A step-by-step itinerary for one of Morocco's most popular and scenic road trips.
The Marrakech to Essaouira drive is genuinely one of my favorites. It's about 2.5-3 hours, and the road is good quality - mostly straight highway through changing landscapes. Leave early morning to make the most of your day in Essaouira. About an hour into the drive, you'll start seeing argan trees, and yes, sometimes there are actually goats climbing them! It's not staged for tourists in this area - they really do it. There are a few argan oil cooperatives along the route where you can stop, watch the traditional pressing process, and buy authentic products. The ladies working there are happy to explain everything. Some places are touristy, but the Cooperative Marjana is quite genuine. Around the halfway point, you'll see the landscape become more arid and then suddenly more green as you approach the coast. Once you arrive in Essaouira, parking can be tricky near the medina. I recommend the parking lot near the port (Parking du Port) - it's guarded and costs about 20 dirhams for the day. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and much more relaxed than Marrakech's. Walk the ramparts, visit the fishing port where blue boats bob in the harbor, and definitely have fresh grilled fish for lunch at one of the port-side restaurants. The beach is long and perfect for walking - it gets windy which makes it popular for kitesurfing. Before driving back, grab some Essaouira thuya wood products - the craftsmanship is famous. The return journey is just as scenic. If you time it right, the sunset as you drive inland is spectacular. The whole trip works as a day visit, but staying overnight lets you experience the town's evening vibe.
