The largest rural market in the Essaouira region takes place every Sunday in Had Draa located 30 km up the road towards Marrakech. The farmers of the region travel there by donkey to offer their crops, animals, and crafts, and to also do their weekly shopping. The gathering at Had Draa is mainly attended by men although everyone socializes, chats over tea with friends, and exchanges news in cafés or under tents. 
The market gives an authentic insight into daily lives in the Moroccan countryside. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices release their plethora of aromas while the market showcases everything needed to live and work. 
We sample and taste a variety of foodstuffs. Next door are many cafes with open grills which presents us with the unique opportunity to try fresh grilled dromedary, served along with warm bread, olive and Argan oil, as well as traditional mint tea.
HIGHLIGHTS ! Discovering rural life and taste local food.

The Sunday Market in Had Draa & Local Food Tasting.

A large section of this walk takes you through an Argan forest. Argan trees are an endemic species only found in the south west of Morocco and a mythical emblem of the Essaouira region. This is a relatively easy walk suitable for people looking for a leisurely ramble. 
Throughout the hike, the guide will give you useful insights into the ecology of these trees. You will thus be able to observe the different stages of a tree‛s life cycle until it reaches maturity; you will also learn about the many different products derived from the trees and their fruit as well as the beneficial impact on the local culture. 
You will walk through a little village where there is a 'Marabout‛ -or saint‛s temple- featuring elements dating back to the 16th century, and later you will be served tea at a Berber villager‛s and experience first-hand traditional Moroccan hospitality. 
At the end of the walking tour, you will visit a women's cooperative where you will discover the secret of making the famous argan oil.

Argan Forest, tea time at a Berbers family & Visit of an Argan cooperative.

Work hand in hand with talented craftswomen who perpetuate this ancestral know-how and participate in the economic empowerment of women craftswomen. Come away with your unique creation and pride in having helped preserve a valuable cultural heritage.
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.

Craft Workshop: Create Your Sub-Plate

This complete cultural immersion includes a practical introduction to traditional looms, you will leave not only with your textile creation and a traditional cotton and wool plaid (60x80 cm), but also with a deep understanding of authentic Moroccan craftsmanship.
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.

Traditional Weaving Experience in Essaouira

Introduce yourself to traditional leather goods during this 3-hour workshop in Essaouira. Under the Expert Eye of your craftsmen, you will work with premium leather to create your own pouch (18×12×1 cm). 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
You will learn how to cut leather, use ancestral tools and create impeccable seams and finishes. It is a creative and authentic experience to leave with an elegant and durable accessory. Tea and refreshments included

Workshop Leather Create your Phone Case

This workshop offers a rare immersion in the traditional craft of cedar wood, a precious species typical of Morocco. Unlike simple visits, you are actively involved in every step of the process, from the raw piece of wood to the finished product. You benefit from the personalized support of skilled craftsmen in a real local workshop. 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
This is one of the only experiences in Marrakech where you create and leave with your own handcrafted chess game of 24×12×5.5 cm

Workshop Wood of Thuya Create your Chess Game

Discover the art of embroidery in an authentic women's cooperative in Essaouira. More than just a class, it is a moment of warm sharing over traditional tea. You will learn ancestral techniques from local craftswomen and leave with your own handmade creation, a unique and ethical souvenir of Morocco.
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.

Workshop Embroidery in Essaouira Create your Handmade Bag

A meal in a Moroccan restaurant in Essaouira is often a rich culinary experience, blending the flavors of the sea and traditional spices.

Is a Moroccan restaurant serving typical Moroccan dishes in a cozy and original setting with Jewish and Moroccan decor. We serve typical Moroccan dishes like Couscous, Tagine, Takchouka, moroccan salad...

Moroccan Traditional Restaurant in Essaouira

Step into a real Souiri workshop where Thuya wood has been shaped and polished for generations. Accompanied by a master craftsman
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.

Workshop Wood of Thuya in Essaouira Create your Handicraft Box

Live a unique artistic experience in Essaouira by making your own Moroccan decorative necklace. Under the guidance of a local artisan, you will discover the history of traditional Moroccan jewelry, learn creative techniques and assemble decorative buttons, beads and threads to design a personalized necklace. 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
Leave with your handmade creation, perfect as a souvenir or gift. This workshop is open to all, without prior experience required

Decorative necklace creation workshop: handmade jewelry

Live an immersive artisanal experience in Marrakech by participating in a workshop to make cans of cedar wood, a precious material from the Atlas Mountains. 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
Under the guidance of an experienced local craftsman, you will learn traditional woodworking techniques, from cutting to finishing, and make your own custom box. Perfect for art lovers, this course combines traditional know-how, creativity and cultural discovery

Create your own carving of cedar in Essaouira

Immerse yourself in the art of Moroccan henna during this practical workshop in Essaouira. Under the guidance of a specialist craftsman, you will learn traditional henna application techniques, explore symbolic patterns and create custom designs on your hands. 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
Whether you are a Newbie or already familiar with henna, this rewarding experience combines culture, creativity and sharing. The workshop includes all necessary materials and traditional refreshments.

Create beautiful patterns on the hands

During this 3-hour immersive workshop, you will meet the women artisans who master the traditional process of extracting argan oil and actively participate in every step of this ancestral technique passed down from generation to generation. 
The experience is enriched by a tasting of Moroccan pastries, a visit to the Argana Crafts Shop complex, a musical moment and a fitting of traditional outfits for a total immersion in Moroccan culture.
From raw argan nuts to precious finished product, you will discover all the secrets of this extraordinary oil with multiple virtues.

Historical Tours in Essaouira