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The white marabout of Sidi Kaouki on the rocks above the beach, reflected in the wet sand

25 km south of Essaouira, Morocco

Discover
Sidi Kaouki

A small surf village with a long, wide beach.
Come for the waves, the wind and the quiet.

Explore the Guide Book an Activity
The marabout of Sidi Kaouki on the rocks at the northern end of the beach under a deep blue sky

Discover the Village

What Is Sidi Kaouki?

Sidi Kaouki is a small village about 25 km south of Essaouira, in Morocco. It sits on a long sandy beach that is open to the ocean, so there are waves and wind most of the year.

People come here to surf, kitesurf, ride horses on the sand, or simply to have a few calm days away from the city. The village is named after the marabout, the white tomb of a local saint, which stands on the rocks at the north end of the beach.

  • Where: Essaouira Province, about 30 minutes by road from Essaouira
  • Known for: surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and beach rides
  • Good to know: a quiet village with a few cafés and guesthouses, not a resort town
More About Sidi Kaouki

Sidi Kaouki Beach: What to Expect

The beach is the reason most people come. Here is what it is like.

Beach Guide

  • Long and wide

    The sand runs south for kilometres. At low tide it is very wide, which makes it good for long walks and rides.

  • Waves all year

    It is an open beach break with waves most of the year. Winter usually brings the biggest swell. There are rocks in places, so ask locally where to go in.

  • Often windy

    The wind is often strong, especially in the afternoon. That is great for kitesurfing, but bring a jacket for the evening.

  • Swim with care

    There are currents and changing waves. Swim only when the sea is calm, stay close to shore and ask locals about conditions.

Things to Do in Sidi Kaouki

Tell us what you would like to do and when. We will put you in touch with a local provider.

See All 7 Activities

Also available: Wingfoil · Camel Riding · Buggy Tours

Activities are run by local providers. We help you arrange them and may earn a small commission. This never changes what we recommend. How it works

Plan Your Trip

The basics for visiting Sidi Kaouki.

Getting There from Essaouira

Sidi Kaouki is about 25 km south of Essaouira, around 30 minutes by road.

  • Grand taxi: from the grand taxi station in Essaouira. You can share a taxi or take one for yourself. Agree the price before you leave.
  • Local bus: a bus line runs between Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki a few times a day. Check the current timetable before you go.
  • Car or transfer: the easiest option with luggage or surfboards.

The closest airport is Essaouira-Mogador. Many visitors fly to Marrakech and travel to Essaouira by road.

Full transport guide

Weather & Best Time to Visit

The weather is mild for most of the year, and it is rarely very hot. The wind is the main thing to plan around.

  • Surfing: autumn to spring, when the swell is usually bigger. Winter is the main surf season.
  • Kitesurfing and windsurfing: spring and summer, when the wind is usually strongest.
  • Walks and rides: any time. Mornings are often calmer.

Evenings can be cool all year. Bring a warm layer and sun cream.

Weather by month

Where to Stay & Eat

Sidi Kaouki is small, so there is not a lot of choice. Book ahead in busy periods.

  • Stay: guesthouses, surf houses and holiday rentals in and around the village. Some people stay in Essaouira and come for the day.
  • Eat: a few cafés and small restaurants near the beach. Expect simple Moroccan food, like tagine and grilled fish.
Where to stay

Useful Travel Tips

  • Bring cash from Essaouira. Cards are not accepted everywhere.
  • Check the tide times before a long walk or ride.
  • The marabout is a place of prayer. Visit quietly and dress modestly.
  • Ask before taking photos of people.
More travel tips

From the Travel Journal

Guides and tips to help you plan your time in Sidi Kaouki.

Read All Articles

FAQ

Questions About Sidi Kaouki

Short answers to the questions visitors ask most. More in the full FAQ, or send us a message.

How far is Sidi Kaouki from Essaouira?

About 25 km, or around 30 minutes by road. You can go by grand taxi, local bus, car or private transfer.

Is Sidi Kaouki good for beginner surfers?

Yes, on smaller days. The waves change a lot, so beginners should take a lesson. The instructor will pick a safe spot and the right time of day.

Can you swim at Sidi Kaouki beach?

Sometimes. The beach is open to the ocean, with waves and currents. Only swim when the sea is calm, stay close to shore and follow local advice.

When is the best time to visit?

It depends on what you want to do. Autumn to spring is best for surfing. Spring and summer are best for kitesurfing. The weather is mild most of the year.

Is Sidi Kaouki worth a day trip?

Yes, if you like beaches. A day is enough for a walk to the marabout, lunch and an activity such as a horse ride. Stay longer if you want to surf or kite.

How do I book an activity?

Send us a message on WhatsApp, by email or with the inquiry form. Tell us the activity, your dates and the number of people. We will reply with the details from a local provider. How booking works

How Booking Works

  1. Send us a messageTell us the activity, your dates and how many people.
  2. We check with a local providerWe find out what is available and send you the details.
  3. You decideNothing is booked until you say yes.

Visit Sidi Kaouki is an independent guide. Activities are run by local providers. We may earn a commission when we arrange an activity, and it never affects what we recommend.

Sunset over the Atlantic with straw parasols on Sidi Kaouki beach

Have a Question or Want to Arrange an Activity?

Message us on WhatsApp, send an email or use the inquiry form. We are happy to help you plan your time in Sidi Kaouki.

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