11 Best Hotels in Sidi Kaouki: A Beach Escape Near Essaouira

Looking for the best hotels in Sidi Kaouki or surf camps along Essaouira’s southern coast? Discover some of the most inspiring places to stay for surfers and non-surfers alike.

Just 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira lies the village of Sidi Kaouki, which is quickly establishing itself as the premier surf destination along this windswept stretch of Atlantic coastline. It’s really just a cluster of low-slung buildings and laid-back restaurants interspersed with unpaved roads where donkeys and chickens roam free.

But for many travellers (including myself), this is the low-key Moroccan paradise their craving!

Towering over the northern end of its picturesque beach stands an abandoned building that has become the village’s signature sight. This crumbling structure is actually the shrine and pilgrimage site of Sidi Kaouki, a 19th-century religious leader and teacher after whom this coastal community is named.

With its enviable setting on a wide, crescent-shaped bay, Sidi Kaouki boasts several breaks that are suitable for surfing. There are also a handful of surf schools offering beginner lessons and windsurfers flock here when the conditions are right.

Even if you’re not into surfing, Sidi Kaouki is a wonderfully laid-back place to spend a few days. You can go walking or horseback riding along the beach and feast on locally caught seafood. While it can easily be visited as a day trip from Essaouira, I’d highly recommend staying a night or two to really soak up the tranquility.

In this article, discover 11 of the best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki, from adults-only hotels and high-end villas to convivial backpacker hostels. 

To learn more about why Essaouira is one of Morocco’s must-visit destinations, check out this Essential Guide to Essaouira.

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Kasbah d’Eau $$$

Best boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki

Kasbah d’Eau opened at the end of 2024, offering an inspiring option for those seeking a luxury boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki. It features a total of 17 suites, each with stunning views of either the ocean or the mountains. All come with elegant ensuite bathrooms finished in polished tadelakt.

In addition to a heated infinity pool, there’s a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked library and an underground gym. If you’re in need of a little pampering, the spa offers two treatment rooms. There’s also a traditional hammam where you can try a classic Moroccan bathing experience.

“Kasbah d’Eau is an absolute gem and staying here was the highlight of our Morocco trip.” – Matthew (read more reviews here)

Villa Sarah $$$

Best high-end villa in Sidi Kaouki

This luxury Sidi Kaouki villa is located a little way back from the beach. So it’s best for travellers with their own car. But considering its incredible infinity pool and wonderful views, it’s definitely worth considering.

Guests rave about the hospitality and the serenity of Villa Sarah, as well as how helpful the hosts are. They can help to organise everything from surf courses to horseback riding on the beach. The outdoor fireplace is a great place to socialise in the evenings. 

“Excellent stay at Villa Sarah. Very clean, very comfortable, beautiful new features and shared kitchen. Nighttime tea and breakfast by the pool were so relaxing.” – Aaron (read more reviews here)

La Maison des Vagues $$

Best place to stay in Sidi Kaouki with a pool

With its absolute beachfront setting, this eco-friendly hotel in Sidi Kaouki receives rave reviews for its incredible location and facilities. It boasts a collection of whitewashed rooms and suites that are designed for solo travellers and couples, as well as families travelling with kids.

The sunny terrace and sparkling pool are big draw cards, as is the onsite restaurant serving both French and Moroccan cuisine. In my opinion, La Maison des Vagues is definitely one of the best hotels in Sidi Kaouki if you’re after an upmarket yet affordable stay.

“A GEM of a hotel!!” – Sarah (read more reviews here)

Labri De La Plage $$

Best holiday home in Sidi Kaouki

If you’re looking for a private holiday home in Sidi Kaouki, this stone-built residence is ideal. It features two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a cosy lounge area, as well as a fireplace where you can socialise in the evenings.

The inviting swimming pool is a big “plus” and there’s plenty of privacy thanks to the surrounding wall. Labri De La Plage is also one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Sidi Kaouki if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend in tow.

Ayour Hostel $

Best hostel in Sidi Kaouki

With its affordable rooms and dorms, this eclectically decorated hostel in Sidi Kaouki is a deservedly popular choice amongst those travelling Morocco on a budget. It receives rave reviews for its chilled atmosphere and the cleanliness of its spaces, as well as the hospitality from the owner Abdou and his family.

In addition to a shared kitchen, there’s an outdoor lounge where you can mingle with other guests. 

“Would come again at any time!” Luisa (read more reviews here)

Dav Mahal Eco Lodge $$

Best eco-friendly accommodation in Sidi Kaouki

A short drive north of Sidi Kaouki is this unique Moroccan eco-lodge. It features sustainably designed earth domes, a solar-heated hammam and a communal kitchen.

Dev Mahal is perched on a cape in the village of Sidi Ouassem, with an almost private beach at your disposal. Here, you can enjoy everything from leisurely walks to kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Aside from its sustainable practices (including food composting and a circular grey water system), Dav Mahal is a popular place for yogis and regularly hosts holistic retreats. 

“Beautiful views over the ocean, very clean and well looked after. Incredible breakfast (the best we’ve had in Morocco). Hammam is a great extra touch.” – Aleksandra (read more reviews here)

Ranch de Sidi Kaouki $

Best farmstay near Essaouira

For an authentic taste of Moroccan rural life, be sure to stay at this family-run farmstay in Sidi Kaouki. It’s owned and operated by Mohammed, who does a wonderful job looking after the resident horses, donkeys and chickens.

The rooms at Ranch de Sidi Kaouki are basic but comfortable. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor areas where you can enjoy the farm’s serenity. While it’s a little way from the sand, it’s a great place to stay in Sidi Kaouki for animal lovers and kids. 

“Such an amazing place and wonderful owner and staff! All the animals are beautiful and well looked after and we had a lovely sunrise ride to the beach.” – Green (read more reviews here)

Dar Boujdaa $

Best budget hotel in Sidi Kaouki

Just a stone’s throw from the beach is this affordable hotel in Sidi Kaouki. It’s a traveller favourite, with many giving it a 10/10 rating.

Aside from the clean and comfortable rooms, there’s a spacious terrace where you can soak up the coastal views while enjoying the amazing breakfasts.

There are doubles, triples and quadruples available, making this a popular choice for families visiting Sidi Kaouki and anyone travelling Morocco on a budget.

“Our stay at this riad-style hostel was simply amazing.” – Mariame (read more reviews here)

Auberge De La Plage $$

Best auberge in Sidi Kaouki

With its stylishly decorated rooms and abundance of chill-out areas, this auberge in Sidi Kaouki is deservedly popular. It’s located right on the beach and within easy access to windsurfing spots, although many guests come just to soak up the tranquility.

In addition to double and triple rooms, there’s a family suite if you’re travelling with kids in tow. All stays include a delicious breakfast each morning and bikes are available to hire for getting around the area. 

“This is such a beautiful spot. Stylishly decorated, lots of beautiful chill out spaces – a sunny terrace on top, seating in the shade downstairs and lovely restaurant space.” – Charlotte (read more reviews here)

Dar Iziki $

Best apartment hotel in Sidi Kaouki

Occupying a blue and white residence, this affordable Sidi Kaouki hotel is set just back from the beach. I particularly love that it has a sparkling pool where you can cool off on hot, summer days. Aside from the comfortable double and triple rooms (with ensuites), there’s a six-bed dorm and apartments complete with kitchens.

Previous guests highlight the incredible staff, who go above and beyond to meet their needs. All in all, I think this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki with a pool.

“Amazing value for money, great quiet location, and just two minutes walk to a lovely beach.” – Rhiannon (read more reviews here)

House of Om $$

Best adults-only hotel in Sidi Kaouki

Exuding a serene and peaceful aesthetic, this slow-living retreat and Sidi Kaouki yoga studio is located a 10-minute walk from the beach. It features four spacious doubles designed for solo travellers and couples, plus an inviting lounge with a cosy fireplace.

An amazing breakfast is included in all stays and yoga classes can be arranged at the in-house studio. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries or experience a surf + yoga retreat in Morocco. 

“The ambiance is serene and inviting, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style.” – Alae (read more reviews here)

How to get to Sidi Kaouki

If you have your own vehicle or are hiring a car in Morocco, the drive from Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki takes just 30 minutes. The route travels through the villages of Diabat and Ghazoua, with the roads usually free of heavy traffic.

Once you arrive in Sidi Kaouki, you’ll find a car park located right next to the beach, making it really easy to explore the area.

For those without their own transportation, the next easiest option is to take a Grand Taxi from the bus station in Essaouira. You can either pay for an individual seat (and share the vehicle with five other passengers) or rent the entire taxi. For the return trip to Essaouira, be sure to check with the driver when the last grand taxis leave Sidi Kaouki.

Alternatively, you can take the public bus from just outside Bab Doukkala in Essaouira. When you arrive at the station, just ask someone where the bus to Sidi Kaouki departs from. There are regular departures throughout the day, although be aware that they don’t always run strictly on schedule.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.