Essaouira, the City of Wind

Overview

Head for the ocean. The road crosses the argan plain — with the classic stop at a women's argan cooperative — before reaching Essaouira, the former Mogador. Its fortified UNESCO medina is explored on foot: the Skala ramparts, thuya woodwork studios, art galleries and the fishing port with its blue boats. Grilled fish lunch facing the ocean, then free time on the beach or in the souks before heading back.

Highlights

• UNESCO-listed fortified medina
• Skala ramparts facing the Atlantic
• Fishing port and its blue boats
• Argan oil cooperative on the way
• Free time on the beach and a fish lunch

Day by day

1. 1

   08:00

   Departure

   Drive west across the argan plain.

2. 2

   09:30

   Argan cooperative

   Stop at a women's cooperative with tasting.

3. 3

   10:30

   Arrival in Essaouira

   Walk through the medina and along the Skala ramparts.

4. 4

   13:00

   Lunch

   Grilled fish at the port or on a terrace (own expense).

5. 5

   14:30

   Free time

   Beach, souks, art galleries or a camel ride.

6. 6

   17:00

   Return

   Back in Marrakech in the early evening.