Day trip from Essaouira
Souk Had Draa The biggest country market of the region: camels, spices, barbers and tagines under tents.
Photo: Man77, CC BY-SA 4.0
Why people like it
Every Sunday the village of Had Draa fills with farmers from the whole province. Livestock changes hands on one side, vegetables, olives and spices on the other; between them, blacksmiths, dentists, barbers and fortune-tellers work in the open air. Hardly a tourist in sight: this is the Morocco of the countryside, loud and real.
What you can do
- Walk the animal market early, when the camels, donkeys and sheep arrive.
- Shop for spices, argan oil, olives, pottery and baskets at farmers' prices.
- Eat where the traders eat: harira, grilled meat or a tagine under the big tents.
- Watch the craftsmen, from blacksmiths to saddle-makers.
- Photograph with care; ask first, especially with people.
Good to know
Sunday mornings only
Sunday only, and it winds down by early afternoon: leave Essaouira by 9. Dusty in summer, muddy in winter. Cash in small notes.
How it works
- You choose the date, the departure time and the return time. Nothing is fixed in advance.
- Your driver takes you there, waits for you on site and brings you back. You visit at your own pace, no guide, no group.
- We reply with one price for the car, whatever the number of passengers it carries. You pay the driver on the day.
Ask for a quote
Tell us the date, when you want to leave and come back, and how many you are. We reply with one price for the car.
No payment online. Usually answered within the day.
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Photo: Goldfinchshuffle, CC BY-SA 4.0
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