Book hostels in Sidi Kaouki
Wild Atlantic windsurf bay 25km south of Essaouira. Camels, kite school, no resort.
Sidi Kaouki is a one-road wind-bashed beach village south of Essaouira. The bay is huge, the wind is reliable and the village is little more than a mausoleum, a few hostels, two camel touts and a kitesurf school. People come for a day from Essaouira and end up staying. There's no resort and no plans for one.
Highlights
- Kitesurf and windsurf at one of the school camps
- Camel ride along the empty bay at sunset
- Walk south to the Sidi Kaouki marabout (mausoleum)
- Day trip back to Essaouira's medina (45 min bus)
- Tagine at one of the three beach restaurants
Best for
- Kitesurfers & windsurfers
- Anyone needing wind
- Couples wanting empty beach
- Yoga retreats
When to visit
April–September is windsurf season — daily 15–25 knot trade wind from the north. October–March is calmer and good for surf. Always cooler than Marrakech (3 hours inland).
Budget
Dorm: €10–14. Private room: €25–40. Tajine: €6–8. Kitesurf lesson incl. gear: €50/2h. 1-week kite-camp package: €350–500.
Getting there
From Essaouira: bus 5 from Bab Doukkala station, hourly, €1, 45 min. Grand taxi from Essaouira: €15 split between 6 people. From Marrakech: bus to Essaouira (3h) then bus 5.
Safety
Safe village. Wind can blow sand hard — bring sunglasses and a buff. Atlantic currents are strong; only swim in the sheltered south end of the bay. Camel touts sometimes inflate prices; agree before mounting.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Not all hostels are in the same part of town. Here’s how each area compares.
Beach front
Best for: Surf & wind, view, sound of waves
The kite-school camp area on the sand. Best for active travellers; expect wind around the clock.
Village (one street)
Best for: Slightly quieter, cheaper rooms
The 200m road of cafés and small guesthouses. Cheaper than the kite camps and 2 min walk to the sand.
Tips from us
- Book a windward-facing room only if you like wind noise — many guests don't.
- Buy gear and reserve kite lessons in advance — equipment is limited.
- The single small grocery closes at 8pm — stock up earlier.
- Hire a horse instead of a camel — they go further and feel more local.
- Day-trip Essaouira on a non-windy day for the medina, but sleep here.