Essaouira for Families

Essaouira For Families

Discover the attractions of Essaouira, a walled town on the Atlantic coast with a large sandy beach and photogenic traditional fishing harbour. Whether you are staying for a few days or as long as a week, Essaouira has plenty to offer for both adults and children of all ages.

The wonderful fortified medina has fascinating souks (markets) and cafes and is well-planned so is difficult to get lost.  It has a fabulous wall surrounding it, with old cannons overlooking the Atlantic – a great play zone for those with imagination - and a maze of small alleys and little shops.  The medina leads to the old port, where beautiful blue boats rest and lots of seafood is on offer. 

The beach is large and only a very short walk from the medina, with a number of cafes and fine golden sand – affording many hours of fun on the beach or playtime in the beach playground,.

 

Surfing - Morocco has solid surf in winter, with the Atlantic swell working with the light offshore winds from September to April, and small but often useable surf in the summer months.  Essaouira town beach is good for beginners and a short drive away is Sidi Kuouki beach with more challenging waves (windsurfing, kite surfing and surfing hire and lessons available).

Sailing - The town beach is protected from most serve Atlantic weather and waves by an island just offshore, but can be windy in peak summer months, which makes it ideal for sailing. Hobie cats and kayaking are available for hire.

 

Camel treks and Horse Treks are on offer nearby led by charming guides who encourage you to put your trust in the enormous, docile animals.

 

 

Other Options

• Trek on horseback or foot with camels carrying your luggage and to have fun camping out overnight in the dunes in Berber tents.
• Hire a bike, car, taxi or caleche (horse-drawn taxi) and visit the nearby beach of Moulay Bouzarqtoune, enjoying lunch at the lovely café Lawama overlooking the ocean and watching windsurfers in action.
• Take a boat to the Iles de Mogador, breeding ground for the rare Eleanora’s falcon.
• For the more adventurous, walk at low tide the 2 miles along the beach and see the romantic fort of Borj El Barod crumbling into the sea, or the ruined sultan's palace at Diabat.

Possible 4 nights family itinerary:

Day 1 Transfer from Marrakech airport, time at leisure exploring the town

Day 2 Time on the beach. Lunch overlooking the port and explore the souks in the late afternooon

Day 3 Camel or horse trek, or walk by the coast

Day 4 Take a surf lesson or hire bikes or opt for a day excursion

Day 5 Transfer to Marrakech or Marrakech Airport