The Short Answer
Sidi Kaouki is a small village about 25 km south of Essaouira. It sits at the north end of a long, open beach. There is a white marabout (the tomb of a local saint) on the rocks, a handful of cafés, guesthouses and surf houses, and a lot of space.
It is not a resort town. There is no promenade, no shopping street and very little nightlife. Most visitors come to surf, kitesurf, ride on the beach or simply have a few slow days.
The Village
The village is small enough to walk across in a few minutes. Most buildings are low and simple, and many are guesthouses, surf houses or holiday rentals. Around it, the countryside is farmland and argan trees, with small villages linked by tracks.
The area is part of the UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, and local families still farm, fish and make products like honey, amlou and argan oil. Read more in our village guide.
The Beach
The beach is the main reason people come. It is wide and sandy, and it runs south for kilometres. At low tide it becomes very wide, which is why riders and walkers like it. The sea is open to the ocean, so there are waves most of the year and currents in places.
What it is good for
- Long walks and beach rides at low tide
- Surfing, especially from autumn to spring
- Kitesurfing on windy days
- Watching the sunset over the sea
What it is less good for
- Calm, sheltered swimming
- A sunbed-and-cocktail beach day
See the full Sidi Kaouki beach guide.
A Normal Day
Mornings are often the calmest part of the day. People walk on the beach, have breakfast at their guesthouse and go surfing while the wind is light. Around midday the cafés near the beach fill up. In the afternoon the wind usually gets stronger, kites appear on the beach and many visitors rest or read. The day ends with the sunset, and evenings are quiet.
Facilities: What You Will and Won't Find
| You will find | Don't count on |
|---|---|
| A few cafés and small restaurants | A wide choice of restaurants |
| Guesthouses, surf houses and rentals | Large hotels |
| Small shops for basics | A supermarket, bank or big pharmacy |
| Parking near the beach | Lifeguards, showers or sunbed rental |
For anything bigger, Essaouira is about 30 minutes away. Bring cash with you. See our travel tips.
Who Enjoys It Most
Surfers, kiters, people who like walking and riding, and anyone who wants a quiet break will probably like Sidi Kaouki. People who want nightlife, shops or a calm swimming sea may prefer to stay in Essaouira and visit for a day.
What to Do Next
If it sounds like your kind of place, start with plan your trip, then look at things to do. If you are not sure, read is Sidi Kaouki worth visiting?
