Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Essaouira
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Essaouira
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Essaouira
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Essaouira
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Essaouira is a captivating coastal city with a rich history and stunning landscapes. While taxis and buses are available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore the Coastline: With a rental car, you can easily access the beautiful beaches north and south of Essaouira, discovering hidden gems and secluded spots along the Atlantic coast.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Venture beyond the city to explore Berber villages, argan oil cooperatives, and the scenic landscapes of the surrounding countryside.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Having your own car allows you to travel on your own schedule, without being restricted by public transportation timetables or taxi availability.
Before renting a car in Essaouira, be aware of the local rental terms. These typically involve age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 70 square kilometers (27 square miles)
Population
Approximately 78,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT+0
Ideal for
Coastal and rural exploration
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 8 AM –10 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Essaouira require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have different age requirements based on the type of vehicle.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-residents whose licenses are not in Arabic or French.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but it’s wise to consider additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is generally required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; some require returning the car with a full tank, while others may offer a prepaid fuel option.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in Essaouira is from £20 / $25 / €23 per day, but this can fluctuate depending on the season and availability.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €46
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €52
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €35
SUV:
from £25 / $31 / €29
Peak season (July to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts and lower prices
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Essaouira involves comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, and understanding the rental terms. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various car rental companies in Essaouira.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort for longer drives.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental car.
Essaouira, a charming coastal city in Morocco, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While compact and walkable, a car expands exploration opportunities.
Essaouira's medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its strong winds, attracting windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world. A rental car allows visitors to explore nearby attractions such as Sidi Kaouki beach and the argan oil region. Driving within the medina is not possible due to narrow streets. Before starting your journey, familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel station locations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Essaouira Medina
Explore the historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Skala de la Kasbah
Visit the historic ramparts offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sidi Kaouki Beach
Enjoy a day at this beautiful beach known for its surfing and relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available outside the medina walls.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but can be challenging to find, especially during peak season.
Park & Ride
Consider parking further from the center and walking or taking a taxi to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Essaouira
Major Brands Available
You can find major fuel brands like Afriquia, TotalEnergies and Shell along the main roads.
Refuel Before Entering the Medina
Fuel stations are located outside the medina. Refuel before entering the city center if needed.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate the nearest gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Essaouira
Be Mindful of Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in the medina’s narrow streets.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Respect Local Customs
Dress respectfully and be mindful of local customs and traditions.
Bargain at Souks
Bargaining is common practice in the souks (markets). Be prepared to negotiate prices.
Bus Station
Essaouira Bus Station
The main bus station connects Essaouira with major cities across Morocco, including Marrakech and Agadir.
Airport
Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU)
Located a short drive from the city center, serves domestic and some international flights.
Renting a car in Essaouira requires meeting specific criteria related to licensing, age, and documentation. Here’s a breakdown:
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for licenses not in Arabic or French.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit card in the primary driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may accept debit cards, but with stricter conditions.
A passport or other government-issued photo identification is required to confirm your identity.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Essaouira as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, good pace.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Summer in Essaouira was amazing! Exploring the coast by car was so freeing.
Benjamin Wilson
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Essaouira was a revelation! Exploring the medina was fantastic, although the tanneries' smell was a bit overpowering. Having a car made independent sightseeing so easy. Definitely recommend!
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 23.08.2025
Family vacation in Essaouira was perfect! Exploring the coast with our rental car was so easy and fun.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Essaouira in summer was lovely; having a car made exploring easy. The beach was crowded, though.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Wonderful weekend getaway! Essaouira's charm was easy to discover, thanks to having a car. The coast is breathtaking; we explored so much in just two days.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Pretty laid-back, cool.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Essaouira in July was delightful! Getting around by car was so convenient, making exploring the coast a breeze.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Essaouira was magical, exploring at our own pace. The beach was a bit underwhelming, though.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
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Chill vibe, good drives
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 06.10.2024