Essaouira: Kitesurfing, camels & Morocco vibe

One of the biggest perks in Essaouira? You won’t need a rental car. Our basecamp is the Bianca Guest House – an authentic riad right in the heart of the Medina.

The walk to the kiteschool is a little daily highlight: about 20 minutes along the wide bay. You’ll pass camels and horses and feel the thermal kicking the wind up. After your session the legs are usually heavy – just grab one of the taxis for around 80 cents (a few dirham) and cruise back in style to the city wall.

Essaouira welcomes you with a huge, crescent-shaped bay and a four-kilometer sandy beach – with no annoying obstacles or rocks. But let’s be honest: if a standing-depth flatwater spot like Sicily is your top priority, Essaouira will challenge you. And that’s exactly what makes you a better kiter. You won’t find a sterile hotel bay here, but a lively spot with a vibe you won’t find anywhere in Europe. As you carve on the water, the historic Medina lines the background, while camels and horses stroll along the beach.

• Summer (April to September): Prime time for strong-wind lovers. Thermals boost the trade winds (“Alizé”), usually blowing sideshore from the right. Waves are moderate (0.5 to 1.5 meters) and often break farther out. Perfect for intermediates ready to taste their first shorebreak.

• Winter (October to March): The wind is less consistent, but the Atlantic sends solid swell into the bay. As a beginner you might get “washed”. If you want to learn wave kiting, you’re in the right place.

Your on-site KWW contact is our guide and base manager Anas. Together with the crew from our partner school Explora Watersports, he makes sure you feel absolutely safe on and off the water.

Especially at an Atlantic spot, solid backup is gold: The beach team keeps a watchful eye on all kiters from shore. Professional launch and landing support is a given here, as is the station’s own rescue boat. So if you drift off or lose your board, help is there in no time. You can fully focus on progressing.

Anas and his team look after you for all questions about kiting and the spot, making sure you have a great time on the water. And of course they’ll share tips on must-sees in Essaouira and which alley serves the best tajine.

Essaouira draws every type of traveler. The city is safe, warm, and offers the right vibe for everyone:

• For explorers: The Medina is a maze of art, music, and craftsmanship. Everyone finds a favorite corner here.

• For families: Essaouira is extremely child-friendly. If you prefer having a pool for the kids, Riad Zahra is perfect – a great option for families.

• After-kite: Post-session meetup spot is Restaurant Le Panoramique right next to the station. A sunset beer or a traditional fresh mint tea overlooking the kite action – it doesn’t get better.

• No-wind action: If the wind takes a break, grab a surfboard. The bay offers great beginner waves. Or take a trip to the nearby surf village of Sidi Kaouki.

Essaouira isn’t a sterile resort. It’s a city full of soul. If you want to combine kitesurfing in Morocco with a good dose of culture and a dash of adventure, this is the place.

Ready to let the winds of Mogador cast their spell on you?

Check out our current packages and join us in Essaouira!