Things to do · Sidi Kaouki
About 25 kilometres south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is the coast at its most elemental — a long, near-empty beach, big Atlantic wind and a lone marabout shrine watching the surf. It draws surfers, windsurfers and anyone after a slower, wilder day than the town offers. Here is what makes it the easiest escape down the shore.
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Sidi Kaouki's wide, wind-blown sand runs for kilometres with little development, giving a raw, spacious feel. It catches more swell and breeze than the sheltered Essaouira bay, so it is more about walking and surfing than calm swimming.
The white koubba of the saint Sidi Kaouki sits right by the shore and gives the village its name. It is a working pilgrimage site, so admire it respectfully from outside.
The exposed beach break makes Sidi Kaouki a popular, uncrowded surf spot, with conditions that suit improving surfers as the swell builds. A couple of small surf schools and camps operate here.
The same trade winds that power Essaouira reach Sidi Kaouki, and the open beach is a good intermediate windsurf and kite spot with far more room and far fewer people.
Guides offer horse and camel rides along the empty sands, an easy way to take in the dunes, the surf and the big coastal sky at a slow pace.
A scatter of relaxed cafés, guesthouses and surf camps line the road behind the beach, perfect for a tagine and mint tea before heading back to Essaouira.
Sidi Kaouki is about 25 kilometres south of Essaouira along the coast, roughly a 30-minute drive, making it the easiest half-day or day trip from town.
Yes. Its exposed beach break catches plenty of Atlantic swell and stays uncrowded, suiting beginners to improving surfers, with a few small surf schools and camps. It is also a good intermediate windsurf and kitesurf spot.
The draws are the long wild beach, surfing and windsurfing, horse and camel rides along the sand, the seaside marabout shrine, and the relaxed cafés and camps. It is a place to slow down rather than tick off sights.
The water is clean but exposed, with Atlantic surf, currents and strong afternoon wind, so it is better for surfing and walking than calm swimming. Take care and keep an eye on conditions if you do go in.
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