Fodor's Expert Review Sidi Kaouki Beach

The tranquil beach village of Sidi Kaouki is often touted as an alternative to Essaouira's beach and is a destination of choice for younger backpackers, surfers, and windsurfers, which should give you an idea of the typical wind velocity and wave size. It doesn't have the amenities of its larger neighbor, but the "town" consists of a number of guesthouses, a couple of shops, and some small restaurants all serving the same standard tourist menus. It's easy to rent mountain bikes, quad bikes, or ponies for a jaunt along the beach toward Ouassane (the village to the north) or Sidi M'barek (with a waterfall and wide sandy beach) to the south.   It's possible to walk along the beach and over a cliff from Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki—about 21 km (13 miles) one-way. Walking in the opposite direction (against the wind) is not recommended. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee in summer); toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; sunset; walking.