to do in Essaouira be a dream. When you are ready to explore the beautiful Sahara on a morocco desert tour, the exciting life of Marrakech on marrakech day trips, the grandeur of atlas mountains day trip from marrakech or on luxury trip to morocco, contact Morocco Desert Trips. Ensure we also assist you in bringing on board the journey of a lifetime, in helping you make your dreams in Moroccan travel come true. Come on primal adventure!