Essaouira boasts a compact tourist area, and thousands upon thousands of visitors each year love exploring it on foot. The historic medina is enclosed by ancient walls and is entirely pedestrianized, making it perfect for leisurely strolls down winding alleyways. You can explore the bustling souks, charming galleries, and the scenic ramparts all on foot. The medina's compact layout encourages wandering and discovering hidden cafés, art studios, and boutiques.

Taxis are readily available in Essaouira, and you can access a petit taxi by walking outside the medina area at Bab Doukkala. Petits taxis in Essaouira are painted blue in color with a white roof. These are affordable and for certain destinations, flat-fared: for example, from the airport to the center of Essaouira at Bab Doukkala, fares are locked at 150 dh ($15), and from the airport to Diabat, or from the city center of Essaouira to Diabat, the fare is locked at 200 dh ($20).

Essaouira offers favorable conditions for bicycling enthusiasts, particularly those interested in exploring the city in a leisurely and scenic manner. The coastal town provides a relatively flat terrain which is great for cycling, and the cool winds from the Atlantic make for a pleasant ride, especially during the warmer months. There are tour operators in town that offer bike tours, which often cover the picturesque medina, the port, and the gorgeous beachfront. Some tours extend to nearby areas like the beautiful countryside around Essaouira, offering a more adventurous cycling experience. The ubiquitous Bybike (www.bybike.ma) makes it easier than ever to rent a bike from most major cities in the country, including Essaouira.

The public transport system in Essaouira is called LimaBus, and it runs nine different routes across the city and environs. These are useful for people who want to explore away from the compact coastal medina and the surrounding area. To catch the bus at the northern end of Essaouira to see other parts of town, catch the bus right outside Bab Doukkala. For more information, visit www.limabusessaouira.com.

Note: Buses stop running in Essaouira very early, at 7:30 p.m. each night, so plan accordingly.