Essaouira is one of Morocco's most relaxed coastal towns — a walled, whitewashed medina on the Atlantic, known for its wind, seafood, and unhurried pace. For expats based in Agadir it makes an easy day trip or overnight, and it's a favourite weekend escape for anyone in the south.
What you're looking at
Essaouira's compact, UNESCO-listed medina is walkable and low-hassle by Moroccan standards, with fortified sea walls (the Skala), a working fishing port, and Place Moulay Hassan at its heart. The wide beach draws windsurfers and kitesurfers, and the fish grills by the port are the classic lunch.
Getting there from Agadir
It's about 170 km up the coast on the N1, roughly 3 hours:
| Option | Rough cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CTM / Supratours bus | ~$7–10 | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Grand taxi / private car | ~$100–150 | ~3 hrs |
| Self-drive (rental) | from ~$30/day | ~3 hrs |
Buses are cheap and reliable; a hire car lets you stop at Sidi Kaouki and the argan-oil coast on the way.
Good to know
- It's genuinely windy — bring a layer even in summer.
- Doable as a long day trip, but an overnight is far more relaxed.
- Easier and calmer to navigate than Marrakech's medina.
- Carry some cash for the port, taxis, and small shops.
Related
- Living in Morocco — the full expat guide
- Getting around in Morocco — buses, taxis, and driving
- Marrakech — the other classic base in the south