Merzouga Desert Journey
Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara
Grand Morocco in 14 Days
The Saghro Traverse
Atlas lakes to Saghro
Erg Chigaga & Lake Iriki
The Grand Atlantic
From Marrakech
From Fes
From Casablanca
Couples
Families
Friends
Boutique riads
Luxury desert camps
Nights under the stars
Our story
Your driver-guide
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4-Day Essaouira and Oualidia Coast Escape from Marrakech
In July and August, Marrakech can pass 40°C, while Essaouira stays fresh in the ocean wind. This short escape takes you to the sea for four days. Two nights in Essaouira's walled medina, with its port, ramparts and long beach, then up the coast through Safi to Oualidia, a calm lagoon where the water is shallow and safe for swimming and the oysters come straight from the farms. Back to Marrakech on the last afternoon.
Best for: A short break from Marrakech in summer, for couples and families who want sea air and good fish.
Highlights
- Two nights in Essaouira's walled medina
- The fishing port and Skala ramparts
- A women's argan oil cooperative
- The potters' hill of Safi
- Swimming and oysters on the Oualidia lagoon
Day by day
Driving times are honest estimates for the time behind the wheel. Stops for photos, tea and lunch come on top, and you can always ask your driver to stop.
Day 1Marrakech – argan country – Essaouira
Marrakech – argan country – Essaouira
We pick you up in Marrakech and drive west through the argan country, with a stop at a women's argan oil cooperative. In the afternoon you reach Essaouira and walk to the sea walls for sunset. Night in a riad in the old town.
Day 2Essaouira at leisure
Essaouira at leisure
A free day in Essaouira: the fishing boats in the morning, a lunch of fresh fish at the port, the Skala ramparts and the medina's galleries, and the long beach in the afternoon.
Day 3Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia
Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia
North along the coast to Safi, where you visit the potters' hill and the old Portuguese sea fortress, then on to the lagoon of Oualidia. Swim in the calm water and taste the oysters at sunset. Night by the lagoon.
Day 4Oualidia – Marrakech
Oualidia – Marrakech
A slow morning by the lagoon, perhaps a boat ride with a fisherman, then the drive inland to Marrakech, where your driver takes you to your riad or the airport.
Where you'll stay
These are our usual choices. If one is full on your dates we book a place of the same standard, and you can ask for an upgrade.
Price per person
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €900 |
| 4 travellers | €640 |
| 6 travellers | €550 |
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Hotels and breakfast are included. Travelling alone, or with 3 or 5? Ask us and we send your exact price within 24 hours.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Hand-picked riads and sea-view hotels, double or twin rooms
- Breakfast every day
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Surf lessons
- Local guides
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Questions about this journey
When is the best time for a coastal tour?
From May to October for warm, dry days. The Atlantic stays fresh even in summer, around 18 to 22°C in the water, and the trade winds keep the coast much cooler than Marrakech. The south coast around Taghazout and Mirleft is mild all year, so these journeys also work well from November to April.
Can we swim everywhere?
Not everywhere. The Atlantic has strong currents on some beaches, so your driver-guide will show you the safe, sheltered spots, and lifeguards work on the main town beaches in summer.
Can we add the Sahara or the mountains?
Yes. Every journey is private, so we can add a desert night, a day in the Atlas or extra nights by the sea. Tell us what you would like and we send you a new route and price.
How is the price calculated?
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Travelling alone or with an odd number? Ask us for your exact price.
More journeys
The Old Atlantic Coast
Portuguese fortress towns, an oyster lagoon and the blue port of Essaouira, on the old coast road from Casablanca.
From €1,350 per person
The Mediterranean Coast
Clear water, white towns and the wild Rif coast road to the coves of Al Hoceima: Morocco's other sea.
From €1,350 per person
Southern Atlantic Coast
From the blue port of Essaouira to the surf villages and the red cliffs of Legzira, one week down Morocco's wildest coast.
From €1,580 per person
Where will your road begin?
Tell us your dates and who's coming. Abdou or one of the team will send you a route and a price within 24 hours.