Things to do in Sidi Kaouki
Sidi Kaouki is a village on the Atlantic coast, just 25 km south of Essaouira.
A tranquil, authentic, disconnected spot, it’s also one of the most beautiful surf spots not far from Essaouira. It’s also the second choice of surfers in the region after Imsouane.
Sidi Kaouki offers a wide range of accommodation. The village is growing steadily, and every year welcomes holidaymakers from all over the world, looking for a secluded spot where they can feel the peace and authenticity of nature.
What to do in Sidi Kaouki:
As mentioned above, Sidi Kaouki is a small, remote village with one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll no doubt be thinking of all the different activities you can do here, from surfing of course, but also other seaside activities such as horse-riding or quad biking… Here are just a few of the things you can do in Sidi Kaouki.
Surfing:
Morocco’s Atlantic coast is famous for its dream surf spots! The waves at Sidi Kaouki are awesome! Whether you’re into kitesurfing, windsurfing or simply surfing for leisure, there’s no better place to spend a few days. Numerous hotels and youth hostels can provide you with equipment to hire for one or more days, with surfboards available from kiosks in the village center for as little as €10 a day.
Horse and camel riding:
The horses and camels you’ll meet in Sidi Kaouki are incredibly well cared for. While most people opt for an hour’s ride along the beach (horses cost €12 an hour, while camels are less than €8), it’s also possible to hire them for the whole day.
Take a short hike and look for flamingos:
It’s especially during the winter months that you can meet wild flamingos in the nearby rivers. You can organize a hike in the Sidi Kaouki wilderness and explore the areas around Sidi Kaouki in the hope of encountering pink flamingos near the village.
Quad rental:
Dunes, dirt roads and breathtaking scenery! Sidi Kaouki is perfect for quad rental. It’s best to contact your hotel or guesthouse once you’ve arrived in the village, for all the information you need.
You can expect to pay around €50 for a three-hour quad rental.
Recommended what to do in Sidi Kaouki:
Visit Essaouira:
With your quad perhaps, why not! You might like to pop over to Essaouira. Just 25 km north of Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira is one of Morocco‘s most popular tourist destinations. A small seaside town with a medina protected by 18th-century ramparts.
In Essaouira, you can take a stroll through the souks, visit the port or take in a street show in the heart of the town’s narrow streets.
Where to sleep in Sidi Kaouki:
For a small village like the you have an incredible choice of accommodation, with even luxury options available. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sidi Kaouki, a youth hostel or a chic riad… here are our recommendations.
Blue Kaouki:
Located on Essaouira’s Sidi Kaouki beach, the Blue Kaouki offers an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The hotel is just 25 km from Essaouira city center and a 20-minute drive from Essaouira-Mogador airport. Guests can also easily visit Essaouira’s ancient medina, just 23 km from the hotel. The Blue Kaouki offers plenty of space to relax, including a comfortable lounge and a spacious terrace with seating area, where you can unwind while admiring the ocean view. In addition, guests can take advantage of free private parking and Wi-Fi in the hotel’s public areas, for a pleasant and convenient stay.
Dar Gecko:
Facing the sea, Dar Gecko is a little corner of peace and tranquility. Just 1km from Sidi Kaouki beach, Dar Gecko offers an idyllic setting, with a small outdoor pool and rooms that open onto a terrace facing the sea. WI-FI is available free of charge. Private parking is also available.
Auberge De La Plage:
Run by a friendly, helpful couple, Auberge De La Page is just across the road from Sidi Kaouki beach. It offers a restaurant, bar, communal lounge and garden. If you’re going away with the family, there are family rooms and a children’s play area. And of course, free internet access is available in all rooms.
Maison Kasba Bonheur:
A little far from Sidi Kaouki beach, but still within easy reach, Maison Kasba Bonheur & Bien etre Emma & Gilles is located right next to Essaouira airport. Upmarket accommodation not far from Sidi Kaouki, with an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant and garden. You’ll be 10 km from Sidi Kaouki and 10 km from Essaouira town.
How to get to Sidi Kaouki
By bus:
From Essaouira, for buses to Sidi Kaouki, you need to get to Bab Doukkala, a large square just outside the medina walls. Once there, ignore anyone who tries to help you or sell you a ticket! You should also be very wary of tempting offers. Go to the stand serving lines 1 to 4. A sign indicating this is very visible, and clearly shows that line 2 goes to Sidi Kaouki.
Buses run regularly throughout the day, departing at around 07:00 in the morning, then 09:00 then 11:00… These buses take around 30 minutes, and cost €0.7. You’ll be given a small ticket when you pay, so make sure you keep it as it will be collected by someone else later.
By cab:
Although it’s never cheaper than the bus, if there are several of you and you’d rather avoid public transport, don’t hesitate to take up an offer from one of the Bab Doukkala guys. You may have to haggle a bit, but you should be able to negotiate it down to €2 per seat or rent the whole vehicle for €10.
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