Essaouira with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Activities

When you say "Marrakech" to a parent, they think scooters grazing the pushchair, horns, crowds. Essaouira is the opposite. No motorbikes in the medina alleys. A slow rhythm. Vast spaces where children can run without you watching from the corner of your eye. We took our own kids there, and it became our favourite playground.

1. The beach, simply

The huge strip of fine sand beneath the ramparts is a natural playground. Sandcastles, kites, barefoot races in the foam. The area near the ramparts is sheltered from wind, that's where you lay your towel.

2. The boats returning to port

Around three in the afternoon, fishing boats come back. Children watch men unload crates, sort fish, seagulls diving. Some fishermen, proud of their catch, are happy to show it off. A raw, living spectacle that captivates young and old alike.

3. A camel ride on the beach

Thirty to fifty dirhams per person, twenty minutes. The look on the children's faces when the camel stands up, it's a classic. Negotiate the price before climbing on.

4. Pottery in the medina

A few artisans offer mini-workshops for children from age five. One hour, 100-150 dirhams, and the child leaves with their bowl or little vase, still damp with clay. A souvenir no shop can offer.

5. The ramparts and Skala

The walk along the Skala cannons fascinates children. The ocean view is immense. For teens: this is where the Astapor scene from Game of Thrones was filmed. The trivia always lands.

6. Surf lessons at Sidi Kaouki

Twenty-five minutes by car, surf schools welcome children from age six. Gentle waves, patient instructors. 300-400 dirhams for two hours, equipment included. Parents, meanwhile, drink tea with their feet in the sand.

7. Quads for teens

Quad Attitude offers supervised rides through dunes and argan forest for ages sixteen and up. Adrenaline in a safe setting, teens talk about it for weeks.

8. An argan cooperative

Children are fascinated watching women crack nuts by hand, one by one, with a stone. It's tangible, tactile, educational. And cooperatives often offer mint tea and roasted almonds at the end.

9. Birds of the Purpuraires Islands

From the ramparts or port, you can spot the Purpuraires Islands, sanctuary of the Eleonora's falcon. With binoculars, you see birds soaring above the rocks. A calm, contemplative moment, perfect for learning to observe.

10. Had Dra Sunday market

Thirty kilometres away, the region's largest rural market. Children discover mountains of spices, pyramids of fruit, donkeys laden with goods, sometimes chickens escaping between stalls. Morocco at its most alive.

For parents: a few reference points

Nappies and formula are available in pharmacies and supermarkets in the city centre. Ocean Vagabond has a play area where children can play while you lunch in peace. For emergencies, the provincial hospital or the private clinic in the centre are quickly accessible.

For the car, the Dacia Duster is the natural choice, the boot swallows pushchair, beach bags, and provisions without complaint.