4/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
ESSAOUIRA,
MOROCCO
THE LOWDOWN
Loaded with culture and living up to
its title as the ‘Windy City of Africa’,
Essaouira has it all... uncrowded
beaches, old world charm (not least in
the buzzing medina), optimum kitesurfing
conditions and, of course, camels. The
open space makes it ideal for learners,
but there are plenty of opportunities
for seasoned pros to turn it on too.
Oh, and Jimi Hendrix loved the place…
KITING SET UP
Essaouira is essentially one long,
curving beach, with the best kiting
to the uncrowded left side of the old
town, which enjoys predominantly cross-
onshore winds thanks to the protection
afforded by the Mogador Islands and the
harbor. There’s often also safety boat
Destination Guide
cover. During the winter, there’s a flat
water spot at the rivermouth, or more
experienced riders can hit the waves
by joining Explora on a downwinder to
Moulay Bouzarktoune or Sidi Kaoki.
WHEN IS BEST TO GO?
Essaouira is a trade wind town, so
year-round the conditions turn on,
with mid-March to mid-October being the
main windy season, peaking through the
high summer months as the temperature
differentials between land and sea really
kick in, with winds sitting at around
18-25 knots, but peaking well above 30
knots late in the day, and consistently
sunny, warm weather, getting up to 30C
in the summer. During winter, there’s
wind 50-60% of the time, and it can
still be warm enough to get away with a
tee and shorts!