Essaouira Beach

What it is

Essaouira beach is a sandy bay several kilometres long that begins south of the medina and the harbour and continues in a curve southwards. In front lie the Mogador islands, which partly shelter it from the Atlantic swell. What defines it is the wind: the trade wind blows almost all year and strongly from April to October, above all in summer. That is why it is more a beach for walking and wind sports than for lying on a towel.

Getting there and parking

From the medina you leave by Place Moulay Hassan and in a few minutes you are on the sand. Along the beach runs Boulevard Mohammed V, a seafront promenade with hotels, cafés and sports schools. If you go by car, there is room to park along the boulevard; agree the tip with the attendant.

What to do

• Walk. The stretch near the city is the liveliest. If you continue south, the beach gradually empties and you can walk a long way along the shore.
• Surf. The bay has gentle, steady waves, good for learning. Océan Vagabond, on Boulevard Mohamed V, gives one-hour group surf lessons from €22, semi-private from €29 and private for adults from €42, with all equipment included, all year.
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing. With the strong wind from April to October, Essaouira is one of the country's kitesurfing destinations. Océan Vagabond gives two-hour lessons, semi-private from €95 and private from €123, starting with a safety talk, and hires equipment from €43 for two hours.
• Horse or dromedary rides. Rides are offered along the sand; agree price and duration before getting on.

Swimming

You can, but choose your day. The Atlantic water is cold almost all year and in strong wind the sand flies and the towel won't stay put. On calm days, the area near the city is the quietest. Swim only where there are more people and away from the kitesurfing area, take care with currents when there is a swell and do not go far out with children.

When to go

For walking, first thing or at sunset, with the sun low over the islands. For swimming, days without wind and first thing. For kitesurfing, from April to October, when it blows hard. In summer the wind usually picks up through the day: in the morning the beach is more pleasant.

Services

On the city stretch there are cafés and restaurants on the promenade and schools hiring equipment. Do not count on sunshades for hire as on a Spanish beach: bring what you need. Further south there are no services.

With children and with a dog

With small children it works for playing on the sand and at the water's edge on low-wind days; in strong wind, sand in the face tires them soon. They enjoy the horse and dromedary rides. With a dog you can walk on the sand, especially on the quieter southern stretch.