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Essaouira with kids: the BEST things to do and essential tips

Essaouira with kids: the BEST things to do and essential tips

Detailing all the best things to do in Essaouira with kids from a family who have travelled to this coastal Moroccan town time and time again.

We have travelled Morocco with kids a lot; from when our boys were babies and toddlers, to a 4 month Morocco trip. It really is one of our favourite family travel destinations.

And the place we keep returning to in Morocco? Essaouira (pronounced ‘essa-weera’) and known as ‘Morocco’s Windy City‘. Yes, it does get rather windy here, but that fresh air feels good if you’ve been travelling around the interior of Morocco, and it also makes for good surfing.

In fact, we think that Essaouira is so fantastic for kids that we decided to base ourselves there for two separate months when we were living and travelling Morocco as digital nomads.

So why is Essaouira so good for families? Well, predominantly, it’s a very chilled town. Much much more relaxed than Marrakech. The medina is traffic-free, so you can actually let go of your kids’ hands to let them wander. And when they need to let off some steam, you have an entire two kilometre stretch of sandy beach for them to run wild on and splash in the Atlantic Ocean. Plus there are some lovely day trips from Essaouira if you do use it as a base for exploring Morocco with kids, including Diabat and Sidi Kaouki.

But there are so many things to do in Essaouira with kids. Read on to find out more.

Also, you can head over to our sister site ‘Explore Essaouria‘ where we share all the things to do in Essaouira, as well as top tips for visiting Essaouira.

1. Stroll the medina

running through Essaouira Medina

The Medina of Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the late 18th-century. Cars and mopeds are not permitted to enter the medina (although you will spot the odd moped sneaking through), so it’s a lovely place to wander and get lost. Though don’t worry about getting too lost as it’s not too big and laid out in a grid pattern; you will always be able to find your way out again and locals are always happy to help out.

The sellers here are not pushy at all and you can let your kids wander freely.

Perhaps give your kids a shopping list for things they need to buy in the medina. This gives a purpose to their visit and gets them involved. And if your kids are learning French in school, they can perhaps put it into practice here!

We also recommend this superb Essaouira walking tour, which is a self-guided walking tour in and around Essaouira’s medina.

2. Climb the canon along the Ramparts

Essaouira Ramparts

What kid doesn’t like to climb a canon? And there are canon aplenty to climb along Essaouira’s Ramparts!

Walking along Essaouira’s Ramparts enables you to gain a fresh perspective on the city. These fortified walls were constructed around the medina in the 18th century to protect the port from attack and are remarkably well preserved. They’ve also been used as Astapor in the hit TV series Game of Thrones (check out this guide to Game of Thrones in Essaouira). Take in the windswept views of the Atlantic Coast, with the wooden fishing boats, rocky outcrop, and an offshore bird sanctuary.

The ramparts are free to enter.

The entrance to Essaouira’s Ramparts can be tricky to find and not where you expect them to be. Head to the top of Rue Skala (which is lined with artisan shops) and through a stone arch. Click here for the Google Map pinpoint on your phone. From here, walk up the slope to the top of the ramparts. At the top of the slope take a right first to check out the views to the north, before heading along the line of canon.

3. Walk around the fishing port

Essaouira fishing port

The port is a fascinating place to wonder with all the fish laid out for sale, and fisherman bringing in their catch and preparing their nets. It’s busy, smelly, and dirty, but an absolute treat to be able to witness. You will see sardines, pilchards, hake, sole, crab, lobster, octopus, flat fish, eels, and unfortunately you may see shark.

You can even buy fish direct from the fisherman here and have it cooked at one of the open restaurants at the port – just ask one of the sellers and they will point you in the right direction.

The Scala du Port is the castle-like entrance to the port with stone arches. Even though there are signs saying not to swim, you will spot local kids diving into the waters on warm days.

Walk through the fish stalls and then follow the harbour wall to the end. It is possible to climb up onto the wall for more sea views.

4. Blow off the cobwebs on the main beach

Essaouira beach

Essaouira Beach is a 2km sandy crescent with a wide paved promenade along the entire stretch. The waters here are very shallow, making it safe for little ones paddling, but the strong Atlantic winds mean that Essaouira is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing.

There are sun loungers to rent for 25DH closer to the medina end of the beach. About halfway along is a concrete football / basketball play area, as well as a small children’s playground with trampolines (10DH per child). On the far end of the beach, away from the medina, is where you’ll find the surfers, kite surfers, and camels. Keep going on a little further towards Diabat to escape the crowds if visiting in the summer months, and to play in the sand dunes.

There are also a handful of oh-so-cool beach bars at the far end of Essaouira Beach, including Ocean Vagabond and Beach & Friends, two of the best restaurants in Essaouira, and two of the few places that serve alcohol in Essaouria. Our kids love the crepe Nutellas and pizzas at both. And as these places are on the beach, you can watch your kids play in the sand whilst you enjoy a sundowner.

The beach is generally clean, although you will unfortunately find a fair bit of litter close to the promenade and along the shoreline.

5. Eat crepes at Moulay Hassan Square

Creperie in Essaouira

There’s a strong European vibe at Moulay Hassan Square with restaurants spilling out onto the pavement and street musicians injecting life into passers-by. Pull up a chair at one of the cafes, or if you’re just passing through to the beach or the fishing port, pick up a fresh crepe from one of the stalls.

6. Learn to surf

With Essaouira being called ‘The Windy City’ and right on Morocco’s coast, it probably isn’t too much of a surprise that this town is well known for surfing and kite surfing.

Now kite surfing in Essaouira is a bit difficult for younger kids as it involves a lot of upper body strength and you need to be a very confident swimmer. But for younger kids, it’s a fantastic place to learn how to surf and is our absolute must-do for visiting Essaouira with kids.

Our boys have had lots of lessons with Yassine from Moga Surf, a superb Essaouira surf school. They provide the surf board and wetsuit, and Yassine is absolutely brilliant with kids, so much fun! He’ll get your kids standing on the board by the end of their first lesson. Read our full review here of our boys learning to surf in Essaouria.

7. Quad biking

Quad biking in Essaouira

Essaouira quad biking is brilliant fun and a great way to explore the beach further south from Essaouira. There are a handful of quad biking companies in the nearby village of Diabat, and we recommend Diana Quad.

You can book anything from an hour session to a full day tour. Although most people will find two hours is enough. Kids under 8 are free. You will have a personal guide with you on a quad bike to show you the way and help you out if needed.

You can double up on a quad bike to keep costs down (two people on one quad bike), or if you are doing a tour with kids under 16. Your guide will probably let the kids have a go driving, whilst sat in front of him.

There is very little in the way of training, and you are taken straight out onto the dunes. Take your time and trust the quad bike, and you’ll be fine. Most of a two hour tour will be along a long stretch of beach, which is easy driving. But there are sections where you are taken up into the dunes. You will also pass Berber villages along the way.

There are no facilities on the tour, so bring any drinks and snacks with you.

8. Ride a camel

Essaouira with kids - camel

On the far end of the beach from the medina you can arrange camel rides. Anything from a short ten minute ride to an overnight trek can be organised for you. This is a must do if you’re visiting Essaouira with kids.

You can just turn up to the camel area and organise a ride there and then, or you will be approached by ‘tour guides’ along the promenade to the camels. It is also something that can be arranged through your accommodation.

Essential tips for visiting Essaouira with kids

Eating out in Essaouira with kids

Eating out anywhere in the world with little ones is not exactly a relaxing experience. Keeping them entertained until the food arrives can be a challenge, only for them to gobble it up in five minutes and the meal is over.

In Essaouira, street food is available everywhere. From tajines and fresh seafood from the port, to the more familiar pancakes, shawarmas and fries. Vendors pile their carts high with fresh fruit and there are even French patisseries dotted around the medina. There is so much on offer that all family members are happy.

A big hit for our boys were the fresh orange juice stalls. Pick up whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy. Snack away whilst you continue your leisurely discoveries around the medina, or if it’s dinner time, make a pit stop on your way back to your accommodation to enjoy round the dinner table. Just don’t forget pick up some lovely Moroccan bread for breakfast the next morning. It’s rather sweet and the kids love it.

Orange juice stand in Essaouira

This aside, there are plenty of restaurants that are very welcoming to children. Just have UNO and sticker book handy for entertainment, as even a pancake may take twenty minutes to prepare.

Check out this guide: best places to eat in Essaouira.

Is Essaouira pram friendly?

Essaouira is very pram friendly whether you’re strolling the medina or walking along the wide two kilometre long promenade. For elsewhere in Morocco, we usually recommend parents leave the buggy / pushchair / pram at home. But in all honesty Essaouira is probably the most pram and buggy friendly town in all of Morocco!

So if you want to take advantage of your little one napping in the buggy whilst you take a long walk along the prom to a beach bar, go for it!

Essaouira Ramparts

Where to get nappies and milk in Essaouira

You can pick up Pampers nappies from all over the medina. And the staples of milk, eggs, bread, crisps are easily purchased on your doorstep. Your kids will love the interaction with the individual stall holders; allow them to ask for/point to what you need, give them the money to pass over, whilst perhaps attempting a bit of Arabic if they can (‘es salaam alaykum’ – Hello, and ‘shukran’ – thank you).

There is also a large Carrefour supermarket on the main road into Essaouira. This is a large French supermarket chain and you will find absolutely everything you need here. You will need to get a taxi here (flat fee 8DH, 9DH in the evening), but the taxis are limited to 3 people. So if you are a family of 4-6, you will need to get two taxis.

Carrefour Essaouira

Useful Travel Info:

Do read this extensive Essaouira travel tips guide for further information, including what to wear in Essaouira, the best time to visit Essaouira, and how to get around Essaouira.

Best time to visit: Mar-Jun & Oct-Nov
ATMs: Plentiful and easily accessible in the medina
Visas: Not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond date of entry.
Language: Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Berber and French
Time: GMT/UTC
Government travel advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco


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Lonely Planet Morocco: Perfect for exploring top sights and…
  • Ranger, Helen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 416 Pages – 11/10/2023 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

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