Car rental in Essaouira

Renting a car in Essaouira opens up opportunities to explore the Atlantic coast. For instance, you can drive to Taghazout—a renowned surfing destination. The city is located in western Morocco, approximately 460 km from Rabat.

Localrent's advantage lies in displaying actual prices without hidden fees and allowing you to book a vehicle online. It's quick, eliminates the need to search for offices in Essaouira, and is more economical compared to booking on-site.

Benefits of Booking Through Localrent

Renting a car in Essaouira through Localrent reduces risks. The service consolidates top offers from local rental companies in one place, verifies terms, and displays the final cost.

Service advantages:

1. Flexible deposit terms. Minimum security deposit. For certain vehicles, no-deposit rental options are available—simply select the corresponding filter.
2. Brand selection. You can reserve a vehicle with specific options, eliminating unexpected vehicle class substitutions.
3. Convenient filters. Quickly find vehicles by key parameters: drivetrain and class, transmission type, deposit amount, daily rental rate.
4. Low advance payment for booking confirmation. You pay only 15–20% of the total amount. The remaining balance is paid when collecting the car in Essaouira.
5. Fixed prices. We lock in the rate at the time of advance payment in your rental voucher. It will not change afterward.

Documentation Required for Car Rental

To collect your vehicle in Essaouira, prepare a basic set of documents. Car rental requires:

• Valid driver's license—original document required, not a copy or phone photo
• Passport for contract execution
• Bank card

You'll also need booking confirmation (voucher) in printed or electronic format. It already includes all selected options: insurance, vehicle class, rental period. The remaining rental balance can be paid upon vehicle collection by card or cash (terms are specified in each vehicle's listing).

Minimum driver age and experience depend on the specific vehicle. These requirements are also indicated in each vehicle's listing on Localrent and are visible before booking.

Traffic Regulations: Essential Information

Morocco operates right-hand traffic. Regulations are formally observed, but in practice much depends on driver attentiveness.

Speed limits are strictly enforced:

• Within populated areas: 40–60 km/h (in old quarters, maintain 40 km/h)
• Outside cities on public roads: up to 100 km/h
• On expressways and highways: up to 120 km/h

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Mobile phones may only be used hands-free. Children under 12 must be secured in appropriate restraint systems or car seats.

Local drivers typically keep headlights or daytime running lights on at all times. However, regulations require them outside cities, at night, and in limited visibility conditions.

Intersection priorities:

• At uncontrolled intersections: right-of-way rule applies
• At roundabouts: priority to vehicles already in the circle
• At traffic lights, don't rush on green—locals frequently run yellow lights

Night driving outside cities requires maximum caution or is best avoided. Roadside hazards may include livestock herds, carts without lights, and cyclists in traffic lanes. Even on high-speed sections, expect the unexpected.

Police are stricter with tourists than locals. When stopped, politely present your license, passport, and vehicle documents.

Fuel Stations

In Essaouira and along Morocco's Atlantic coast, fuel stations are widespread. Most operate 24/7, particularly along highways and city entrances. Even traveling inland toward mountains or desert borders, you'll encounter fuel stations along routes. However, refuel in the city before extended trips. In remote areas, stations may close in the evening.

Fuel is paid in cash using Moroccan dirhams. Bank cards are not accepted everywhere, even at major stations.

Parking

In Essaouira, as in most Moroccan cities, central parking is typically paid. Seek official parking zones with meters. Terminals accept cash and bank cards at fixed rates. Such zones exist near the waterfront, markets, and central streets.

Major hotels and cafes often provide complimentary parking for guests—confirm upon arrival. In the historic center (medina), vehicle entry is generally prohibited, and narrow alleys simply aren't designed for automobile traffic.

Don't leave your car roadside "just anywhere." Even stopping on an empty shoulder, someone in a vest will immediately approach and request parking payment. Refusing is difficult—these attendants work informally but persistently.

How to Rent a Car

Renting a car in Essaouira takes just minutes, even without local language knowledge. Localrent allows you to select vehicles matching your preferences—from compact hatchbacks to luxury vehicles for city travel or SUVs for mountain journeys.

Step-by-step booking instructions through Localrent:

1. Specify location and rental dates. On Localrent's main page, mark "Essaouira" as pickup and return location (return at a different location available for an additional fee). Then select rental period.
2. Use search filters. The system displays available vehicles with prices and terms. You'll see included insurance, deposit requirements, and booking costs. Filters allow sorting for no-deposit vehicles, automatic transmission, etc.
3. Add optional paid services, such as extended insurance or additional driver.
4. Enter primary driver information and contact details. Review the final price and proceed to booking.
5. Pay the advance. Submit only 15–20% of the total amount by card. The remainder can be paid when collecting the vehicle in Essaouira.

Await confirmation. After payment, you'll receive an email with your voucher containing booking details and rental company contacts.

Regional Travel Suggestions

A rental car unlocks opportunities to explore the Atlantic coast and Atlas Mountain foothills. Focus on out-of-town locations difficult to reach without a vehicle. However, stick to paved roads only—insurance doesn't cover unpaved routes.

Renting in Essaouira enables visits to:

1. El Jadida. This Atlantic port city's main attraction is the Mazagan Fortress, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and UNESCO-listed. Notable structures include the Portuguese City Mosque with its tall minaret and the Chapel of Saint Sebastian. El Jadida's beaches are wide, uncrowded, and stretch for kilometers.
2. Taghazout Village. This surf village lies 2.5 hours from Essaouira. The route offers views of rocky coves. Here, 8 km of golden sand beaches extend along the coast. Active pursuits include excursions to Paradise Valley with natural pools, camel rides, fishing trips with local fishermen, and quad biking across coastal dunes.
3. Agadir. This major resort lies 170 km south of Essaouira, combining beach relaxation, culture, and activities. Green spaces include Olhao Garden, created as a memorial to victims of the 1960 earthquake. For Moroccan atmosphere immersion, visit Souk El Had market—one of the country's largest. The New Medina is styled as a traditional town with artisan shops and cafes.
4. Oulad Berhil. This small town lacks major attractions but offers proximity to Menara Gardens. From here, embark on Atlas Mountain hiking and desert excursions by camel, quad, or 4x4.
5. Ouzoud Waterfalls. Water cascades from 110 meters in three tiers. Natural pools at the base allow swimming. The route features viewpoints, picnic areas, and trails to secluded spots overlooking cascades. Visiting the waterfalls requires traveling inland, with possible stops in Marrakech along the way.

For mountain region trips, rent vehicles with powerful engines. For highway routes, such as to El Jadida, compact cars with economical fuel consumption suffice.

Car Rental Pickup Locations

When booking on Localrent, you choose where to collect your vehicle. Different rental companies in Essaouira have their own pickup points. Some operate only at the airport or their office, while others deliver vehicles directly to hotels or any city address.

Use the "Specify location" filter on the search page. Popular locations include:

• Essaouira-Mogador Airport
• Rental offices
• Hotels and beach zones (where city delivery service is available)

Car Rental Considerations

Local nuances can impact your trip comfort. Our recommendations help you prepare for renting in Essaouira and avoid on-site errors.

Note road numbers

In Morocco, surface quality directly correlates with route designation. Single- and double-digit roads typically offer better quality. Three- and four-digit roads may have potholes or lack markings.

Document vehicle condition upon collection

Before signing the rental agreement, inspect the vehicle: scratches, chips, oil level, tire pressure. Photograph all damage and ensure the rental staff records this information in the handover document.

Keep French phrases handy

In major cities, you'll be understood in English, but at fuel stations and smaller towns, primary languages are French and Arabic.

Frequently Asked Questions