A huge beach, a white shrine facing the ocean and an end-of-the-world feel: Sidi Kaouki is the perfect escape 25 minutes from Essaouira.
About 25 km south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a small Berber village set beside a sandy beach that stretches for kilometres. No big hotels, one paved road, dirt tracks, camels wandering along the shore: people come here for the calm, the ocean and the surf.
How to get there
- By car or taxi: about 30 minutes from Essaouira on the Agadir road.
- By shared grand taxi from Essaouira, or by local bus (several runs a day).
- By private transfer from Essaouira airport (the closest) or from Marrakech.
The highlights of Sidi Kaouki
- The beach: huge, quiet, perfect for walking for hours. Watch out for currents: swim where the sea is calm and never alone in big swell.
- The shrine of Sidi Kaouki: the little white sanctuary on the headland that gave the village its name.
- Surfing: more powerful waves than in Essaouira, ideal once you have the basics.
- Kitesurfing: in summer, the steady wind draws experienced riders.
- Horse and camel rides on the beach, especially at sunset.
- Argan cooperatives and the argan forest all around the village.
Where to stay in Sidi Kaouki
The village mostly has guesthouses, houses to rent and cabins among the argan trees. Our partner offers 18 places to stay: small village houses steps from the beach, villas with pools, nature cabins with yoga, and large estates for groups.
Stay in Sidi Kaouki
18 houses, villas and cabins, from 368 MAD per night.
Sidi Kaouki or Essaouira: where to stay?
Essaouira offers the medina, restaurants and nightlife; Sidi Kaouki, peace and nature. Many travellers combine both: a few nights in the medina, then a few days in Sidi Kaouki for surf and rest. With a car, the two are 30 minutes apart.
Practical tips
- Shops are few: do your groceries in Essaouira if you rent a house.
- Dirt tracks are passable, but be careful with very low cars.
- Bring cash and a light jacket: the wind rarely drops completely.
- A rental car gives you lots of freedom to explore the coast.
Need a car?
Delivered to the airport or your accommodation, from €21 per day.
