Essaouira

The atmospheric Essaouira, stretching along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, charms travelers with its ancient medina and fresh ocean breeze. If you have decided to visit this colourful resort city, various transport options are at your service: from flights to journeys by intercity bus or car. We have gathered detailed information on how to get to Essaouira in the most convenient way so that your acquaintance with the "City of Winds" begins as comfortably as possible.

The city has its own international airport, Essaouira-Mogador (ESU), located just 15 km from the centre. It receives regular and seasonal flights from a number of European countries, as well as planes from Casablanca. This is the fastest way to reach Essaouira directly.

Alternatively, many tourists choose to fly into the airports of neighbouring major cities — Agadir or Marrakech, where the route network is significantly wider. Agadir is located approximately 175 km from the resort, and Marrakech is 170 km away. From these points, you can comfortably reach the coast by bus, taxi, or rental car.

There is no direct railway connection to Essaouira. The nearest major station reachable by train is in Marrakech. Comfortable trains regularly arrive here from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and other cities in the country.

To continue the journey, tourists need to plan a combined route. Right at the Marrakech railway station, you can transfer to a bus (for example, Supratours, whose terminal is located nearby) or take a taxi. The remaining part of the trip to the coast will take about 3 hours.

Bus service in Morocco is excellently developed, so a trip to the ocean from major tourist hubs will be comfortable and budget-friendly. The most popular route runs from Marrakech: covering 175 kilometres along a modern highway will take about 3 hours. No less picturesque is the road from Agadir, winding along the coast; this journey lasting 3–4 hours will allow you to enjoy views of the Atlantic even before arriving in Essaouira.

For those travelling from the direction of the desert and film studios, a route from Ouarzazate is available, though one should be prepared for a long journey. The bus covers a distance of about 380 kilometres in an average of 6–7 hours, often with a transfer or short stop. Major national carriers, such as CTM and Supratours, offer modern air-conditioned cabins, making even a long journey quite easy to endure.

Travelling behind the wheel will provide freedom of movement and unique views of argan groves, where goats often graze. The fastest path runs from Marrakech: the distance of 175 kilometres along the straight R207 highway is easy to cover in 2.5–3 hours. The road from Agadir (about 175 km) will take a little more time, approximately 3.5 hours, but will delight you with picturesque coastal landscapes, while the trip from Ouarzazate will become a real adventure spanning 380 km and 6–7 hours of driving through mountain passes.

If you do not plan to rent a car, a convenient option would be to order a grand taxi running between cities. A private transfer from the nearest metropolises to Essaouira usually costs 60–90 Euros (600–900 Moroccan Dirhams), whereas a seat in a collective taxi costs significantly less. The quality of the road surface in this part of Morocco is excellent, but drivers should be attentive to frequent speed checks by the police.

To ensure your trip to Essaouira goes as smoothly as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you plan your trip and feel confident in any situation.

1. Clothing and Essentials: Essaouira is often called the "City of Winds," so even in the summer season, it can be cool, especially in the evenings and by the ocean. Be sure to bring a windbreaker, a light scarf, and comfortable flat shoes for walking on the cobblestones of the medina.
2. Transport: The historic city centre is a pedestrian zone where vehicle entry is prohibited. To move around the new districts, it is most convenient to use small blue taxis (petit taxi); trips are inexpensive, but always ask the driver to turn on the meter upon boarding.
3. Finances: The national currency is the Dirham. Although major hotels and modern restaurants accept cards, you will need cash in souvenir shops and markets. It is better to exchange money at banks or official exchange offices (Bureau de Change), avoiding street money changers.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice in simple street cafes. The city is calm and friendly, but basic vigilance in crowded places is advisable; pharmacies are easily found by the sign with a green cross.
5. Communication: Locals speak Arabic and Berber, but French is widely spoken in the tourism sector. English is not understood everywhere, so knowing a few polite phrases in French or Arabic will help you find common ground faster.
6. Local Etiquette: Morocco is a country with traditional values, so outside of the beach, it is recommended to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. It is customary to greet people, as well as take and pass items or food, with the right hand.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph locals without their explicit permission — many react negatively to this. Also, try not to use the services of intrusive unofficial guides on the streets who offer to show a "shortcut" for a fee.
8. Extra Tip: For the freshest seafood, head straight to the port by lunchtime, where your chosen fish will be grilled right in front of you. And if you plan to buy the famous argan oil, do so in specialized pharmacies or cooperatives to avoid counterfeits.

Observing these simple rules will help you quickly adapt to the rhythm of the city and avoid awkward situations. May your holiday be filled with bright colours, new flavours, and the tranquility of the Atlantic coast.