Essaouira is a fortified port on the Atlantic coast, about 190 km (around 3 hours) west of Marrakech. Its 18th-century medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, sea ramparts (the Skala) and a working fishing harbour where you can eat grilled fish straight from the boats.
The steady trade wind makes it a centre for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and keeps temperatures pleasant even in summer. Our Essaouira day trip from Marrakech usually stops at an argan oil cooperative on the way and leaves free time to explore the medina, port and beach at your own pace.
Best time to visit: all year. It is cooler than Marrakech in summer, and the wind is usually strongest from spring to late summer.
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Swap the city for the Atlantic: an argan cooperative on the way, then about five hours of free time in Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina, ramparts and fishing port.
