Moulay Bouzerktoun

Moulay Bouzerktoun is a short, scenic half-day excursion north of Essaouira, built around one of the region's best-known surf beaches and a string of smaller stops that make for an easy, varied morning out.

After time at the surf beach, the route continues to the Ain Lahjer oasis and Val d'Argan, a local vineyard where you can taste wine produced from this unusual coastal terrain, before visiting a women-run argan oil cooperative on the way back. A final photo stop at Azlef offers panoramic coastal views before returning to Essaouira.

At roughly 3.5 hours, it's our shortest excursion — ideal as a relaxed morning activity that still leaves the rest of your day free.