Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Plage d'Essaouira
★4.4(1,656 reviews)Activity
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 2 and up. Toddlers and young children love the gentle, shallow waters for paddling and sandcastle building, while older kids and teens can take surfing or kitesurfing lessons from local instructors. The beach is spacious enough for all ages to enjoy their preferred activities.🧡 Saved by 29 families
About
Plage d'Essaouira is a stunning family-friendly beach where kids can safely splash in shallow waters, build epic sandcastles in the soft sand, and try beginner-friendly water sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing. The wide, sandy expanse provides plenty of room for beach games while parents relax and enjoy the beautiful Atlantic coastline and the charming backdrop of Essaouira's historic medina.
Highlights
- ✓Wide, clean sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles and beach games
- ✓Shallow, gentle waters ideal for young swimmers and paddlers
- ✓Kid-friendly windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons from experienced local instructors
- ✓Camel and horse rides along the beach for a memorable Moroccan experience
- ✓Beautiful views of the historic medina and fishing boats in the harbor
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit in the morning (before 11am) when winds are calmer and the beach is less crowded, making it ideal for younger children.
- 2.Bring a windbreak or beach tent as Essaouira is known for its strong afternoon winds, which are great for kite flying but can blow sand around.
- 3.Local surf schools along the beach offer affordable group lessons for kids, with equipment rentals available. Book in advance during peak season.
- 4.Pack plenty of sun protection including hats, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and rash guards as the Moroccan sun is intense, even on breezy days.
- 5.The beach has basic facilities but bring your own snacks and water, or head to nearby cafes just off the beach for fresh fish and Moroccan mint tea.
Best Time to Visit
April to October offers the warmest weather, with June to September being peak beach season. Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and calmer conditions. Spring (April to May) is ideal for families preferring milder temperatures and less wind.
What to Know
The beach is free to access with public restrooms and showers available near the entrance. Parking is available in nearby lots for a small fee (around 10-20 dirhams). Beachside cafes offer simple Moroccan fare and fresh seafood, and vendors sell drinks and snacks along the promenade.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited April through October when temperatures are warmest. Summer (July to August) brings the most tourists and strongest winds, which can be intense for small children. Winter months (November to March) are cooler and windier but still pleasant for beach walks and exploring the medina.
Nearby Eats
Head to the beachfront promenade where you'll find family-friendly cafes serving fresh grilled fish, Moroccan tagines, and kid favorites like fries and chicken skewers. For a special treat, visit the port area where you can select fresh seafood and have it grilled on the spot at affordable prices.
More Activities Near Essaouira
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Sidi Kaouki Beach
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Sidi Kaouki Beach offers families a peaceful alternative to busier Moroccan beaches, with gentle waves perfect for children learning to swim and wide sandy stretches ideal for building sandcastles. This authentic fishing village provides a relaxed atmosphere where kids can experience traditional Moroccan coastal life while parents enjoy stunning sunsets and a slower pace just 20km south of Essaouira.
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Medina of Essaouira
The Medina of Essaouira offers families a magical journey through Morocco's historic walled city, where kids can watch artisans craft colorful goods, listen to street musicians, and explore maze-like alleyways filled with treasures. Unlike busier Moroccan medinas, Essaouira's laid-back coastal atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for families with children of all ages to safely wander and discover.
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Café Clock Essaouira
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Café Clock Essaouira offers a unique cultural experience for families, combining delicious Moroccan cuisine with engaging storytelling sessions and hands-on creative workshops on a charming rooftop overlooking the medina. This welcoming spot provides an authentic taste of Moroccan culture in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where kids can learn, create, and enjoy traditional food while parents soak in the stunning views.
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Essaouira Aquarium
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Essaouira Aquarium offers an intimate, educational experience showcasing the fascinating marine life of Morocco's Atlantic coast. This compact aquarium features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that allow children to get hands-on with local sea creatures, making it an ideal rainy day activity or a cool respite from exploring the medina.