Where is Essaouira located in Morocco
Where is Essaouira located in Morocco?
Essaouira has something incredibly comforting about it. Maybe those salty breezes from the Atlantic are subduing a bit, or the occasional gentle throb of Gnaoua music beneath the blue-and-white streets of the medina maybe? However, the unique beat of Essaouira demands that you slow down and take deeper breaths.
I first arrived at Essaouira during my stay in Marrakech; a needed break away from the scorching temperatures and frenetic pace of the summer. This coastal jewel was so serene and laid-back that I simply now find myself coming back for a day here, a week there. This guide will lift the covers off of Isso, including where it is located within Morocco and why it deserves an esteemed position on your itinerary amid the views and other options.
By the time you have finished reading this, you will learn where exactly Essaouira lies on the map, how to get there, what to expect, and why it deserves more than just passing time in this salty embrace.
Where is Essaouira located in Morocco?
Essaouira lies a coastal city on the western edges of Morocco as it rests along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps some 190 kilometers west of Marrakech, this makes it a perfect spot for a day trip, or even a weekend getaway, for anybody who may be inland.
Located in the Marrakech-Safi administrative region, Essaouira sits between Casablanca on the northern side and Agadir lying to the south. What makes it geographically special is that it has a relatively moderate temperature due to the ever-present Atlantic winds. While Marrakech or Fes ferociously warms up during very warm summers, it is this coastal breeze in Essaouira that keeps temperatures rather mild, all year round.
The city itself is a World Heritage site of UNESCO, with a medina (old town) enclosed by 18th-century walls fetaed as the fortress.A compact setup made this city easy to navigate on foot; from the beach, souks, harbor, to the old town, places were a mere few steps away.
Here’s a brief:
•Coordinates: 31.5085° N, 9.7595° W
•Region: Marrakech-Safi
•DrivingdistancefromMarrakech: ~2.5 hours
•DrivingdistancefromCasablanca: ~4.5 hours
•Nearestairport: Essaouira-MogadorAirport (ESU)
Access into Essaouira: Travelling Choices
With Essaouira strongly connected to key urban centers in Morocco, traveling there is no problem. From Marrakech, I’ve taken both public buses and private transfers; either will work depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend on traveling.
By Bus
The cheapest and most reliable mode of transport should be the Supratours bus form, running frequently between Marrakech and Essaouira throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, and the fares normally range about 80-100 MAD (about $8-10 USD).
The departure is very well set from the train station in Marrakech.
Since you have your origin in Casablanca, you will probably have to connect via Marrakech or take a longer CTM journey.
Private Transfers and Self-drive
A comfortable yet flexible option includes hiring a private transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira. We hired this inexpensive private transfer from Marrakech, and it was a smooth and scenic drive without any stress. The driver stopped for coffee and a photo opportunity with the famous tree-climbing goats near the argan farms.
You can also rent a car and drive yourself. The roads are safe and easy to navigate around, and there is plenty of free parking outside the medina.
What Makes Essaouira Worth Visiting?
What makes Essaouira special is not just the location; it’s the atmosphere. While other Moroccan cities can feel quite tense and chaotic, Essaouira has this laid-back coastal charm that wins hearts easily.
This is why it grabbed hold of my affection:
1. The Laid-back Vibe
Essaouira doesn’t struggle to impress-and that is why it does. You can stroll along the ramparts in the morning, have a mint tea at the medina in the afternoon, and enjoy a sunset from the beach during evening. Everything feels quite laid back.
2. The Beach and Watersports
If you have some elan for kite surfing or windsurfing, then those winds in Essaouira act as a dream maker. However, if water sports are not quite your activity, then the long stretch of sandy beach forms an ideal place for basking or walking around.
For a more in-depth beach experience, you could try the surfing and yoga retreat-a perfect blend of wellness and adventure.
3. Fresh Seafood and Local Eats
The port of Essaouira is bustling as ever, and you can converse for yourself buying fresh seafood off the boats. You must try the grilled sardines, or lobster, from a street vendor right at the harbor. For an inside-the-door vibe, step up into La Table by Madada—great atmosphere, even better seafood pastilla.
4. Local Art and Music
Essaouira has been attracting creative souls for ages now. There are galleries tucked away in the medina, and if luck is on your side, you can listen to live Gnaoua music flowing through the streets. The city also plays host to the world-famous Gnaoua World Music Festival every summer.
What’s Nearby? Easy Day Trips From Essaouira
If you are staying for a couple of days, try adding these easy extras to your itinerary:
•Sidi Kaouki: Set farther 25 minutes south, it is a quieter and wilder beach. You can access it by taxi or book a guided camel or quad tour.
•Argan Oil Cooperatives: You, on the way to or from Essaouira, will pass by several women-run cooperatives making real argan oil. I recommend stopping at Marjana Cooperative for a demonstration.
•Diabat Village: Just outside the city, Diabat is known for its links to Jimi Hendrix and its tranquil coastal vibe. You can walk there or rent a bike for a scenic ride.
Where to Stay in Essaouira?
For its notably small size, Essaouira offers an array of accommodations ranging from cheap lodgings to luxurious riads. If I may offer my personal recommendations of places I have stayed, I would gladly go back any time:
•Riad Emotion – A delightfully restored riad in the heart of the medina with warm hosts and a lovely homemade breakfast.
•Villa Maroc – One of Essaouira’s more well-known riads, featuring the ocean for a backdrop and the coziness of a spa.
•Salut Maroc! – Funky, colorful, and right at the edge of the ramparts. A definite choice for any design buff.
Final Thoughts: Why Essaouira Must Be on Your Moroccan Itinerary
Where exactly is Essaouira in Morocco, then? It just is where you want it to be-almost close enough for a short escape from Marrakech but far away so that you feel you enter a whole new world. Whether for a day or for a week, this town has a knack of drawing you into the wind-blown charm, friendly locals, and ageless beauty.
Make sure your Morocco itinerary has room for this coastal jewel. In case you are already lodged in Marrakech, this guided day tour to Essaouira promises the easiest way to soak in what the town thus has to offer.
