Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech

Two hours away from bustling Marrakech lies the laid-back beach city of Essaouira. Bright and breezy, this Atlantic-facing locale actually translates to “little picture” in Arabic, no doubt for the picturesque backdrops that frame every photo taken here. Think a blue-and-white medina, sand-coloured walls, historic stone gates and beaches made for strolling...

This self-guided tour means each traveler is left to explore at their own leisure – the best way to approach this charming town. “The bustling inner walled city is much easier to navigate than you’d imagine,” says Linda Cookson of The Telegraph. A series of linked passageways forms a central spine leading directly from the northern gate, Bab Doukkala, to the main square of Place MoulayHassan, by the waterfront.

Our suggested itinerary starts at the old ports, which recently served as a filming location for Game of Thrones’ Astapor. Walking the ramparts is theiconic thing to do here, where the old cannons point out to sea.

Next, hit the beach! After soaking in the atmosphere, you can wander to the open-air markets where you can pick up the day’s catch for lunch. Dine as the locals do by bringing fresh seafood to a street-level restaurant for grilling. De-licious!

Later on, you can browse the colorful souks and cedar woodworking/sculpture shops at the UNESCO-listed Medina, or head to the organic Argan Oil cooperatives nearby.

Skala du Port, on the south end of the seaside, is another must-see. Here you’ll find the small fort, the harbour and those famous blue fishing boats. Get your iconic Essaouira shot here, where the tower overlooks the medina!