Under 3 hours from Marrakech, Essaouira feels like a different world: Portuguese ramparts, fishing port, UNESCO-listed blue-and-white medina, cool breezy climate.
What to see and do
The lively fishing port, the Skala ramparts, the medina's thuya wood workshops, and a beach walk past horses and surfers.
Planning your day trip
Leave early (7-8am). Options: shared or private grand taxi, tourist coach, or organized minibus excursion. Riad Dar Kawkawa, 3 min from Jemaa el-Fna, can arrange transport at +212 661 13 22 74.