2 Days in Essaouira: How to Plan the Perfect Coastal Getaway in Morocco

Essaouira is the perfect breather on a whirlwind trip through Morocco. With breezy coastal vibes, a compact medina, and none of the hustle you’ll find in Marrakech or Fes, this artsy fishing town is a favorite for good reason. That’s why I’m so excited to share this 2 days in Essaouira itinerary with you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to spend 2 days in Essaouira — including the best things to do, where to eat, my favorite riads (spoiler: they’re insanely charming), and even some Game of Thrones filming locations. Whether you’re here for fresh seafood, gallery hopping, or just wandering the medina with mint tea in hand, you’ll find Essaouira hits that sweet spot of relaxed travel with just enough to do.

Happy travels to Morocco!

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How to get to Essaouira from Marrakech

Essaouira might feel like a world away from the buzz of Marrakech, but it’s actually an easy (and affordable!) trip to make. Located just under three hours from the city, this breezy coastal town is a must-stop for anyone craving sea air, relaxed vibes, and a break from the heat and hustle of inland Morocco.

There are no trains running between Marrakech and Essaouira, but you’ve got three solid options to get there: a public bus, private transfer, or a shared Grand Taxi. Each one has its pros and cons depending on your budget, timeline, and comfort level.

Take the Bus (Budget-Friendly and Easy)

The Supratours bus is one of the most popular options, especially for travelers on a budget. It runs several times a day, costs about 100 dirham (~$10 USD) each way, and takes about 3 hours, including a quick stop mid-journey. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and drop you off near the medina — so chances are, you can walk to your hotel.

A few tips:

• Luggage under the bus costs an additional 5 dirham per bag, paid separately.
• Be firm with porters at the bus stop — they’ll often insist on taking your bags to your hotel, but this is a paid service (and not affiliated with your hotel).
• Book tickets in advance online or at the station — buses can fill up, especially during high season.

Book a Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)

Want a door-to-door experience? A private transfer is the easiest — and priciest — option. It’ll cost around $100–$120 USD per car, but if you’re traveling with a group, it can be well worth it. You’ll get picked up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech and dropped directly at your door in Essaouira.

If comfort and ease are more important than price, this is the way to go.

Ride in a Grand Taxi (Somewhere in Between)

If you want something more affordable than a private driver but still a bit more convenient than the bus, consider hiring a Grand Taxi. These fixed-route shared taxis cost around 600 dirham (~$60 USD) for the full car. You can often find drivers at major taxi stations or have your hotel help arrange one.

Just be sure to confirm the price in advance and ask to see the official rate card if needed.

👉 Want more help planning your travel day? Check out my full guide on how to get to Essaouira from Marrakech — with details on each option, luggage tips, and how to avoid common traveler mistakes.

Where to Stay: Best Riads in Essaouira

One of the first choices you’ll need to make when planning your trip to Essaouira is where to stay: inside the Medina or by the beach. Both have perks—and depending on your travel style, one might suit you better than the other.

Staying in the Medina puts you in the heart of the action. You’ll be within walking distance of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites like the Ramparts. It’s a maze of charm, and staying here gives you a true taste of Moroccan culture. Just know that most riads are tucked inside narrow alleyways—meaning you’ll need to walk from your drop-off point, and some may have stairs and limited accessibility.

Staying near the beach, on the other hand, means more modern hotels, larger rooms, and access to pools (which are rare in the Medina). If you’re looking for a more resort-style stay or planning to spend your time lounging seaside, this is your spot. The beach area is a 15–30 minute walk from the Medina, depending on where you stay.

How to Spend 2 Days in Essaouira

Essaouira is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Two days here gives you the perfect blend of seaside charm, medina wanderings, and a taste of local culture. Here’s how I’d recommend spending your time.

Day 1: Medina Wandering, History & Seafood by the Sea

Morning:
Start your day with a rooftop breakfast at your riad—many include traditional Moroccan spreads with breads, eggs, fruit, and mint tea.

After breakfast, head out to explore the Old Medina. The city’s medina is smaller and far less chaotic than those in Marrakech or Fes, making it a joy to explore on foot. Stop into unique boutiques like L’Atelier-Café, Basma Boutique, and Histoire de Filles for souvenirs that go beyond the usual pottery and rugs.

Midday:
Make your way to Bayt Dakira, the Jewish heritage museum tucked into the medina. It’s free to visit and tells the story of Essaouira’s once-thriving Jewish population. Bring Google Translate—the signage is mostly in French and Arabic.

Then walk to the Sqala du Port d’Essaouira, the city’s ramparts and one of the Game of Thrones filming locations. You’ll get sweeping coastal views and a sense of the city’s rich maritime history.

Lunch:
Head down to the fishing port and buy your own fish straight from the docks. Many restaurants will cook it for you, served up with fresh bread and salad for a small fee. It’s as local (and fresh) as it gets.

Afternoon:
Relax on the main Essaouira Beach. It’s breezy and often filled with windsurfers and families enjoying the waves. If you’d rather swim, consider heading to a hotel pool with a day pass—Villa Beldi and Heure Bleue Palais are both great options.

Evening:
Enjoy dinner at Cafe Restaurant Berber, where I still dream about the seffa (sweet and savory Moroccan noodles). The Moroccan food here really is incredible. Or head to La Licorne for something a bit more upscale with seaside views.

Day 2: Local Experiences, Culture & Sunset Views

Morning:
Grab a light breakfast and visit the port by 9:00 AM to watch the fishermen returning with the day’s catch. Then stroll the Sunday Market if your visit overlaps—an off-the-beaten-path spot to score antiques or fresh fruit alongside locals.

Lunch:
For a more relaxed midday meal, stop by Sisterhood Coffee or KAHWA Cafe—Essaouira’s women-friendly cafés with great snacks and strong coffee.

Afternoon:
Dive into a hands-on experience. You could:

• Take a cooking class and learn to make tajine or seffa from a local host
• Or opt for an adventure riding an ATV along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline

Evening:
For your last dinner, try Triskala Café for its artsy vibe and organic, vegetarian-friendly menu—or go back for seconds at your favorite spot from Day 1.

What to Do in Essaouira

Visit the Beach

Essaouira has two public beaches. The main beach is located just south of the old medina walls and is perfect to watch windsurfers on the sea and locals sunbathing with their families, too.

There is a beach located north of the media as well, which is rockier with tidal pools you can explore when the tide is out. The beach to the north has more trash piled along the shoreline but has fewer tourists. 

Explore Jewish history at Bayt Dakira

Morocco had a sizable Jewish population until the 1960s. The Jewish population brought a rich history and culture to Morocco. Their impact is seen throughout the towns and cities today. At Bayt Dakira you can visit the lasting impact of the Jewish community in Essaouira.

The museum is free to visit but be sure to bring your Google Translate (none of the displays are in English).

Snag some antiques at the local Sunday Market

Not much is written on the Sunday Market. The market is located north of town on Moulay Hicham , about 30 minutes north of the medina. Here you’ll find locals selling anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes to antiques. The market itself is extremely local and if you’re in need of a rug or vintage Moroccan items this is a great place to get a fair price.

Shop along the medina

The small town medina has a variety of shops perfect for finding unique souvenirs. Yes, there are shops selling the usual pottery and leather goods. However, I found more variety for unique items compared to the other medinas in Morocco.

Some shops to check out are historie de filles (unique clothing and accessories at high-end prices), l’Atelier-Café Boutique (adorable souvenirs and food products), Basma Boutique (clothing and shoes), and Chez Touriya Arganisme (cosmetics).

Visit coffee shops made for everyone

Oftentimes the coffee culture of Moroccan can be intimidating for women traveling through. After all, most men don’t allow (yes, this statement comes from many local men I spoke with about it) women to visit coffee shops. However, Essouira has made a welcoming environment for women with unique coffee shops that serve baked goods and oftentimes have small boutiques inside as well.

Some favorites include KAHWA Cafe, l’Atelier-Café, and Sisterhood Coffee. 

Get a day pass to a pool

There are few hotels with pools inside the medina walls but if you want to stay in one it doesn’t mean you can’t visit some of the lovely poolside hotels near the city center. Many hotels offer pool day passes, where you can pay a flat fee and enjoy the pool for the day.

Some favorites include Villa Beldi, La Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa, and Heure Bleue Palais. And, if you need a towel, head to one of the many vendors selling turkish towels in the medina and snag one for about $7 USD. 

See the fisherman coming in to port

If you head to the fishing port before 9:00 AM you’ll see boats returning and organizing their fresh catch of the day. It’s a nice way to visit local life without the crowds of tourists, too. Here you’ll find small boat fishermen but also larger, commercial ships organizing their ropes and nets from the day’s work, too.

Buy a fish for lunch at the port

A favorite activity is picking the best fish to buy and bring to a local restaurant to prepare it from the port. You can either buy fish directly from the restaurant or choose to buy from the docks directly (this tends to be a bit cheaper). Fish is based on the day’s catch but you can usually find anything from red snapper to monkfish to crab and lobster.

The fisherman will weigh your choice and you’ll pay based on the total weight of your choice. Then the restaurant will offer a flat rate fee to cook for you.

See the Game of Thrones filming locations

There are two main Game of Thrones filming locations that are fantastic, free things to do in Essaouira, too. The Ramparts and docks areas both offer stunning views. 

Pro tip! Visit the Ramparts early in the morning or at sunset. The crowds are fewer in the mornings but many locals love to watch the sunset over the Ramparts in the evening.

Check out the local art galleries

Essaouira is home to many beautiful art galleries showcasing the best artists in the area. You’ll find both the buildings and the arts a stunning display. Keep in mind that nothing has a price but typically the galleries are pretty good at working with your budget. 

Some of my favorite ones visited include La Grotte Des Arts, Le Real Mogador, and Gallery Kasbah.

Mini Food Guide to Essaouira

Essaouira might not be Morocco’s biggest food city, but it packs a punch when it comes to fresh seafood, hidden local gems, and coastal flavors with a twist. Whether you want to eat like a local or treat yourself to a rooftop dinner with ocean views, there’s something here for every kind of traveler (and budget).

With only 2 days in Essaouira you’ll have to pick your favorites. But that means there’s more for your next visit, too.

Fresh Seafood at the Port

One of the most popular things to do in Essaouira is buy fish directly from the port and have it cooked up for lunch. You’ll find fishmongers with the day’s catch—everything from snapper and sardines to lobster—ready to be weighed and priced on the spot. Then, take it to a nearby stall where they’ll grill it for a small fee and serve it with bread, salad, and lemon. Simple, salty, and perfect.

Travel Tip! If you’re unsure about haggling at the docks, some restaurants near the port offer this service directly—just point and they’ll handle the rest.

Café Culture with a Twist

Unlike many Moroccan cities, Essaouira’s café culture is welcoming to everyone—women, solo travelers, and anyone looking to post up for an hour or two. Some local favorites:

• KAHWA Café – Cozy and quiet with great espresso and wifi.
• Icknick Café – Known for its iced tea and charming little breakfasts.
• Sisterhood Coffee – Woman-owned and full of great energy, baked goods, and a boutique attached.

Must-Try Moroccan Dishes in Essaouira

• Seffa (Sweet Couscous): Often topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, it’s a specialty worth hunting down—Restaurant Berber has a solid version.
• Fish Tagine: With the coast right there, this dish is a natural choice. Try it at Chez Sam or Triskala for something slightly more elevated.
• Kefta Mkaouara (Meatball Tagine): A hearty, tomato-based tagine with eggs poached right in the sauce.
• Moroccan Salads: Served as small plates to start your meal—zesty, veggie-packed, and usually seasonal.

Restaurants to Bookmark

• Restaurant Bab Ssour – Traditional Moroccan dishes with a great rooftop view.
• Triana – A low-key spot with goat cheese and iced tea on a breezy patio.
• Al Wiam – A no-frills favorite for authentic couscous and tagine.
• Umia – For a more upscale dining experience with Mediterranean fusion.
• Taros Café – Touristy but fun for drinks and sunset views.

Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Essaouira

Essaouira might not be packed with bucket-list landmarks or famous attractions—and that’s exactly why it’s so special. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and fall in love with the in-between moments: the breeze off the ocean, the call to prayer echoing through the medina, the smell of grilled fish at the port.

Which is why I love it. You can have 2 days in Essaouira or 7 days. It’s all amazing.

Whether you’re here for a couple of days to reset or as a quick escape from the chaos of Marrakech, Essaouira delivers. From laid-back riads to coastal eats and calm beaches, it’s one of the easiest places to simply exist as a traveler in Morocco. No hard sells, no tight schedules—just time to enjoy.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own slow, beautiful couple of days here. You might just find it becomes your favorite stop in Morocco, too.

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