Essaouira's beach seems to have been designed for horses: kilometres of firm sand, a gentle slope into the Atlantic, dunes behind and no buildings in sight once you have passed the last café. Horse riding in Essaouira is one of the most memorable experiences on the coast, whether you are a complete beginner on a calm Arab-Barb horse or an experienced rider looking for a long gallop.
Here is where to ride, how to choose, what to expect and how to get to the stables.
Where to ride around Essaouira
The beach and the dunes of Diabat
The classic ride heads south from town along the long beach towards Diabat, past the ruins of an old fort, Borj El Berod, at the mouth of the Ksob river, and into the dunes behind the shore. It is the easiest terrain for beginners and the most spectacular for photos, with the medina and the Mogador islands on the horizon.
The argan forest and Ghazoua
Inland, sandy trails cross the argan forest around Diabat and Ghazoua, between small farms and dry-stone walls. In the heat of the day the trees provide shade, and you may meet goats, shepherds and the occasional camel.
Sidi Kaouki
About 25 km south, the wild beach of Sidi Kaouki, with its white marabout, is ideal for longer rides and for riders who want space to canter. Some stables organise full-day rides with a picnic in the argan forest. Read our Sidi Kaouki day trip guide.
Which ride should you choose?
| Ride | Duration | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Beach discovery | 1 hour | Beginners, children with a guide |
| Beach and dunes to Diabat | 2 hours | All levels, the most popular |
| Argan forest and beach | Half day | Riders comfortable at the trot |
| Sidi Kaouki with picnic | Full day | Experienced riders |
| Multi-day trek along the coast | 2–5 days | Experienced riders, on request with stables |
Prices vary with the stable, the duration and the group size — ask for a quote and what is included (guide, helmet, drinks, transport).
Horse riding in Essaouira: a typical two-hour ride
Most rides start with a short briefing at the stable, where the guide checks your experience and adjusts the stirrups. You then walk through the argan trees or the dunes to warm up the horses before reaching the beach. On the firm sand near the water, confident riders can trot and canter while beginners continue at a walk with the guide beside them. The usual turning point is the old fort of Diabat or the mouth of the Ksob river, where you stop for photos before riding back with the wind behind you. That rhythm — calm start, a stretch of freedom on the sand, a slow return — is what makes horse riding in Essaouira so enjoyable for every level.
How to choose a good stable
- Look at the horses. Healthy, well-fed animals with good hooves and saddles that fit are the best sign of a serious stable.
- Ask about levels. A good stable asks about your experience and matches you with the right horse.
- Ask for a helmet, especially for children.
- Be wary of horses offered on the town beach by passers-by with no stable behind them: you cannot check the animals or the insurance.
- Read recent reviews, and ask your riad for recommendations.
Most horses are Arab-Barbs, the same breed you will see at a fantasia — read our guide to the Barb horse to learn more about them.
When to ride
- Morning or late afternoon are best: softer light, cooler temperatures and, often, less wind.
- Low tide gives the widest, firmest strip of sand for cantering — ask the stable about the tide times.
- Summer is windy in the afternoon; autumn and spring are ideal; winter offers mild, sunny days. See our best time to visit Essaouira.
What to wear and bring
Long, comfortable trousers, closed shoes with a small heel, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a windproof layer and water. Leave valuables at your riad.
Riding with children
Many stables offer short rides on calm horses or ponies, with a guide walking alongside. A one-hour beach ride is a highlight for children — combine it with a camel ride on the beach or a picnic. Our private picnic excursion is another family favourite.
Getting to the stables
Most stables are just outside town, around Diabat and Ghazoua, or near Sidi Kaouki. Some offer pick-ups; otherwise:
- From Essaouira-Mogador airport, our transfers to Diabat & Ghazoua (about 15 minutes, from €20 per vehicle) and Sidi Kaouki (about 25 minutes, from €25) bring you straight to the area where many riders stay.
- From the medina, a short ride by taxi or with a driver.
- Combine the ride with the countryside: our half-day argan route excursion passes through Diabat, and our full-day private excursion goes to Sidi Kaouki.
And to see horses at their most spectacular
If horses are your passion, do not miss a tbourida. In 2026, the Moussem of Sidi El Mokhtar, from 22 to 25 October, is about an hour from Essaouira. Our complete guide to the Moroccan fantasia explains everything.
Horse riding in Essaouira is the coast at its most free — contact us for your transfers and day trips.
