Fez → Rabat → Essaouira — Self-drive tours in Morocco

Heads up: the longest leg takes about 5 h 30 of driving. Leave early in the morning and do not overload the schedule.

Combine historic heritage with the sea air of the Atlantic. Discover Rabat, its monuments and medina, then continue to Essaouira, a coastal town with history-laden ramparts. Plan breaks to enjoy local cuisine, wander the souks and admire the boats in the harbour. An itinerary of culture, coastal scenery and easy living.

24-26 · 06 · 2027

Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival

Next edition: 24 to 26 June 2027 in Essaouira. Book your accommodation and your car as early as possible.

Official festival website

Day-by-day programme

Day 1

Fez → Rabat

Morning : one last morning in the Fez medina.
Afternoon : the A2 motorway, a very fast straight road across the Saïss farmland, past Meknes and Khemisset.
Evening : arrive in Rabat, leave the car in a secure car park near your accommodation (busy but well-organised traffic) and dine facing the Bouregreg marina.

Day 2

Rabat → Essaouira, the big crossing

8:30 am: A5 motorway (bypassing Rabat and Casablanca), the busiest stretch in the country: stay alert.
11:30 am: break at El Jadida or Oualidia, oysters or grilled fish by the lagoon.
2:30 pm: A3 to Safi, then the N1 south: first argan trees and sea breeze.
5 pm: arrival in Essaouira, buzzing during the festival.

Days 3 & 4

Essaouira, the festival without a car

Park the car and do not touch it until the end of your stay: the medina is fully pedestrian and access to the town is jammed during the Gnaoua festival. Enjoy the atmosphere, the Skala ramparts and the fishing port.

Concierge tips

Book far in advance

Essaouira is literally stormed during the festival (nearly 700,000 visitors). Book months ahead; if the medina is full, look for guesthouses or flats on the outskirts (Ghazoua district) or in Sidi Kaouki.

Stops and rest points

1
Fez
Start
2
Rabat
2 h 15 drive · 1 night recommended
3
Essaouira
5 h 30 drive · 1 night recommended

Must-sees

Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum
Stop in Oualidia: oysters and seafood by the lagoon
Essaouira's ramparts and the Skala
Essaouira’s Gnaoua culture
The fishing port and its blue boats

Route map

Open in Google Maps

Practical tips

Best time to go : April to October on the coast (cool Atlantic wind)
Use the guarded car parks near the medinas and visit on foot: leave the car at your hotel.
Book your accommodation in advance in high season (spring, autumn and school holidays).
Refuel before long stretches (mountains, desert) and keep some change for tolls.
Indicative budget: car rental from €18/day, plus fuel, tolls, accommodation and meals.

Tips →