Atlantic Breeze in Essaouira
If you know me well, or have been reading my blog for a while, you might have noticed that I LOVE the beach unconditionally. Therefore, when I planned my recent trip to Morocco, I had to include a short trip to the ocean. In case you didn't know because all you've seen from Morocco is Marrakech and the desert, note that there are many beach towns in this country. Morocco is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the Mediterranean Sea in the North, therefore you have a bunch of options.
I didn't want to visit a big city like Casablanca or Rabat, which are both by the ocean. Indeed I wanted to go to a little charming town that was much smaller. Here are some options just to name a few: Taghazout, Essaouira, Oualidia, Agadir. I chose to go to Essaouira, which seemed to be a great mix between nature and culture, and it was also the closest option from Marrakech.
Getting there
By car: you can rent a car and drive there yourself within less than 3 hours from Marrakech. It's easily accessible if you're coming from Casablanca or Rabat too.
By taxi: another option is to hire a private driver to get you there. You'll pay approximately €80 one way from Marrakech. So I believe it's worth it only if you're splitting the price with other people.
By bus: there are two main bus companies that tourists use in Morocco - Supratour and CTM. Check their timetables, and book with the company that best suits your needs. They are both really safe, and so cheap! Note: it's not easy to book on their website. I would suggest going to the bus station and buying your tickets in person. A one way ticket from Marrakech to Essaouira costs 80 MAD (less than 10 euros).
What I did
I spent two days in Essaouira only; actually more like one (1) full day, and two half days. I got there by bus on a Thursday afternoon, and left on the following Saturday at noon. The idea was to make the best out of my Friday there.
Walking around the city walls
On Friday morning, I started by visiting the ancient city walls, where some Game of Thrones footage was filmed. The entire medina is surrounded by this super long wall, you just need to walk around the city and follow the walls. Don't hesitate to take some other tiny paths to explore the medina as well. Once you get to the port, you'll arrive in an area called the Scala where you can see cannons, as well as fishermen and their fresh catch of the day! I found the city of Essaouira to be very refreshing and peaceful.
LUNCH AT TAROS RESTAURANT
After my little stroll around the city, I went to Taros rooftop to have lunch. I had found this place online, and thought the view over the city was quite nice. Well, a posteriori, it's even better in person! This place reminded me of the city of Plaka in Milos (Greece) - with a mix of white and blue colours.
HORSEBACK RIDING BY THE BEACH
In the afternoon, I mainly just wanted to enjoy some time by the ocean, and the best way to do that while in Essaouira is to go horseback riding. If you're not confortable riding a horse, you can opt for a camel ride by the beach instead. I booked my horseback riding excursion with this company called Équi Évasion. I messaged them two weeks prior to my trip to make a reservation. You can book a ride by the hour (1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, half day, full day, treks) and choose your departing time. I was very specific as I wanted to watch the sunset. Their team was very professionnal, I got a response promptly, and they made sure to book me at the appropriate time to see the sunset. On the day of, someone picked me up at my hotel, and we drove to the ranch (just outside the city). I was paired with a couple, and we went for a ride during 3 hours. We had two guides with us, whom adapted to everyone's pace and level of comfort. Sometimes we would split the group between those who wanted to gallop and those you didn't. The sunset was pure magic, and we had the beach to ourselves.
LATE DINNER AT DAR ADUL
Later that day, I looked up for a good restaurant in the medina, not too far from where I was staying (I stayed at Dar Cherazade, a really cute Bn'B with only 6 bedrooms and a beach view). That's when I found Dar Adul online. This place is originally another Bn'B but they also serve food, and the reviews were really good so I decided to just go and see for myself. Guys, I literally had the best couscous and the best homemade hummus ever. I don't even know how to explain, it was so flavoury, and the veggies were melting in my mouth. You should go there!
++ They play live music & the staff is extremely attentive.
