The Perfect 2–3 Day Essaouira Itinerary: Exploring Morocco’s Windy City

At first, with a nickname like “Windy City,” I didn’t think I’d enjoy Essaouira that much. I don’t like cold water or windswept, tangled hair. And was it really different than Tamraght or Taghazout, two surfing villages further south?

But then, I spent a few days in Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed, 18th-century fortified old town, which turned into weeks!

Between its historic medina, long beach, and sand dunes, there’s plenty to discover in just two or three days in Essaouira.

While it may be called Morocco’s Windy City, Essaouira is so much more than that.

It could also be the “Cat City,” named after the thousands of felines that live inside the Old Medina’s fortified walls. Or maybe Morocco’s laid-back “Coastal Coffee Town,” with its numerous cafes and bars tucked away in its many, maze-like alleys.

Essaouira is a time capsule and melting pot of multicultures that is well worth exploring, and slowly.

Whether you visit over the weekend from Marrakesh or as part of a larger road trip itinerary, you won’t regret spending a few days in Essaouira.

After all, there’s much to discover here—from kitesurfing and dune ATVing to enjoying Gnawa music and art galleries, and more.

In this guide, I’ll share how to spend a relaxed, not rushed, two or three days in Morocco’s beloved Windy City.

The Perfect, Slow Essaouira Itinerary for a 2–3 Day Trip

📱 eSIM for Morocco: Use Airalo to get online immediately when you land in Morocco.

✈️ Travel Insurance: I recommend signing up for SafetyWing—the best insurance for remote workers and affordable at $56/4 weeks.

💨 Weather: Essaouira can get windy and chilly—pack a jacket, and prepare for cooler nights even in summer.

🚌 Getting there from Marrakesh: Rent a car or book with 12Go to go by comfy AC bus.

Essaouira is easily “doable” with a short itinerary. You will be worlds away from hectic Marrakesh, so there’s no point in making a big to-do list and rushing through it.

In this itinerary, you’ll explore Essaouira deeply and get glimpses into locals’ daily lives as you tour around.

• Day 1: Arrive, explore the medina, visit the port, sunset at the ramparts!
• Day 2: Choose your local adventure: beach + watersports or argan co-op + cooking class
• Day 3 (Optional): Day trip to Sidi Kaouki, hammam, chill rooftop café time

Read more below for a detailed breakdown including food, activities, lodging recommendations, and more.

Day 1: Explore Essaouira’s Heart, the Old Medina & Port

First, if you’re arriving by bus from Marrakesh, you’ll make your way on foot into the Old Medina to check into your accommodation.

I highly recommend staying in the heart of Essaouira, inside the Medina’s walls, to make the most of your time.

There are a handful of gorgeous Moroccan riads or even budget-friendly hostels for backpackers and nomads.

💎 I recommend staying at Salut Maroc for its beautiful, creative design, or Riad Emotion for a quieter stay.

–> You can read more in my guide on riads and hotels in Essaouira for additional recommendations.

Wherever you choose, drop your bags and step into the magic of this breezy coastal town!

Old Medina

Head straight to the main square on your first day, and then take a quieter turn off Rue d’Agadir to explore the less-polished and crowded alleys behind Bab Doukkala.

In the back alleys, it’s a different experience from the tourist “strip” where you feel bombarded and sold to. You’ll find workshops where artisans carve thuya wood from the Moroccan Thuja tree into intricate boxes, plus many other artisan shops—argan oil, pillows, jewelry, and more.

Shops, cafes, and boutiques I liked are:

• Raffia Rafik — Colorful Essaouira-made, Moroccan-style shoes.
• Galerie d’Art Damgaard — Old gallery in town, with lots of local artwork!
• Cafe L’Esprit — Super cute indoor/outdoor alleyway coffee shop.
• Tissage Artisanal (Atelier de Tissage Omar Bahja) — For socially responsible textiles, home goods, and, of course, iconic Moroccan blankets and throws!

Fishing Port

The next must-do on your itinerary should be to visit the local fishing port of Essaouira.

If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid eating at the seafood stalls right by the water off the square. It’s tempting, but we’ve heard the sanitation is not the cleanest. Instead, you can try Chez Sam—a spot known for its seafood.

Be warned—the port can feel chaotic and unpleasant if you’re squeamish. Fish guts spill out of buckets, seagulls swoop down low to claim their free scraps, and fishermen bustle about with gear and nets.

There are a few stand-up shacks where you can try the fresh catch, such as mussels, clams, and more! But mostly, the seaport is a lively hub where locals browse and select their next meal for their families and restaurant menus.

I’ve taken my camera to document—or try—the organized chaos, but many locals are wary of foreigners with cameras and will shoo you away. Always ask permission.

Despite the hecticness, I loved coming here. It is a visual feast and an immersive opportunity to see how the seaport operates daily.

You can also see the fish night market at the Souk Jedid (the new central marketplace) on the north end of the medina, along Avenue Zerktouni. This market is also lively during the day with merchants selling veggies, fruit, dates, nuts, and olives. So many olives! 🫒

Skala de la Ville (Ramparts)

For golden hour, make your way up to the Skala de la Ville, the ramparts of the medina, which you may recognize from Game of Thrones.

Instead of entering from the main gate, visit the side alleys off the northern medina walls.

The stone walkways and merchant shops here are quieter, and the views are arguably better—cannons still line the walls and point to the silhouette of the uninhabited Îles Purpuraires, once home to Phoenician dye factories.

Essaouira’s sunsets are dramatic and worth waiting for—you can linger here a while or I recommend heading up to the rooftop of Salut Maroc—yes, the same Riad boutique hotel!

It has a beautiful cocktail bar and terrace with great ocean views that is also open to non-guests.

Dinner & Live Music

For dinner, skip the popular rooftop restaurants and try these tucked-away spots:

• Triskala — a gorgeous, cozy restaurant with fresh, locally sourced fish and veggies from their permaculture farm. We came here with friends and it was delicious! Reservations recommended.
• Caravane Café — artsy little space, good ratings
• Umia — also well-rated, but it was closed for weeks when we were there!
• A local restaurant, I don’t know the name of, but can be found located midway on Derb Moulay Rachid. The BEST chicken lemon tajine I had in Morocco (photo for proof).

If you want to end the night on a high note, join the locals and musicians at a rooftop bar. Taros Bar on the corner of the main drag usually has live music most nights!

Day 2: Enjoy Essaouira’s Cultural & Outdoor Activities

For day two, choose 1–2 Essaouira-unique activities to fill your day—for example, surfing, dune ATVing, cooking classes, photo tours, and argan oil cooperatives.

Surfing & Sand Dunes

If you’re feeling up for it, take advantage of Essaouira’s famous wind gusts and take a guided surfing lesson or kitesurfing class.

Depending on the time of year, the water may be chilly. For us during winter, while days were mild, the water was still pretty cold. However, that doesn’t stop the surfers and kitesurfers! In summer, the water may be warmer, but we’ve heard from locals that the wind chill can be even colder. Umm?

While I didn’t surf in Essaouira, I did in Tamraght/Taghazout further south, and can still attest to the cold water. Wetsuits required!

You can try a guided lesson (recommended for beginners) or rent your own gear and head out.

If surfing isn’t your vibe, worry not; there’s more to do in Essaouira to fill a 2 or 3-day itinerary!

For non-water activities, you can go ATVing on Essaouira’s dunes to explore the land beyond the city walls or even sign up for an e-bike tour.

Camel rides and horse rides are also on offer along the main beach, but I’d encourage a more cultural experience in Essaouira.

Argan Oil Cooperatives

Other than cooking classes, art galleries, and photo walking tours inside the medina, you can also visit and support a women-led argan oil cooperative, such as the Marjana Cooperative (Coopérative d’Argan Marjana) located roughly 25–30 minutes outside of town.

Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how traditional argan oil is made by hand without machinery.

Not only are local co-ops a great place to support local women and families, but the oils and cosmetics sold are often purer (and more ethically sourced) than those sold in tourist shops.

Argan Haha in town also looks reliable for organic, certified argan. Before you buy anywhere, just make sure to check for certifications.

Day 3 in Essaouira: Hammams, Day Trips, & More

For your final day in Essaouira, I recommend hanging out more in the medina and relaxing.

You could indulge in a Moroccan scrub at a local hammam, or chill with a coffee in a cozy cafe. I honestly just loved to wander around with my camera.

I adore Café L’Esprit—perfect for quiet afternoons tucked away in the medina with a book and coffee in hand.

As for hammams, some top-rated ones in the medina are:

• Hammam Mounia
• Sidi Magdoul Spa
• Azur Art & Spa
• Spa Zen

But if you’re eager to explore, a day trip would be perfect, also.

For an unforgettable side adventure, Sidi Kaouki is a popular choice for taking things even slower. There’s not much to do there, but that’s kind of the point.

The village remains wild, untouched, and beautiful, and is worth visiting if you have flexibility in your Essaouira itinerary.

To learn more, read my lovely friend Sharon’s Sidi Kaouki guide for everything you need to know.

Sidi, plus Imsouane further south, also make good pit-stop options on your way down the coast toward Tamraght/Taghazout, especially if you have your own rental car and are road-tripping the coast, or want to turn inland toward the Sahara Desert from Agadir.

Flights out of Agadir is also possible, and is how we actually entered Morocco the first time!

Otherwise, returning to Marrakesh from Essaouira by bus is super easy and comfortable. You can book your onward journey via 12Go.

Ultimately, if a weekend in Essaouira feels right, it’s a sign! Follow the Windy City’s whispers and enjoy one of Morocco’s most underrated coastal towns and historic seaports.

💡 Have any questions about visiting Essaouira? For long stays, check out my Essaouira digital nomad guide.