This driving tour from Marrakech to Essaouira allows you to get to know Morocco in greater depth. Want to know what not to miss? In this article, we tell you...
How to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira by car
Morocco has a number of interesting regions and, in fact, we have already talked about Rif and Casablanca. However, this time around we are proposing you cross the Atlas Mountains from two of the country's most touristic spots: Marrakech and Essaouira. The N8 highway will take you where you need to go, and you can even take advantage of going and coming back on the same day, although we recommend taking more time out to enjoy the trip. In both cases, there are hotels available for high-level tourists, with different nuances depending on the case.
The driving tour from Marrakech to Essaouira is chock-full of important monuments and scenery to discover. It is relatively short, only 120 miles, and will take you no more than 3 hours if you take the main roads, but along the way, you can enjoy incomparable views. So here are the key points of interest:
1. Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the biggest cities, located in the centre of the country and in the Atlas Mountains. Of Berber origin and founded in the 11th century, over time, this city has evolved, hosting many tourist attractions, with the 12th-century Medina or old city, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, being one of the highlights.
The Medina is surrounded by 55 miles of adobe walls and 10 gates, with its disjointed and traditional internal profile. You will find several shops, market stalls, cafes and souvenir stores here. Other interesting sites are the Kutubia Mosque with its imposing tower and the El Badi Palace (16th century), also considered a World Heritage Site. And if you want a different kind of gastronomic experience, we encourage you to visit the Jemaa el-Fna square at night. There are various food stalls where you can try out different dishes.
In short, Marrakech is a city that you can enjoy over the course of two or three days without having to rush. And, once you have seen everything there is to see, you can take the car and head to Essaouira.
2. Driving tour from Marrakech to Essaouira: landscapes and landmarks
From the Atlas, with its vegetation, you will gradually see a more arid landscape begin to unfold as you get closer to the coast. On the way to Essaouira there are several places of interest, without straying far from the main routes. You will see a large concentration of argan trees and arid hills, and you can make the most of the opportunity to visit one of the many cooperatives where argan oil is produced. You may also encounter goats or other animals on the roadsides, although they won't present any danger.
If you are in a crowded spot at sunset, you can enjoy a cup of tea in a cafe in one of the villages. If you want to take it easy, you can leave Marrakech in the morning and be in Essaouira in the afternoon. This is a typical route to make stops on and the argan trees are very striking.
3. Essaouira
Serving as a crossroads, Essaouira is one of Morocco's windows to the Atlantic. The European influence is noticeable, especially the Portuguese and French presence, since it belonged to both countries in different historical periods. The Medina, just as in Marrakech, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One advantage of Essaouira is that, although a tourist city, it champions some of the old ways. Fishing continues to play an important role in its economy, as well as trade. In addition, it is small enough (with less than 80,000 inhabitants) to visit in just one day. Don't miss the walls from the Portuguese period, its souks and, if you like beaches, this is an interesting spot because its sandy beach is considered to be the best in Morocco. A music festival is also held here every year.
In short, if you are looking for a place that combines history, landscapes and a mild climate, Essaouira is a good choice. Of course, if you're not there in the summer, keep a sweater on hand.
Discover Morocco by car!
Rent your car in Marrakech with OK Mobility and enjoy the freedom to explore Morocco at your own pace. The road trip from Marrakech to Essaouira is a quick and pleasant way to complete your holiday in the country or enjoy a short getaway. At OK Mobility, you’ll find a variety of car rental options to make the most of your free days. Feel free to contact us!
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