Four days from the green capital down the Atlantic to the windswept port of Essaouira: Rabat's monuments and beaches, the surf and seafood of Oualidia and El Jadida en route, and the ramparts of Essaouira.
Day by day
Your 4-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Rabat & its beaches
The Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and Chellah, then an afternoon on Rabat or Temara beach to feel the Atlantic before heading south.
- Kasbah of the Udayas
- Hassan Tower
- Chellah
- Temara beach
- 2
Day 2
El Jadida & Oualidia
Down the coast to El Jadida's Portuguese Cistern and ramparts, then the calm lagoon of Oualidia — famous for oysters and gentle swimming — for a seafood lunch.
- El Jadida Portuguese Cistern
- Cité Portugaise
- Oualidia lagoon
- Oysters & seafood
- 3
Day 3
On to Essaouira
Continue south to the fortified port of Essaouira: the UNESCO medina, the Skala sea bastions and the blue fishing boats, with grilled fish straight off the dock.
- Essaouira medina
- Skala ramparts
- Fishing harbour
- Fresh seafood
- 4
Day 4
Essaouira beach & argan
The long windswept beach for a surf or kitesurf lesson or a horse ride, then a women's argan-oil co-operative on the road back inland.
- Essaouira beach
- Surf / kitesurf
- Horse riding
- Argan co-operative
Good to know
Practical notes
- This is a one-way coastal drive — Rabat to Essaouira is a long haul, so a private car or driver-guide is the comfortable choice.
- Oualidia's lagoon is the calmest swimming on this coast; Essaouira is always breezy and better for watersports.
- Essaouira is about 2.5 hours from Marrakech, so this route pairs well with onward travel south.
Frequently asked
Can you drive the Atlantic coast from Rabat to Essaouira?
Yes — the coast road links Rabat, El Jadida, Oualidia and Essaouira, though it is a long way, so spreading it over four days with a driver-guide keeps it relaxed.
What is the best Atlantic beach town near Rabat?
Temara and Mohammedia are the closest beach towns to the capital; further south, Oualidia's sheltered lagoon and Essaouira's windswept bay are the standout coastal stops.
Private & tailored
Want this Rabat trip priced for you?
Every itinerary is private and fully adjustable — change the dates, pace, riads or length. Tell us your group and travel window and we'll send a written plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.
Contact us for pricingMore itineraries