To finish our trip to Morocco, we went to explore a seaside town called Essaouira. This town constitutes the perfect day trip from Marrakesh as you can access it by bus in only 3H. Known for its white buildings and the numerous small blue boats parked in its port, visiting Essaouira gives you the opportunity to see another facet of Morocco.

HOW TO GET TO ESSAOUIRA?

To get to Essaouira, the easiest way is to buy train tickets on ONCF-voyages.ma. Return tickets cost 200 dirhams per passenger (about 19€). To take the bus, you must go to the Marrakesh Bus Station (Gare Routière). The journey lasts 3 hours and a break is made in the middle in a shop if you need to grab anything to eat or drink or if you need to use a restroom.

WHAT TO DO IN ESSAOUIRA?

• Visit the port: You will see fishermen selling their catch of the day and hundreds of traditional small blue boats parked in the port. It is a must-see in Essaouira!

• Go to the beach: The beach in Essaouira is quite pretty and it is a great place to see the sunset.

• Shop til you drop: Like in Marrakesh, the main streets of the town are like a giant souk and you will find many of the same type of merchandise as in the Marrakesh souks. However, I found it much nicer to shop in Essaouira as there was a lot less people.
• Visit the Ensemble Artisanal: Just like in Marrakesh, Essaouira has its Ensemble Artisanal where local craftmen sell their creations. I bought absolutely beautiful silver earrings there. Keep it in mind as it is also a great place to buy souvenirs!
• Walk along the remparts and enjoy the great views on the sea from there!

• Explore the town: Have a nice stroll in Essaouira’s streets to enjoy the great atmosphere of this seaside town!

WHERE TO EAT IN ESSAOUIRA?

If you want to find great food in a beautifully-decorated and comfortable local restaurant, you must visit the lovely La Petite Perle restaurant – https://maps.app.goo.gl/1in5vSe8N8YL8vLs5. Located near the entrance of the town from where the bus will leave you, this restaurant named The Little Pearl in French is home to very hospitable staff and great local food. Once there, sit back and sip delicious Moroccan tea alonside your meal. I recommend their grilled sea bream costing 80 dirhams (around 7,5€).

Hope you enjoyed this article on Essaouira. Feel free to comment what you thought if you have been there too!

Stay tuned for my next article about a wonderful trip to England!