Just 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira lies the Amazigh village of Sidi Kaouki, which is quickly establishing itself as the premier surf destination along this windswept stretch of Morocco's 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 (including myself), this is the low-key paradise their craving!
Towering over the northern end of its picturesque beach stands a large, 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. Though the building itself may be in a state of disrepair, it remains an important spiritual and cultural landmark today.
With its enviable setting on a wide, crescent-shaped bay, Sidi Kaouki boasts several breaks suitable for experienced wave riders. 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 delightfully laid-back place to spend a few days, walking or horseback riding on the beach and feasting on seafood. While it can easily be visited as a day trip from Essaouira, I’d highly recommend staying a night or two to soak up the tranquil energy.
To help you plan your adventure, I've put together a list of the 10 best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki, from adults-only retreats 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 Ultimate Guide to Essaouira.
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SIDI KAOUKI
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for the best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki:
Best place to stay in Sidi Kaouki with a pool
Best high-end villa in Sidi Kaouki
Best adults-only hotel in Sidi Kaouki
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. Definitely one of the best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki.
"A GEM of a hotel!!” - Sarah (read more reviews here)
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.
Best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki
Best hostel in Sidi Kaouki
With its affordable rooms and dorms, this eclectically decorated hostel in Sidi Kaouki is a deservedly popular choice amongst budget travellers visiting Morocco. 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)
Best eco-friendly accommodation in Sidi Kaouki
A short drive north of Sidi Kaouki, this unique Moroccan eco-lodge features sustainably designed earth domes, a solar-heated hammam and a communal kitchen. It’s perched on a cape in the village of Sidi Ouassem, with an almost private beach at your disposal for leisurely walks, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Aside from its sustainable practices (including food composting and a circular greywater 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)
Best farmstay near Essaouira
For an authentic taste of Moroccan rural life, be sure to stay at this family-run accommodation 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 are basic but comfortable and 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.
"Such an amazing place and wonderful owner and staff! We only stayed one night but will definitely go back. Mohamed is such a great host and the home he’s built to share with people is such a dream. All the animals are beautiful and well looked after and we had a lovely sunrise ride to the beach.” - Green (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki
Best budget hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this affordable hotel in Sidi Kaouki is 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.
"Our stay at this riad-style hostel was simply amazing.” - Mariame (read more reviews here)
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, with all stays including a delicious breakfast each morning. 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)
Best apartment hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Occupying a blue and white residence, this affordable Sidi Kaouki hotel is set just back from the beach and boasts 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 mention that the staff goes above and beyond to meet their needs, making this one of the best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki.
“Amazing value for money, great quiet location, and just two minutes walk to a lovely beach.” - Rhiannon (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Sidi Kaouki
Best high-end villa in Sidi Kaouki
This modern 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 in organising 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)
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 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 stay 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 is a scenic 30-minute journey. The route takes you 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 convenient car park located right next to the beach, making it easy to park and 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 a seat or rent the entire taxi for around 90 to 100 dirhams. For the return trip to Essaouira, simply arrange a pickup time with your driver.
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. There are regular departures throughout the day, although be aware that they don’t always run strictly on schedule.
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