“Ahhhh no….you just stepped right in it!“ Sure enough, I had planted my foot right in camel dung on the half-moon beach in Essaouria – giving my mate much laughter. The 5km beach located outside the ancient city walls, has activities for all sorts – from kite/wind/surfing, kayaking, horseback riding and yes…..camel rides.

I visited the wild and windy town on my visit to Morocco in July. After flying into Marrakech, we hired a car

Marrakech rentals

and drove west for the coast through the barren desert until reaching the town along the Atlantic coast. The town was occupied by the Portuguese and still has traces of their architecture and design. The city is perched right along the rugged coastline and is walled by 10m ancient walls. Inside, the pedestrian-only streets come to life with numerous restaurants, shops, mosques and souks. Souks are the Moroccan´s version of the flea-market – heaps of vendors and buyers clustered in a small enclosed area offering anything one can imagine.

Our sole purpose for the visit was to go somewhere new and enjoy the sea. My mate, an avid surfer and myself a novice kiter; wanted a place where both of our interests could be satisfied. The long beach offers an array of surf breaks that kept my friend busy all day. There are numerous surf centers that give lessons, rent boards and all the above for windsurfing and kiting. I gave the kiting a try with mixed success. Much of the challenge was controlling the kite while avoiding the roaming camels along the beach. Quite a site!

In the late afternoon, the beaches fill with local families looking for a little relief from the extreme heat. The seductive vibes of the Gnawa music fills the air. Afterwards, looking for some relief, we went for a hamman bath where you come out never feeling so clean.

There are numerous holiday apartment located within the city for affordable rates. If you go during high season be sure to book well in advance.