8 Best Beaches in Essaouira

A vast, sweeping beach stretching from the medina walls south toward the village of Diabat — one of the most dramatic urban beaches in Morocco. The beach is wide (100+ meters at low tide), flat, and backed by dunes on its southern end. The northern section (closest to the medina and port) is the most sheltered and popular for swimming: the harbor provides some protection from the wind, and the waves are moderate. The central section is the wind-sport zone: kitesurfers and windsurfers fill the sky and the water when the trade winds blow. The southern section leads to the ruins of the Bordj el-Berod (the "Jimi Hendrix castle" — a ruined Portuguese watchtower in the sand) and the village of Diabat. Camel and horse rides along the beach are an Essaouira classic (50–100 MAD for a 30-minute ride). The sunset from this beach is legendary: the medina silhouette, the Mogador island, and the Atlantic sky on fire. Facilities: beachside cafés near the medina end (grilled fish, juice), camel/horse operators, and surf schools. No sunbed rental — this is a wild, wind-swept beach, not a resort strip. The Gnaoua World Music Festival (held annually in June) uses the beach as its main stage.

The section of beach closest to the medina walls and the Sqala fortifications — with views of the Île de Mogador (Mogador Island) and the port. This is the most sheltered part of the Essaouira beach: the harbor breakwater reduces waves and the medina walls provide some wind protection. The swimming here is the calmest on the beach — suitable for children and nervous swimmers. The views are spectacular: the crenellated medina walls, the Sqala cannons, fishing boats, and the island of Mogador (a nature reserve for Eleonora's falcons, visible but not accessible). At low tide, rock pools form near the breakwater — excellent for exploring with children. Facilities: the closest cafés are in the medina (2-minute walk through the gates). The beach is narrow at high tide and wide at low tide. The atmosphere is urban-beach: walkers, local families, joggers, and the occasional fisherman casting from the rocks. This section fills up on weekends in summer. The sunset from here, with the island and the port in silhouette, is Essaouira's most famous view.

A hidden paradise 70 km south of Essaouira — Tafedna is a sheltered bay with turquoise water, golden sand, and a tiny fishing village. The bay is more sheltered than the exposed Essaouira coast: less wind, calmer water, and warmer swimming conditions. The beach is small (500 meters) but beautiful: the sand is fine, the water is clear, and the surrounding landscape of rocky headlands and argan-covered hills is unspoiled. The fishing village has a handful of houses and one or two seasonal restaurants serving grilled catch of the day (30–50 MAD). The drive from Essaouira takes 1.5 hours on increasingly rural roads through argan forests and Amazigh villages. Swimming is excellent — the bay provides natural protection from currents. The beach is virtually unknown to tourists — you'll share it with local fishermen and perhaps a few Moroccan families on weekends. Bring all supplies as facilities are minimal. The drive itself is part of the experience — the countryside south of Essaouira is beautiful and barely visited.