Nestled within whitewashed walls originally built by the Portuguese, Essaouira exudes a laidback, bohemian spirit all its own. This coastal Moroccan city is quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason. It offers great surf, a rich musical legacy and an eclectic artistic community. Whether you want to explore beyond the atmospheric medina or immerse yourself in the world of Moroccan cuisine, the best Essaouira tours are waiting for you.
Read on to discover 5 of the best tours from Essaouira, including traditional cooking classes and guided camel treks at sunset.
For accommodation, check out my list of the Best Riads and Hotels in Essaouira (for every budget).
Just looking for a transfer? This private transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira offers door-to-door service for a hassle-free experience.
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Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this immersive cooking workshop at L’Atelier Madaba, which occupies a former almond warehouse at the entrance to the medina. Get ready to dive into Moroccan cuisine, famous for its complex flavors and fragrant spice blends.
Your journey starts at the vibrant souks, where you'll shop for fresh ingredients alongside a skilled Moroccan chef. Then it's time to don an apron and head to the kitchen, where you'll learn to make iconic dishes like aromatic tagines and fluffy cous cous. Using traditional techniques, you'll prepare a mouthwatering two-course lunch of authentic Moroccan fare.
After cooking up a storm, relax and savour the fruits of your labour. Sip sweet mint tea and nibble on delicate pastries as you reflect on your newfound culinary talents. This hands-on cooking class offers a tantalising taste of Morocco with skills you can take back home to impress family and friends.
“Wow this was so special! Such a wonderful experience, beautiful space and lovely chefs/ instructors. The cooking class didn't feel rushed at all, we even went to the spice market close by while the food was cooking. The chefs/ instructors were very patient and informative. Highly recommend!”- Albany (read more reviews here)
This half-day tour from Essaouira takes you to Sidi Mbark, an authentic Amazigh village nestled amidst striking natural beauty. It’s a wonderful way to experience a traditional Moroccan village and includes a walk through lush palm groves to a cascading waterfall.
You’ll visit the historic Marabout, where Sidi Mbark's spirit is said to reside, before relaxing on the sweeping sands of Sidi Kaouki. Sip on a mint tea as you admire the spectacular ocean vistas, then drive through the famed Argan region, renowned for its tree-climbing goats. Stop at a women's cooperative to see firsthand how the prized Argan oil is produced and savour its nutty flavour.
This tour offers a taste of rural Moroccan life amidst breathtaking scenery you won't soon forget.
“This was a fantastic trip with stunning scenery…walked through fields and along the beach and dunes to the spring and up to a village for a Berba meal of Mint tea and breads with fruits, nuts and dips.” - Stephen (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Essaouira
With countless 5-star reviews, this two-hour sunset horseback ride in Essaouira is a great way to experience the area’s coastal beauty while creating lifelong memories. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, the ride is matched to your pace and comfort level.
Walk, trot or gallop through eucalyptus forests and past the Sultan’s palace before heading through the seaside dunes overlooking Essaouira’s expansive beaches. Along the way, encounter locals going about their daily business and domesticated animals like camels, cows and donkeys.
One of the great things about this Essaouira horse riding tour is that all of their horses are calm and gentle. They have horses that are ideal for beginners and lively steeds that will entertain advanced riders. Sunset on horseback - there’s no better way to end an unforgettable day in Essaouira with the people you love.
“This was an amazing experience, I absolutely cannot thank Mohammad enough! I went with friends who were more beginners, while I was experienced, they were able to cater to both levels of riding easily and allow me to live out my dream galloping along the beach at sunset.” - Elizabeth (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Essaouira
Discover the beaches of Essouira in a whole new way on this memorable three-hour camel ride at sunset. It’s a small group adventure, with no more than 10 travellers, and is led by highly experienced guides to ensure your safety.
After a thorough briefing, you’ll get in the saddle and experience the rollercoaster-like feeling as your camel stands up and gets ready to ride. The trek will take you through fragrant eucalyptus forests and charming villages before watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
As you ride atop your friendly dromedary camel, learn all about these iconic animals and their importance in Moroccan culture. Available in both English and French, this guided camel tour in Essaouira includes the option to wear a traditional djellaba to protect from the wind and sand.
“Absolutely must do activity!! The entire experience was fantastic!! Mustafa is warm, informative, and a stunning host for the evening.” - Courtenay (read more reviews here)
Whether you want to drive through the sand dunes or cruise down forest trails, an ATV tour is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the natural wonders surrounding Essaouira. This guided adventure includes two hours of off-road fun, with encounters with camels, horses and flamingos along the way.
After being collected from your hotel, your guide will explain everything you need to know about driving an ATV, making this off-road Essaouira tour ideal for beginners. Then all you need to do is settle in behind the controls and go where the trail (and guide) takes you.
With helmets provided, you’ll ride easy knowing your safety is ensured. This one-of-a-kind ATV tour is a great way to explore beyond Essaouira’s medina and discover the coastal paradise that surrounds the city. With more than 90 5-star reviews, you really can’t go wrong!
“Was absolutely amazing, the hosts were attentive…took us to beautiful places…was just breathtaking.” - Diana (read more reviews here)
If you’re in Essaouira on a Sunday, then this market tour is not to be missed! Around 30 kilometres from the coastal city is the town of Had Draa, which hosts the largest rural market in the region. Hundreds of farmers descend on the town with their animals, crops and crafts, as do huge numbers of shoppers. It’s not just an opportunity to pick up their weekly groceries but also catch up on the local news over countless cups of mint tea.
On this guided tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Had Draa Market while learning lots of tidbits of information about the local economy. It offers an authentic insight into the daily lives of rural Moroccans, coupled with the chance to try a variety of fresh produce and unique foodstuffs. If you’re feeling brave, you can even sample freshly grilled camel!
“Don't miss this experience! A sensory overload that I would not have attempted on my own.” - Donna (read more reviews here)
Best day trips from Essaouira
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer wanting to get away from the crowds, this guided surf experience is for you. It will get you away from Essaouira’s main beach to a quieter surf spot along the coastline where you’ll have two hours to learn the basics or hone your skills.
This surf lesson in Essaouira includes a wetsuit and your choice of board to suit your ability. If you’re new to the sport, begin with a warmup on the beach before some practice popping up onto the board while still on the sand. Then take to the water where your friendly instructor will be alongside you the entire time, ensuring your safety and that you’re having a lot of fun.
“We would HIGHLY recommend this activity without hesitation to anyone traveling to Essaouira. Our 2 hours with Momo were so fun and an absolute highlight of our time there.” - Alex (read more reviews here)
Argan oil is one of Morocco’s most famous exports and this guided tour from Essaouira offers a deeper insight into where it comes from. Starting with a short walk, you’ll explore a forest planted with these endemic trees, which hold a mythical significance in the Essaouira region. The walk itself is relatively easy and perfect for those seeking a leisurely stroll.
Along the way, your guide will provide valuable insights into the ecology of argan trees and you’ll see them at various stages of growth. Additionally, you will learn about the diverse range of products derived from the trees and their fruits, as well as their positive impact on the local culture.
After passing through an authentic village with a 16th-century house of worship, you will be treated to genuine Moroccan hospitality during tea at a local’s home. This Essaouira walking tour concludes with a visit to a women's cooperative, where you will uncover the secrets behind the production of argan oil.
“Naima was a wonderful guide with huge knowledge about all the things I asked her about life in Morocco - not just about the argan forest. I'm so glad I did this tour.” - Elizabeth (read more reviews here)
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.