Henri Leroux

Marrakech · experience

Essaouira coastal day trip

A full day on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira’s whitewashed medina, whose ramparts appeared as Astapor in Game of Thrones.

11.5 hoursFrom €13

The experience

A full day on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, in the whitewashed, blue-shuttered port town whose ramparts appeared in Game of Thrones.

A full-day trip to Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed coastal town of whitewashed walls and blue shutters on the Atlantic, with stops at an argan-oil cooperative en route and free time to explore the medina, souks, fishing port and Skala fortress ramparts.

Essaouira’s ramparts and harbour stood in as the slave-trading city of Astapor in Game of Thrones’ third season, and the town’s boat-builders and thuja-wood workshops can still be watched at work along the harbour.

Duration

11.5 hours

Group

Group size confirmed with the option

Languages

Confirmed with the option

Format

Confirmed with the option

Meeting point

Hotel pickup in Marrakesh, from around 7:15am.

Pickup and drop-off

Confirmed with the option

Who this suits

A good choice when it matches the way you want to use the city.

  • A change of register from Marrakech’s inland medina to the Atlantic coast.
  • Travellers who recognise Essaouira’s ramparts from Game of Thrones.
  • Fresh seafood and a slower, maritime pace for a day.

Itinerary

The route at a glance.

The guide and exact sequence are confirmed on the day. Times below are a useful indication of how this visit is normally structured.

  1. 1

    Drive to Essaouira

    With a stop at an argan-oil cooperative along the way.

    ~2.5 hours
  2. 2

    Essaouira

    Free time in the medina, port and ramparts, with lunch included.

    ~5 hours
  3. 3

    Return to Marrakesh

    Arrival back in Marrakesh by early evening.

    ~2.5 hours

What the visit includes

The practical detail before you choose a date.

Highlights

  • Essaouira’s whitewashed, blue-shuttered UNESCO medina
  • The Skala de la Ville ramparts, used as Astapor in Game of Thrones
  • The fishing port and its wooden boat-builders
  • An argan-oil cooperative stop supporting local women’s cooperatives

Included

  • ✓ Round-trip air-conditioned transport
  • ✓ An official guide in Essaouira
  • ✓ Lunch
  • ✓ Argan-oil cooperative visit

Not included

  • • Personal expenses in the souks

Before you go

A few essentials for the day.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
  • Comfortable shoes and sunglasses recommended.
  • A long day — pickup from around 7:15am, return by early evening.