What is there to do in Essaouira outside the medina?
Essaouira is known for its heritage, but one of its great particularities is how quickly you can go from the medina to the ocean. The coast, the wind, the beaches and the landscapes around the city allow many activities.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office highlights surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sand yachting and cycling among the destination's activities.
To discover the city first, read our complete guide to Essaouira.
Surfing in Essaouira
The Atlantic conditions make Essaouira a destination known for board sports. Beginners can look for a school offering lessons suited to their level. Experienced surfers have several options along the coast.
→ See the surf lessons available
Kitesurfing and windsurfing
The wind is one of Essaouira's most important natural features. It explains the presence of kitesurfers and windsurfers on the beaches. These activities can be practised with an instructor for beginners.
→ See the kitesurf lessons available
Horse riding
The coast around Essaouira is also suited to horse rides. Depending on the providers and the conditions, you can find rides on the beach or in the surroundings.
→ Discover the sunset horse ride
Discovering the argan tree
The argan tree is one of the characteristic landscapes of south-west Morocco. Around Essaouira, an excursion into the argan forest can be combined with discovering the production of argan oil. Some cooperatives let you observe the different stages of processing.
Argan oil cooperatives
A visit to a cooperative can be interesting to understand the work done around the argan tree. For travellers, it is also a chance to discover various products:
- edible oil;
- cosmetic oil;
- amlou;
- handmade products.
Diabat
Near Essaouira, Diabat is an easy little excursion. The village is associated notably with the cultural history of the region. The walk can be combined with the beach and horse-riding activities.
Sidi Kaouki
Further south, Sidi Kaouki offers a calmer atmosphere more focused on nature and water sports. The destination attracts travellers who come for surfing and the coastline.
Dunes, forest and quad
For a more dynamic outing around the city, several options let you discover the dunes and the forest: a quad ride through forest and dunes, an excursion to the big dunes and the Atlantic coast or an electric motorbike tour around Essaouira.
The beaches around Essaouira
The coast offers several possibilities for travellers who want to go beyond the main beach. Some beaches are better suited to swimming and relaxing, while others are especially appreciated for water sports. Conditions may vary with the wind, the waves and the season.
Cycling around Essaouira
Cycling is another way to explore the surroundings. The Moroccan National Tourist Office mentions cycling routes and the possibility of exploring by bike around the city.
Sunset over the Atlantic
The coastline of Essaouira offers several ways to end the day. From the ramparts, the beach or certain points on the coast, sunset gives you another atmosphere of the city.
A "nature and activities" day
For a day different from the classic medina visit:
Morning
Surfing or kitesurfing.Midday
Lunch around the port.Afternoon
Argan forest or Diabat.End of the day
Beach and sunset.
A day around Sidi Kaouki
Another option: Essaouira → Sidi Kaouki → water activity → beach → back to Essaouira. This formula suits travellers who want to devote a day to the coast.
Essaouira for active travellers
Essaouira therefore lets you combine: culture + ocean + sport + nature + food.
This is also what allows MoroccoMuseum to offer different categories of experiences rather than a simple list of monuments. To prepare the monuments part, read our guide What to visit in Essaouira?, and for the trip: How to get to Essaouira.
→ Discover all the activities and excursions available: Moroccan cooking in Essaouira
