Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
6 private trips · from 1 day to 24 days · starting from Marrakech, Casablanca
Morocco's Atlantic coast is where the country slows down. Essaouira, three hours from Marrakech, has a UNESCO-listed medina, a lively fishing port and fresh sea breezes all summer; further south lie Agadir and the surf village of Taghazout, and in the north the white town of Asilah.
Visit Essaouira on a day trip from Marrakech, or choose a longer tour that ends with a few relaxing days by the ocean before you fly home. Our Essaouira travel guide covers what to see.
All trips (6)
Plan with our guides
City guideEssaouira Travel Guide: Morocco's Windy, Artistic Atlantic Port
A complete Essaouira travel guide: the UNESCO-listed medina, the ramparts and Skala, the fishing port, beaches, kitesurfing, Gnaoua music and argan oil.
PlanningThe best time to visit Morocco, season by season
Spring, autumn, summer or winter? What the weather is really like in Marrakech, the Sahara, the Atlas and on the coast — and which trips suit each season.
PlanningHow many days do you need in Morocco? Itineraries from 3 to 24 days
From a three-day desert escape to a three-week grand tour: realistic Morocco itineraries by length, with driving times and the private tours that match.
City guideAgadir Travel Guide: Beaches, Sunshine and the Souss Valley
Plan a sunny holiday in Agadir, Morocco: the best beaches, Agadir Oufella Kasbah and cable car, Souk El Had and surfing in Taghazout.
City guideAsilah Travel Guide: Murals, Ramparts and Atlantic Sunsets
Plan a trip to Asilah, Morocco's artistic seaside town: the whitewashed medina, street murals, Portuguese ramparts and Raissouni Palace.
City guideEl Jadida Travel Guide: The Portuguese City of Mazagan
Explore El Jadida, Morocco: the UNESCO-listed Portuguese City of Mazagan, the famous Portuguese Cistern, the ramparts and beaches.
City guideDakhla Travel Guide: Kitesurfing, Lagoons and Where the Desert Meets the Ocean
A complete Dakhla travel guide: the famous kitesurfing lagoon, the White Dune, Dragon Island, hot springs, desert excursions, oysters and seafood.
Village guideTaghazout Travel Guide: Surf, Sunsets and Slow Living on Morocco's Atlantic Coast
Plan your trip to Taghazout, Morocco's famous surf village near Agadir: the best surf spots like Anchor Point and Killer Point, surf camps and yoga.
Village guideImsouane Travel Guide: Morocco's Longest Wave and a Village in Transition
Everything you need to know about Imsouane, the small fishing village between Agadir and Essaouira famous for one of Africa's longest right-hand waves.
Village guideTafraoute Travel Guide: Pink Granite, Almond Blossoms and the Anti-Atlas
Discover Tafraoute in Morocco's Anti-Atlas: the pink granite landscapes, the Ameln Valley, the painted rocks and Napoleon's Hat.
Sight guideParadise Valley Near Agadir: Palm Gorges, Rock Pools and How to Visit
Plan a day trip to Paradise Valley near Agadir and Taghazout: what to expect, how to get there, the walk to the rock pools and cliff jumping.
Sight guideLegzira Beach: Red Cliffs, a Famous Arch and Atlantic Sunsets
Visit Legzira Beach near Sidi Ifni and Mirleft, famous for its red sandstone arch: what happened to the collapsed arch in 2016.
Sight guideDakhla Lagoon: A Guide to Morocco's Kitesurfing Paradise and Coastal Wilderness
Discover the Dakhla Lagoon (Dakhla Bay): why it's one of the world's best kitesurfing spots, the White Dune and Dragon Island.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add the Atlantic coast to my tour?
Yes. Essaouira is the easiest addition, about three hours from Marrakech, and works as a day trip or as a relaxing stay at the end of a tour. Longer programmes can add Agadir, the surf village of Taghazout, Asilah in the north or El Jadida and Safi between Casablanca and Marrakech.
Related: Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
When is the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira?
The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira usually takes place in June. Gnaoua musicians and guest artists from around the world play in the squares and on the beach; accommodation books up months in advance, so plan early.
Related: Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
Is it worth spending a night in Essaouira?
Yes, if you have time: evenings and mornings are the most atmospheric moments on the ramparts and at the fishing port, after the day visitors leave. A night or two in Essaouira is a perfect way to rest at the end of a tour before flying home.
Related: Essaouira Travel Guide: Morocco's Windy, Artistic Atlantic Port
Is Tangier worth including in a tour?
Yes, if you have time or are arriving from Spain: Tangier offers the Kasbah and medina above the Strait of Gibraltar and the Hercules Caves, and is close to Asilah's white medina, Tetouan and Chefchaouen. Our longer tours of 20 and 24 days include it.
Related: 20 Days: Exotic Treasures of Morocco
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