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Morocco🇲🇦 | beachesEssaouira BeachKitesurf bay, Mogador island views, port fish stalls, low-tide walk to Diabat | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Essaouira Beach
🏆 Top pickbeach ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Pickup football matches run across the flat, wet sand at low tide, usually in the afternoon, directly below the medina’s ramparts. Essaouira Beach is a wide Atlantic bay on Morocco’s west coast, running south from the old port and walls. The wind is the main fact here. It keeps the air clear and the sand mostly litter-light near town, and it makes kitesurfing excellent, but it also flattens a sunbathing afternoon and turns the water cold and choppy. Swim in the calm morning hours or skip it. The southern stretch toward Diabat is emptier, though the walk is soft sand and shade is nonexistent. Snorkeling and diving are not the draw, so leave your mask at home. A plate of grilled sardines with bread and a salad from a port stall cost me US$4, and it beat any beachfront café menu. Eat at the port, not on the sand. Your first day works best with a morning beach walk, fish at the port, and the ramparts at golden hour.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 beach in MoroccoWhat makes it a must-see beach

Essaouira Beach earns its stop because the town sits right on it, so you can sleep in a cheap riad, step out of the medina gate and be on the sand in five minutes. That convenience is rare on Morocco’s coast, where good beaches often mean a taxi ride. The second reason is the wind. Steady Atlantic gusts make this one of the country’s best kitesurfing and windsurfing bays, with schools and rental huts along the sand and a crowd of beginners and instructors sharing the water. If you do not ride, you still get the show, with kites looping above the shoreline all afternoon. The third reason is how it works as a break on the route between Marrakech and the Atlantic towns farther south such as Agadir. People arrive planning one night and often stay three, because the medina, the fish grills at the … read more 👉
Essaouira Beach earns its stop because the town sits right on it, so you can sleep in a cheap riad, step out of the medina gate and be on the sand in five minutes. That convenience is rare on Morocco’s coast, where good beaches often mean a taxi ride. The second reason is the wind. Steady Atlantic gusts make this one of the country’s best kitesurfing and windsurfing bays, with schools and rental huts along the sand and a crowd of beginners and instructors sharing the water. If you do not ride, you still get the show, with kites looping above the shoreline all afternoon. The third reason is how it works as a break on the route between Marrakech and the Atlantic towns farther south such as Agadir. People arrive planning one night and often stay three, because the medina, the fish grills at the port and the long walks toward Diabat fill time without costing much. It is a place to slow down, eat well and watch the light change on the ramparts.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. The Bay Beach and Its Wind Sports: The long curve of sand below the medina is what the town is known for. Kitesurfing and windsurfing schools operate here, and lessons suit first-timers because the bay is wide and the wind is reliable. Even from the shore, the colored kites are a highlight.
  2. Île de Mogador and the Purple Islands: The island sits just offshore, visible across the bay, and its old fortress and bird colonies are part of the scenery. Eleonora’s falcons nest there in summer. The island is a protected reserve, so you watch from the beach and ramparts rather than land casually.
  3. Skala du Port Fish Grills: At the harbor end of the beach, open-air stalls grill sardines, calamari and whatever came in on the boats that morning. You choose from the ice, they cook it, and you eat at shared
… read more 👉
  1. The Bay Beach and Its Wind Sports: The long curve of sand below the medina is what the town is known for. Kitesurfing and windsurfing schools operate here, and lessons suit first-timers because the bay is wide and the wind is reliable. Even from the shore, the colored kites are a highlight.
  2. Île de Mogador and the Purple Islands: The island sits just offshore, visible across the bay, and its old fortress and bird colonies are part of the scenery. Eleonora’s falcons nest there in summer. The island is a protected reserve, so you watch from the beach and ramparts rather than land casually.
  3. Skala du Port Fish Grills: At the harbor end of the beach, open-air stalls grill sardines, calamari and whatever came in on the boats that morning. You choose from the ice, they cook it, and you eat at shared tables. Prices are set per portion, so check before ordering.
  4. Walk to Diabat and Borj el Berod: At low tide, the hard sand makes the long walk south toward Diabat easy, with dunes on one side and surf on the other. The ruined Borj el Berod fort there is tied to the local Jimi Hendrix legend. Expect no shade and plenty of wind.
  5. Camel and Horse Rides on the Sand: Handlers offer rides along the southern part of the beach, often toward Diabat. They are more fun in the late afternoon, and a short ride is plenty. Agree on duration and price before you mount.
Walk the beach in the morning first, because the wind is lighter, the sand is firm and you can reach the port stalls before the best fish is gone. Essaouira Beach is easiest to enjoy before the afternoon gusts arrive.
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Things to do around Essaouira Beach

Surf Lesson in Essaouira

Surf Lesson in Essaouira

5.0(203) 2h
From €30
per personViator
Group Kitesurfing lesson with a Local in Essaouira Morocco

Group Kitesurfing lesson with a Local in Essaouira Morocco

5.0(176) 2h
From €55
per personViator
Individual Lessons of Kite Surf in Essaouira

Individual Lessons of Kite Surf in Essaouira

5.0(116) 2h
From €90
per personViator
Camel Ride with khalid in Essaouira

Camel Ride with khalid in Essaouira

5.0(74) 1h
From €25
per personViator
Moroccan cooking class in Essaouira city

Moroccan cooking class in Essaouira city

5.0(70) 2h
From €45
per personViator
Kitesurf Rental

Kitesurf Rental

5.0(65)
From €40
per personViator
2h surfing in uncrowded spots

2h surfing in uncrowded spots

5.0(55) 2h
From €28
per personViator
Scenic Horseback Adventure Along Essaouira’s Beaches

Scenic Horseback Adventure Along Essaouira’s Beaches

5.0(46) 2h
From €27
per personViator
Private Surf Lessons

Private Surf Lessons

5.0(45) 2h
From €80
per personViator
Private Kitesurf Lesson in Essaouira Morocco

Private Kitesurf Lesson in Essaouira Morocco

5.0(44) 2h 30m
From €100
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Summer (June to September): Days run 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F), cooler than inland Marrakech, which can top 40°C (104°F). The Atlantic wind, the alizé, blows hard most afternoons, which suits kitesurfers and windsurfers but not sunbathers. Crowds and room prices peak in July and August.
  • Autumn (October to November): Highs of 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F), water around 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F), and the wind eases. Daylight shrinks to about 10.5 hours by November. Prices drop and the sand empties out.
  • Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F), nights near 9 to 11°C (48 to 52°F). Most of the rain falls now, in short showers. Big swells draw surfers, and rooms can cost 30 to 40 percent less than in August.
  • Spring (March to May): Highs of 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F) with mild wind. Easter
… read more 👉
  • Summer (June to September): Days run 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F), cooler than inland Marrakech, which can top 40°C (104°F). The Atlantic wind, the alizé, blows hard most afternoons, which suits kitesurfers and windsurfers but not sunbathers. Crowds and room prices peak in July and August.
  • Autumn (October to November): Highs of 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F), water around 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F), and the wind eases. Daylight shrinks to about 10.5 hours by November. Prices drop and the sand empties out.
  • Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F), nights near 9 to 11°C (48 to 52°F). Most of the rain falls now, in short showers. Big swells draw surfers, and rooms can cost 30 to 40 percent less than in August.
  • Spring (March to May): Highs of 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F) with mild wind. Easter and the Gnaoua music festival in June fill beds fast.
Book ahead for the Gnaoua weekend, or visit in late September for warm days and thin crowds.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The medina is the best base for backpackers, because the beach is a 5 to 10 minute walk from its gates and the budget beds cluster inside the walls. Expect dorm beds at roughly US$10 to 20 and simple private rooms at US$25 to 45, with prices rising in July, August and during the Gnaoua festival.
The southern medina, around Bab Doukkala and the lanes toward Place Moulay Hassan, is the most social. Rooftop terraces, cheap grilled-fish stalls at the port and cafes are all within a few minutes on foot, and solo travelers find it easy to meet people. The streets are lit, busy until late and walkable … read more 👉
The medina is the best base for backpackers, because the beach is a 5 to 10 minute walk from its gates and the budget beds cluster inside the walls. Expect dorm beds at roughly US$10 to 20 and simple private rooms at US$25 to 45, with prices rising in July, August and during the Gnaoua festival.
The southern medina, around Bab Doukkala and the lanes toward Place Moulay Hassan, is the most social. Rooftop terraces, cheap grilled-fish stalls at the port and cafes are all within a few minutes on foot, and solo travelers find it easy to meet people. The streets are lit, busy until late and walkable even for women traveling alone, though the alleys confuse everyone for the first day.
The northern medina near the ramparts and the Skala is quieter and often cheaper, with more local families around. It suits anyone who wants sleep over nightlife, and the sea-facing walls are close by.
Kitesurfers and surfers often choose the stretch toward Diabat or the southern end of the bay, where guesthouses are 2 to 6 km (1 to 4 miles) from the center. These are calmer and cheaper, with surf camps that include lessons, but you will need a taxi or a bike to reach the restaurants after dark. A petit taxi into town is usually US$1 to 3.
Best hostels in Morocco


Best quality hotels in Morocco

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Essaouira Beach

The bay is wide, flat and sandy, and the beach is easy to manage for most visitors, though the Atlantic is cold and the wind is the real factor. Water temperatures stay between about 17 and 20°C (63 to 68°F), so even summer swims are brisk. The north end by the town is the most sheltered, and families swim there. Further south toward Diabat, waves build and rip currents form, especially in winter swells, so swim where locals do and watch for the stronger channels of dark, choppy water. Lifeguards and flags are not reliable, so judge conditions yourself.
The afternoon wind can reach 25 to 35 km/h (15 to 22 mph), blowing sand into everything and masking sun exposure, so wear sunscreen even when it feels cool. Mornings are calmer and warmer for swimming.
Thefts are rare but happen. Do not leave … read more 👉
The bay is wide, flat and sandy, and the beach is easy to manage for most visitors, though the Atlantic is cold and the wind is the real factor. Water temperatures stay between about 17 and 20°C (63 to 68°F), so even summer swims are brisk. The north end by the town is the most sheltered, and families swim there. Further south toward Diabat, waves build and rip currents form, especially in winter swells, so swim where locals do and watch for the stronger channels of dark, choppy water. Lifeguards and flags are not reliable, so judge conditions yourself.
The afternoon wind can reach 25 to 35 km/h (15 to 22 mph), blowing sand into everything and masking sun exposure, so wear sunscreen even when it feels cool. Mornings are calmer and warmer for swimming.
Thefts are rare but happen. Do not leave phones or cameras unattended on the sand. Horse and camel owners will offer rides, and a polite decline works. Walk the beach in daylight rather than late at night.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Essaouira Beach lies directly beside the medina, so most travelers walk there in 5 to 10 minutes. Buses from Marrakech (CTM and Supratours) take about 3 to 3.5 hours and cost around US$7 to 10, and Agadir is roughly 3 hours away. From the bus station, a petit taxi to the medina costs about US$1 to 2.
Essaouira Beach is better for wind sports than for relaxed swimming. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are excellent from April to September, with schools renting gear and lessons from around US$45 to 70, and surfers head south toward Sidi Kaouki and Diabat for waves. The sea is cold at 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F) and snorkeling is poor, so swim near the town end where the water is calmest.
Essaouira Beach is free to visit, with no entry fee and open access all day. Sun loungers and umbrellas from local vendors typically cost US$2 to 5, and a camel or horse ride along the sand costs roughly US$10 to 20 per hour. Showers and toilets are limited, so carry small change for cafes along the promenade.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Moroccan beaches near Essaouira Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Taghazout Beach—Beginner surf break, Anchor Point, fishing harbor, rooftop yoga| 107 km away
  • Legzira Beach—Red sandstone arches, striped cliffs, tidal flats, overnight camping| 232 km away
  • Asilah Beach—Portuguese ramparts, medina murals, harbor sardines, southern sand| 562 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Essaouira Beach is at its best in the morning, when the wind drops enough for a long walk, a cold swim and an easy breakfast near the port. From late spring through early autumn the afternoons can blast sand, so I would plan the beach before lunch and spend the rest of the day in the medina. Bring a windbreaker, even in summer.

✈️ When did I visit Morocco?
In October 2011, I backpacked Morocco for two weeks, with climbing the Mount Toubkal in summer clothing as a highlight.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Morocco, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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