Travel Plan
Essaouira beach

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira beach

A wide Atlantic bay of sand and wind, made for kitesurfing, camel rides and long walks.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Free
Best time
Afternoon
Area
Beach

A long sandy beach with camels and horses.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Essaouira beach, Boulevard Mohammed V, Essaouira

  • On foot: Begins just south of the port and medina.
  • Sidi Kaouki: A wilder surf beach about 25 km south.
  • Water sports: Surf and kite schools line the beach.

The story of Essaouira beach

Essaouira's crescent bay stretches for several kilometres south of the medina, facing the Mogador islands. The strong trade winds that blow here most of the year earned it the nickname "Wind City of Africa".

These winds make it one of Morocco's best spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Camels and horses walk along the sand, and the ruins of an old fort, Borj El Berod, lie half buried at the southern end.

Best time to visit

Best season

Summer for steady wind; spring and autumn for calmer walks.

Best time of day

Late afternoon for walks and sunset.

Swimming

The water is cool and currents can be strong; swim with care.

Tips before you go

  • Windy: great for kitesurfing.
  • Book a kitesurfing lesson with a certified school.
  • Bring a windbreaker; it is breezy even in summer.

Best hotels near Essaouira beach

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Heure Bleue Palais

Palace hotel with a rooftop pool inside the medina.

See prices

Riad Mimouna

Riad on the ramparts facing the ocean.

See prices

Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa – MGallery

Beachfront hotel with a thalasso spa.

See prices
All hotels near Essaouira beach

What's around Essaouira beach

  • Mogador islandsNature reserve islands offshore.
  • Borj El BerodRuined fort on the beach.
  • Sidi KaoukiSurf village south of town.
  • MedinaAt the northern end of the beach.

Questions travellers ask

Can I swim at Essaouira beach?

Yes, but the water is cool and windy; swim in calm areas.

Is it good for kitesurfing?

Yes, it is one of the best spots in Morocco.

Why is it so windy?

Strong Atlantic trade winds blow most of the year.

More in Essaouira

Skala de la Ville (Essaouira ramparts)

Skala de la Ville (Essaouira ramparts)

Read the guide
Essaouira fishing port

Essaouira fishing port

Read the guide
Essaouira medina

Essaouira medina

Read the guide
Back to the Essaouira guide
Travel Plan · Essaouira beach Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure