Essaouira's main town beach runs for miles south of the medina toward Cap Sim, backed by dunes, with the old walls and the blue port at one end. It is a lively, local beach rather than a resort strip: there is football on the sand, camels offered for short rides, kites overhead and long walks at low tide. A northwesterly trade wind blows throughout the year, and it is stronger in summer, so you should expect breezy, comfortable conditions rather than hot and still ones. Water temperatures stay cool, even in summer, so sunbathing is easy but swimming is a brisk affair. The bay is a famous setting for wind sports. Visit for the atmosphere, the walks and the views back to the ramparts, and bring a windproof layer even on a bright day.
The wind defines the beach. A curved bay with a gently sloping, shallow sandy bottom suits beginners in wind sports, and the area is one of Morocco's main wind- and kitesurfing spots. The same wind makes sunbathing less relaxing, since sand blows, so many visitors prefer a walk, a camel ride or a cafe seat with a windbreak. The water reaches only about twenty degrees in summer, so a wetsuit is needed all year for water sports.
North of the medina there is a second beach, Plage de Safi, reached through Bab Doukkala. It can be pleasant in calm, hot weather, but it can be dangerous when the wind is up, so check conditions and local advice before swimming there. On the main beach, camel rides are offered informally for short periods and you should negotiate the price first and agree the duration. For a more organised ride, see the separate beach horse ride in this guide.
For a good beach day, walk south from the port toward the dunes with the wind at your back and return with it behind you, stop at a beachfront cafe, and watch the kites in the afternoon when the wind is strongest. Sunset over the ramparts is lovely from the sand. Keep valuables close, wear sunscreen even in the breeze, and avoid swimming where the current looks strong or flags indicate a warning. In the evening the beach cools quickly, so take a layer.
What to expect
The experience
A free, breezy beach with dunes behind it, football, informal camel rides and kites overhead.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for gentler light, and afternoons if you want to watch the kites.
How long
One to three hours.
Tips
Bring a windproof layer, expect cool water and agree prices for any camel ride before you sit up.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers, families and kite watchers.
- Families
- Good for sand play and walks, but the wind and cool water mean swimming is limited.
- Couples
- A lovely sunset stroll with the ramparts behind you.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the horse ride, a kitesurf lesson or the Skala de la Ville.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
Is Essaouira beach good for swimming?+
The water stays cool and the wind is steady, so it is better for walking and watching than for relaxed swimming. The northern Plage de Safi can be dangerous when the wind is up.
Why is it so windy?+
A northwesterly trade wind blows throughout the year and is stronger in summer. It is the reason the bay is popular for wind and kitesurfing.
Do I need a wetsuit?+
For water sports, yes, because the water only reaches about twenty degrees in summer. For paddling and walking, no.
Can I ride a camel on the beach?+
Short camel rides are offered informally on the main beach. Agree the price and the time before you start.
Is the beach free?+
Yes, public access is free. You pay only for cafes, loungers or activities.
