Essaouira in 2 Days: the Ideal Itinerary
Essaouira is best enjoyed slowly: a human-scale medina, the Atlantic wind, the blue port and sunsets on the ramparts. Two days let you enjoy the town, then the beach and nearby dunes.
To visit Essaouira in 2 days, spend day 1 in town: the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, its galleries and souks, the Skala de la Ville and its cannons facing the ocean, then the fishing port and its blue boats, before sunset on the ramparts. Day 2 is for the ocean and the dunes: a surf lesson in the morning (4.9/5 from more than 500 reviews, from €22), then a horse ride or quad ride in the dunes late in the day. Those seeking calm can also head to the village of Sidi Kaouki. Essaouira is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Marrakech, making it an ideal stop after the red city.
At a Glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medina, galleries, souks | Skala de la Ville, fishing port | Sunset on the ramparts |
| 2 | Surf lesson | Horse or quad ride in the dunes | Fish dinner at the port |
Day 1 — The Medina and the Port
Stroll through the medina, between thuya-wood workshops and art galleries. Climb onto the Skala de la Ville, then head to the fishing port as the boats come in. End on the ramparts at sunset. See what to do in Essaouira.
Day 2 — Ocean and Dunes
Surf in the morning, when the wind is lighter, then ride a horse or a quad through the dunes and forest south of town. See the 10 best things to do in Essaouira, surf lessons and horse riding in Essaouira.
Activities to Book
| Activity | Rating | Reviews | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-hour surf lesson | 4.9 | 515 | 2 h | €22 |
| Half-day quad ride in the dunes | 4.9 | 337 | 3 h | €69 |
| 1-hour horse ride | 4.8 | 287 | 1 h | €34 |
| Cooking class with a chef | 5.0 | 211 | 3 h | €37 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they vary with the season.
See activities in Essaouira· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Transport and Tips
- From Marrakech: about 2.5 to 3 hours by bus, transfer or tour. See Marrakech or Essaouira.
- From Agadir: about 3 hours along the coast. See Agadir to Marrakech.
- Wind: it blows mostly in the afternoon, great for board sports, less so for the beach.
Where to Stay
A riad in the medina to do everything on foot, or a seafront hotel to the south for surfing. See where to stay in Essaouira and the best riads in Essaouira.
See accommodation in Essaouira· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
FAQ — Essaouira in 2 Days
Are two days enough for Essaouira?
What should you not miss in Essaouira?
Can beginners surf in Essaouira?
How do you get to Essaouira from Marrakech?
What can you do in Essaouira with a third day?
Conclusion
Two days in Essaouira offer the perfect balance of medina, ocean and dunes. To continue, see Imsouane and Sidi Kaouki.
