Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Up to 32 °C in the days ahead — do the walking in the morning and spend midday indoors.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Surf Lesson in Essaouira
5.0· 196from €30
Surf Lesson in Essaouira — rated 5 from 196 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Taghazout
Taghazout is 160 km from Essaouira, about 2h 47m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in EssaouiraA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
Group Kitesurfing lesson with a Local in Essaouira Morocco
5.0· 176from €55
Group Kitesurfing lesson with a Local in Essaouira Morocco — rated 5 from 176 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
All day
Oualidia
Oualidia is 200 km from Essaouira, about 2h 48m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in EssaouiraA calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
Individual Lessons of Kite Surf in Essaouira
5.0· 114from €90
Individual Lessons of Kite Surf in Essaouira — rated 5 from 114 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Where you can drive from Essaouira.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Surf Lesson in Essaouira
€30
Group Kitesurfing lesson with a Local in Essaouira Morocco
€55
Individual Lessons of Kite Surf in Essaouira
€90
Moroccan cooking class in Essaouira city
€45
Ryad Watier & SPA
from €121 / night
Villa Quieta
from €128 / night
Riad Chbanate
from €181 / night
Villa des Hauts Mogador
from €127 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
Very good service
My wife and I came for lunch. Staff here are very attentive, noticing our age they proactively adjusted the fan away from blowing directly at us. Food was clean and well-seasoned, not salty. Tables and chairs kept tidy. Will recommend to friends when visiting Da Nang.
Delicious tajine
I had a vegetable tajine and it was really delicious! Also had amaroccan tea. The people were friendly, would recommend people going here!