10 Family-Friendly Activities in Essaouira

Essaouira's wide, flat beach stretches for kilometres south of the medina — the perfect family beach. The sand is firm and golden, ideal for sand castles, football, and running. The water is Atlantic-cool but swimmable in summer (June–September). The beach is sheltered from the strongest winds near the medina walls, becoming windier further south. Activities on the beach include: building elaborate sand structures, paddling in the shallows, watching the kitesurfers (the wind draws them from around the world), and flying kites (bring one or buy a cheap one in the medina). Camel rides along the beach are available at the southern end (see #4). The beach has a relaxed, family atmosphere — Moroccan families come for weekend picnics. Sunscreen is essential (the wind disguises the sun's strength). The morning is usually calmer and warmer; the wind picks up after lunch.

Essaouira's working fishing port — just outside the medina walls — is one of the most fascinating and child-friendly experiences in the city. The small harbour is filled with brightly painted blue wooden boats, fishermen mending nets, and workers unloading the catch. Children are mesmerised by: the variety of fish (sardines, sole, shrimp, octopus, sea urchins), the seagulls swooping for scraps, the boat builders constructing traditional wooden boats by hand, and the cats gathering around the fish cleaning stations. The port is open and welcoming — fishermen often smile at curious children and show them unusual catches. The adjacent fish market has stalls where you can choose raw fish and have it grilled on the spot for lunch (fresh, cheap, and delicious). The port is small enough to explore in 30–45 minutes but most families return several times. Safety: watch for wet surfaces near the water's edge.

Essaouira is one of the windiest cities in Morocco — known as the "City of Wind" — and this makes it perfect for kite flying. Buy a simple kite from one of the medina shops (30–50 MAD) and head to the beach. The steady Atlantic wind (the alizé trade winds blow reliably from the north) makes kite flying easy even for beginners. The wide, flat beach provides plenty of space. For children, the combination of the wind, the colourful kite, and the beach creates simple, joyful entertainment that can last hours. For older children interested in kitesurfing or windsurfing, several schools offer introductory lessons (typically 12+ for kitesurfing, 8+ for windsurfing). The wind is strongest in the afternoon and during the summer months (June–September). Even toddlers enjoy chasing a kite string across the sand.

One of Essaouira's best family experiences is choosing fresh fish at the port market and having it grilled on the spot. The process is interactive and engaging for kids: walk past the fish stalls, point at what looks good (sardines, shrimp, sole, calamari), the vendor weighs and prices it, then takes it to the adjacent grill station where it's cooked over charcoal with lemon, cumin, and salt. You sit at communal tables and eat with your hands (bread provided). The freshness is extraordinary — the fish was swimming that morning. The cost is very low (a family of four can eat well for 150–200 MAD). The atmosphere is chaotic and fun: smoke rising, vendors calling, seagulls circling, cats lurking. Children who "don't like fish" often change their mind here — the taste of truly fresh grilled sardines is completely different from frozen supermarket fish. The port market is open daily for lunch.