Essaouira / Coast Atlantic / Morocco

Essaouira is probably one of the best known of Morocco's coastal resorts. It sits in a massive bay with miles of gorgeous sandy beaches and wooded hills to the east of the city. It has somehow managed to escape becoming a tourist trap and is known for its laid back atmosphere. Although the city is windy and the sea is cold, the place attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers of all abilities, all year round.

The beach is huge and sandy and there are designated launch and landing zones for kiters. The beach gets crowded with holidaymakers during August so it may be as well to avoid it at that time. It is served by either Marrakesh or Agadir and a taxi to the resort will cost around 50 euros one way.

The winds here are very gusty with trade winds blowing mainly from the north west. The north west wind is sideoffshore and hindered by buildings. Gusts can be 3 B.ft in difference, i.e. 4 to 7 B.ft which makes launching a kite very dangerous here especially when the winds are very strong. The bay curves making SW onshore in the north and NW onshore in the south. It is best to kitesurf from the far end of the bay and in the morning when the winds are lighter and the water is calmer. The water tends to be flat to choppy with waves when the winds are exceptionally strong. It is not the cleanest

water in the world and sometimes smells of sewage.

There is a shop here selling surf gear and there are toilet and shower facilities on the beach. In addition there are a few small cafes where you can buy some refreshments. There is a choice of accommodation in the city as well as some bars and restaurants. Nightlife is very quiet.

Stay within the designated zones and keep out of the swimmers area. Respect the locals who are very friendly and watch out for bystanders, especially during August.