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Essaouira: Kitesurfing and Moroccan flair on the Atlantic
Our destination Essaouira offers a culturally rich kitesurf holiday that stands out from the usual short-haul trips from Europe. It’s perfect for anyone wanting something different.
Essaouira is famous for Jimi Hendrix partying here and being inspired for “Castle Made of Sand”. The area is also known for great surf thanks to its excellent waves. The epic wave spot ‘Moulay’ became popular after an old windsurf movie revealed its Moroccan secret, and the very first kitesurf competition is said to have taken place on Essaouira beach in 1997. Rumor has it even Pete Cabrinha and the Wipikas were there!
In Essaouira you’ll enjoy reliable wind, an incredibly long sandy beach with no obstacles or rocks, and a great kitesurf school with a friendly team. Experience Mediterranean-Arabic flair, great food, and excellent, affordable accommodation.
Beyond kitesurfing, Essaouira has plenty to offer. From the beautiful Medina and the scent of spices and thuya wood to the beat of drums from lovely souvenir shops and the bustling market—there’s something for everyone. The Medina is full of color and character! Some even say Essaouira is Morocco’s most picturesque Medina! Best of all, there are no cars to bother you.
See you there!
- Cozy accommodation in traditional Moroccan Riads
- Great atmosphere in the old town of Essaouira
- High wind probability
- KiteWorldWide Guide on site
- Great for wave beginners and advanced wave kiters
Anas, Kite Center Manager
"Essaouira is my hometown, the place I was born. For me it’s all about the mix: the endless beach that gives me space and freedom to switch off, whether I’m kiting or surfing. And on top, the vibrant old Medina that reminds me of my heritage and culture."
Kite spot and kite school
The bay of Essaouira is a great destination for all—motivated beginners and advanced kitesurfers alike! The huge kite area is 4 km long and up to 800 m wide, with a crescent-shaped sandy beach. From April to October, strong, reliable cross-shore winds blow from the right and are boosted by thermal effects, accompanied by smaller swell and waves.
In winter, Essaouira turns into a wave paradise for kitesurfers with some experience. In summer the swell eases, but the wind picks up.
Kite courses/Kite gear
The center is VDWS-certified and meets all international standards. Lessons are mainly in English, with French-, Spanish-, and German-speaking instructors in high season.
The kite school is equipped with current Duotone gear and offers lockable lockers for kitestorage. The school’s infrastructure also includes showers, a changing room, launch and landing assistance, and a rescue boat.
KiteWorldWide packages in Essaouira
As in many other KiteWorldWide destinations, we also offer all-inclusive packages in Essaouira for maximum holiday fun—with no hidden costs.
Note: Due to reduced package rates, there is no refund for rental or lessons in unsuitable wind conditions (too much or too little wind).
- Breakfast
- Accommodation as booked
- Kite services as booked
- Kite pass, for the kite school infrastructure
- KiteWorldWide guide at site
- Weekly Team Dinner
10 h semi-private kite course
VDWS licenseBIANCA GUEST HOUSE RIAD & RIAD ZAHRA
Before we dive into details, here’s what a “Riad” is—you’ll find it quite unique. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan townhouse once home to the affluent. It’s built around an open central courtyard, with rooms around it that flood the house with light.
Riads come in different price ranges and quality. Our Riads will win you over with beautiful artistic details and their patios.
Riad Bianca is inside the Medina, the historic part of Essaouira, just minutes from the beach. You can walk 30 minutes to the kite school or take a taxi for 8 dirhams (about €0.80).
Riad Zahra is in a quiet residential area of Essaouira, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and kite school, and 20 minutes on foot from the Medina.
In Essaouira, breakfast is already included in your packages. It’s French-style, meaning no sausages or cold cuts, but excellent coffee, tea, fresh juice, pastries, fresh baguette with jams, and eggs.
In the evenings you can easily discover Moroccan cuisine in one of the restaurants and treat yourselves. There are many options in the old town, from grills and traditional eateries to more exclusive restaurants.
SURFING
No wind, no problem. Essaouira’s beach offers fun waves where you can practice in the whitewater or progress to green waves. You can borrow soft-top surfboards free of charge at the kite school.
SUP
You can rent SUP boards or take SUP lessons at the kite school.
CAMEL AND HORSE RIDING
Essaouira’s beach offers activities like horseback and camel riding while you enjoy the gorgeous sunset.
QUAD TOUR
If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, a quad tour through the sand dunes could be your thing! Quad tours are also offered by the kite center.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR
Explore Essaouira’s nature from another angle and see how diverse the landscape can be—all just minutes away by bike!
FOOD & DRINKS
Essaouira offers a wide range of dining options, from street kebabs and small snack bars to very exclusive restaurants.
Yoga
Riad Bianca can arrange yoga lessons on the rooftop terrace.
EXPLORING ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira blends many historical influences and over the centuries has earned a reputation as a cool, modern, laid-back city. The Medina of Essaouira is also a shopping paradise. Everyone from young creative artists to traditional artisans offers a mix of classic oriental and modern products.
Everything you need for your next kitesurf trip to Essaouira
Please remember that to enter Essaouira you need a passport valid for at least 6 more months.
If you are not a German citizen, please check with the Moroccan embassy for your country’s entry rules.
Currently there are no visa fees for German citizens. Bring a pen to fill out your arrival and departure form at the airport.
Airport: Marrakech (RAK) or Agadir (AGA) or Essaouira (ESU)
Various airlines, e.g. Condor, fly from all over Europe to Marrakech and Agadir for between €200 and €400. Direct flights to Essaouira Mogador depart from Düsseldorf Weeze, London, Brussels and Paris and cost between €75 and €550, depending on month, season and country of origin.
From the UK you have many options to reach Marrakech or Agadir with EasyJet, British Midland (sports equipment is free), Ryanair or Royal Air Maroc. Most flights depart daily. Baggage not included.
Airport transfers from Marrakech, Agadir, or Essaouira.
Here is a link to a currency converter: http://www.oanda.com/lang/de/currency/converter/
In Morocco you pay with Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are widely accepted.
In the old town you’ll find plenty of restaurants: from grills and traditional eateries to the upscale segment.
All in all, you can expect to spend about 20–30€ per day.
There are two plug types: the German one you know (Type C) and Type E (127 and 220 V).
Internet is free in all accommodations.
- Passport
- Sunscreen (min. SPF 30–50, water-resistant) and after-sun lotion. Looking for reef-friendly sunscreen? Check here.
- Beach towel and flip-flops
- Light clothing (sweater, pants for the evening)
- Wetsuit. In summer, a lycra is enough. Nothing suitable in your closet? Find more here.
- Kite gear (for guests without course or rental). Missing something? Maybe you’ll find it in the Kite-Buddy online shop.
A male advanced kiter (level 6 or 7) weighing around 80 kg needs:
in winter: 6sqm - 12sqm (most-used kite size 9sqm)
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