KITESURFING HOLIDAYS - MOROCCO

THE LURE
Morocco is roughly the size of California and is situated in Northern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the Western Sahara. Among Morocco's many treasures is Marrakech, the royal residence. Surrounded by arcane palm groves, it lies like an oasis in the desert and is regarded as the gateway to the south. Roughly two and a half hours along the coast, Essaouira stands like a mirage on a long, rocky cliff facing the sea. A mixture of sunshine and bouncing light from the whitewashed houses wreathed in mist from the waves of the Atlantic swell. Possessing a charm all of its own, the old city of Essaouira is enclosed by ramparts and battlements, and offers cosy restaurants, teeming alleys and idyllic squares. Essaouira boasts a completely intact medina, surrounded by fortified walls and long white beaches. Many believe it to be one of the most beautiful towns on the Atlantic coast.

 Essaouria featured in Issue #27. You can buy this back issue here .

THE SET UP:
Essaouira is Morocco's windiest town with a vast sandy beach that stretches for three miles. Protected by the Mogador Islands and harbour, cross-shore winds from the right offer ideal practising conditions, from  beginner to expert. Find flat water up close to the medina, open choppy water in the middle of the bay and waves in the downwind corner. The curved shape of the bay makes it a really safe spot. However, if you do end up too far out, all the schools have a rescue boat. A shallow area develops near the shore thanks to the steadily sloping sandy bottom, making things easy and convenient for kitesurf beginners. In the summer months, the thermals created by the huge difference in land and sea temperatures accelerates the northeasterly trade wind in the afternoon, so it's a good idea to take beginner and intermediate lessons in the morning. It can sometimes feel like this wind just never stops! In the winter the waves build, but the wind drops. If it really is waves you're after then head south to Moulay Bouzarktoune and Sidi Kaoki for a good hit.

WIND & WEATHER:
Strong thermal winds in the summer that can build in the afternoon up to force seven. The winds drop off in winter. Out of the water it can feel very warm, but only when the wind drops.

WATER:
The water temperature remains pretty constant all year, somewhere between 17 and 20°C, so you might want to bring a shortie with you. Find flat or more choppy conditions in the summer and bigger waves in winter.

OFF THE WATER:
Essaouira has become quite a touristy area, but don't worry, it hasn't lost any of its charm; it's just managed to upgrade its facilities. The character of the accommodation in Essaouira is hard to beat and the selection is good too. The local guest houses, or riads, vary from very basic to mini palaces and there is a good variety of hotels.The local cuisine is imitated all round the world and here you taste it on its home ground. There are a number of restaurants, and many of the riads have their own cook, offering some real home cooking with style. Enjoy some local seafood or a rich and wholesome tagine (casserole). With its strict Muslim inhabitants, alcohol is generally not served in restaurants but there are a few bars and riads where you can sink a couple.

DON'T MISS:
Marrakech.
Dinner in the Medina.
Excursions to Sidi Kaouki and Moulay.

AIRPORTS:
Marrakech (RAK): 2.5 hours drive or €60 one way in a taxi for one to three people.
Agadir (AGA): 3.5 hours drive or €60 one way in a taxi for one to three people.

GETTING ABOUT:
The inside of the medina is a walking zone only, so if you hire a car you'll have to park it outside. Should only be a minute or two's walk from your accommodation, though, if you choose to stay within the medina, and the medina itself is only about 100 metres from the beach and 400 metres or so from the main watersports spots. There are a lot of properties to rent outside too, so the choice is yours. Small blue cabs known as “petits taxis”can be found just outside every entrance of the medina and can be hired for six dirhams by day, and seven by night. So even if you're staying outside the medina it's easy to get into the centre without having to drive. Overall Essaouira is a very safe place at night, too.

USEFUL LINKS:

Essaouira in Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essaouira

Riders who have included Morocco, Essaouira as one of their Top Places to Ride are: Jo Wilson, Kirtsy Jones, Nick Jacobsen