MOVING AROUND IN ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira is a small town, and most restaurants and tourist attractions are concentrated around Medina, the fishing port, and the beach. Parking your car in Medina's parking lots during peak season can be challenging, and beachside parking lots are paid. As a result, walking and taking taxis are the primary modes of transportation in Essaouira. Here is some useful information on how to get around.
On Foot or by Bike
Essaouira is a compact town where walking is the most convenient way to get around. The Medina is exclusively pedestrianized, and there is a 2-kilometer esplanade along the beach where you'll find various terraces and restaurants. The town's flat terrain makes it easy to explore by bike as well, and you can find bike rental services offered by many local merchants.
Taking a Taxi
Taxis in Essaouira are easily recognizable by their blue color. There are two types of taxis: small taxis and grand taxis. Taxis are a popular and affordable transportation option that is accessible to all visitors. Don't hesitate to use taxis while in Essaouira!
Small Taxis
Small taxis operate within the city limits and its immediate surroundings. They have a maximum seating capacity of three passengers. If you're a group of four, you'll need to take two taxis as small taxis do not allow negotiations for additional passengers. These taxis function as shared taxis, meaning the driver may stop to pick up or drop off other passengers along the way. The driver gives priority to the first passenger who boarded the taxi. If you enter a taxi with existing passengers, you'll need to wait for your turn.
How to hail a small taxi?
Stand by the roadside and signal the driver to stop, preferably in the direction you want to go. If there are two of you, indicate the number of passengers by holding up two fingers. If the driver doesn't stop, it means the taxi is already full.
One advantage in Essaouira is that the fare is fixed. The price remains the same regardless of your destination within the city. The fare is determined per trip, so whether you're traveling alone or with three passengers, the price remains consistent.
Daytime fare: 7 Dirhams
Nighttime fare: 8 Dirhams
Grand Taxis in Essaouira
Grand taxis provide transportation to other cities and towns. They are called grand taxis or shared taxis and have a seating capacity of 4 to 6 passengers. In Essaouira, the grand taxi station is located at Bab Doukhala gate, behind the Medina. To travel to your desired city, approach the drivers at the station and wait until the taxi is full before departure. Along the way, the taxi may stop to pick up or drop off passengers. This option offers a local experience, although comfort may be compromised. The fare for grand taxis can be negotiated with the driver.
Driving a Car
If you plan to stay solely in Essaouira, renting a car may not be necessary as the town is easily navigable on foot. During the peak tourist season, finding parking can be challenging, with both Medina and beach parking areas often overflowing. Parking fees are collected by attendants wearing yellow vests and typically range from 2 to 5 Dirhams.
The compact size of Essaouira allows for easy exploration on foot. However, if you're interested in venturing beyond the town and exploring the surrounding region, renting a car can be a convenient option. Keep in mind that during peak season, finding parking for your car can be challenging. The parking lots in the Medina and beach areas tend to fill up quickly. Instead of using parking meters, you'll encounter yellow-vested attendants who collect parking fees, typically ranging from 2 to 5 Dirhams. It's also important to exercise caution when navigating the roundabouts in Essaouira, as they may not always follow standard traffic rules. Remember to yield to vehicles approaching from your right and be prepared to stop in the middle of the roundabout if necessary.
Renting a car in Essaouira allows you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, but if you plan to stay within the town, walking and taxis are the recommended modes of transportation.