Marrakesh-Safi is Morocco's most visited region, anchored by Marrakesh — the Red City — a UNESCO World Heritage medina teeming with souks, palaces, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square. Beyond the city, the region spans from the High Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, offering everything from quad biking in the Agafay Desert to surfing at Sidi Kaouki.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Marrakesh-Safi.
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- sunbeds
- beach cafes
- surf rental shops
- toilets
- quad bikes for hire
- horse and camel riding
Essaouira Beach (Plage d'Essaouira)
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- surf schools
- surf board hire
- small guesthouses
- beachside cafe
- camel trekking
Sidi Kaouki Beach
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- unspoiled dunes
- no facilities — bring all supplies
- wild camping possible
Cap Sim Beach
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- kitesurfing schools
- kitesurfing equipment rental
- guesthouses
- beachside food stalls
- open flat beach suitable for kite landing
Moulay Bouzerktoun Beach
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- local beach cafes
- promenade walk
- nearby fishing harbour
- pottery market in town
- toilets
Plage de Safi
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- quiet undeveloped shore
- Jimi Hendrix castle ruins nearby
- horse riding on beach
- no commercial facilities — bring food and water
Diabat Beach
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Marrakesh-Safi memorable.
Windsurfing
Kitesurfing
Surfing
Swimming
Camel riding on the beach
Horse riding on the beach
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Getting There
From Marrakesh, Supratours and CTM buses serve Essaouira daily, departing from near the ONCF train station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and costs around 80 MAD ($8 USD) one way. Shared grand taxis from Bab Doukkala also cover the route for a similar price. For Safi, buses take approximately 3.5 hours and cost around 90 MAD. There is no direct train to either coastal town. Hiring a car gives the most flexibility to reach smaller beaches such as Sidi Kaouki and Moulay Bouzerktoun.
Best Time
April to October for beach visits. July and August are warmest but also windiest at Essaouira. September and October offer warm water, calmer winds, and fewer crowds. Surfers target September through April when Atlantic swells are most consistent.
What To Bring
Windproof layer even in summer — Essaouira's trade winds chill quickly once out of the sun. High-SPF sunscreen is essential as the Atlantic light is strong. Bring cash for beach vendors and grand taxi fares. Drinking water is advisable for remote beaches such as Cap Sim and Diabat, which have no facilities. A light robe or kaftan is useful when moving between beach and medina.
Safety Note
Atlantic currents along this coastline can be powerful. Swimming at Essaouira Beach is generally safe close to shore but the waves and undertow increase rapidly further out. Sidi Kaouki and Cap Sim have rip currents that can be hazardous for non-swimmers. Only swim at designated areas and heed any warnings from local lifeguards. Windsurfing and kitesurfing should only be attempted with qualified instruction if you are a beginner. Valuables should be left at your accommodation; theft from unattended beach bags does occur at busy beaches.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.