BEACHWATER SPORTSWATER SPORTSHAMMAMHAMMAMexplaining the signs and symbols used by local craftspeople and some interesting photographs
of Essaouira at the turn of the century. Note also the Roman and Phoenician objects found in
the bay.
Activities
There are several opportunities to ride horses or camels in the countryside around Essaouira (
Click here ).
Beach
Essaouira’s wide, sandy beach is a great place for walking, but the strong winds and currents
mean it’s not so good for sunbathing or swimming. Footballers, windsurfers and kitesurfers take
over the town end of the beach, while fiercely competitive horse and camel owners ply the
sands further on. They can be quite insistent, so be firm and make it clear if you don’t want to
take a ride – and bargain hard if you do.
If you’re walking, head south across the Ksob River (impassable at high tide) to see the ruins
of the Borj el-Berod , an old fortress and pavilion that’s partially covered in sand. Local legend
has it that this was the original inspiration for the Jimi Hendrix classic ‘Castles Made of Sand’;
however, the song was actually released a year before he visited. From here you can walk
inland to the village of Diabat ( Click here ) or continue along the sands to the sand dunes of
Cap Sim.
Union Nationale des Centres Sportifs de Plein Air
(UCPA; 0661 24 98 01; [email protected]) UCPA rents surfboards (three days
Dh420) and bodyboards (three days Dh220). Rental of windsurfing equipment is available (half-
day/three days Dh350/1450). A two-hour lesson costs Dh440. A kitesurfing course of three
two-hour lessons is Dh1600. It also has surfing lessons for children (two hours Dh250).
Océan Vagabond
( 0524 78 39 34; www.oceanvagabond.com; 9am-6pm) This outfit rents surfboards (three
days Dh750) and gives two-hour surfing lessons (adult/child Dh440/340). It also offers
kitesurfing lessons (six hours Dh2310) and rental (three days Dh1600), and windsurfing lessons
(two/six hours Dh825/1750) as well as rental (two hours Dh440). It has a cool cafe-restaurant
on the beach, with a laid-back terrace.
Hammam Lalla Mira
Offline map Google map ( 0524 47 59 07; www.lallamira.ma; 14 Rue d’Algerie; hammam withgommage Dh75; women 9.30am-7pm, men 7-10pm) One of the oldest, this restored
hammam is heated by solar energy and, although aimed at tourists, has a wonderful traditional
interior. Good-value massages with argan oil. If you’re not staying at this guesthouse, you’ll
need to make a reservation for the hammam.
Hammam de la Kasbah
Offline map Google map (7 Rue de Marrakesh; admission Dh10) For a more traditional, local
experience. Women only.