The Atlantic Coast
The coast gives the trip a different rhythm: Essaouira's port, sea wind, argan country, and a slower day after the dust of the interior.
What stands out
Why this place stays with people
- Essaouira medina
- Atlantic fishing port
- Argan countryside
- Coastal lunch stops
Best time to go
The coast is useful almost all year. It is cooler than Marrakech in summer and breezy in winter.
From the driver's seat
Essaouira works well as a day trip, but it is even better when you stay overnight and let the town slow you down.
Visitor guide
Your guide to Coast
How long to stay
One or two nights. Essaouira alone deserves two.
Getting there
Essaouira is about three hours from Marrakech, Agadir about three hours by motorway.
Worth seeing
- The old medina and sea walls of Essaouira
- The lagoon and oysters of Oualidia
- The Portuguese cistern at El Jadida
- The surf villages of Taghazout and Imsouane
- Birdlife in the Souss-Massa National Park
Good to know
- The Atlantic is cool and often windy, even in summer. Bring a jacket for the evenings.
- Currents can be strong. Swim where locals swim, and stay out when the red flag is up.
- Seafood is the reason to come. Choose your fish at the port grills and agree the price first.
Routes through here
Ways to make it part of the trip
4 Days · 3 Nights4-Day Tangier to Fes Tour via Chefchaouen
The Blue North$520–$720 per person · accommodation included
5 Days · 4 Nights5-Day Morocco Coast Tour: Marrakech to Casablanca
Argan, Oysters and the Atlantic$690–$940 per person · accommodation included
8 Days · 7 Nights8-Day Sahara & Essaouira Tour from Marrakech
Desert and Ocean$1150–$1540 per person · accommodation includedCoast, your way
Tell me when you're coming
Send your dates and who's travelling, and I'll suggest the best way to fit it into your trip.