On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and not far from the picturesque town of Essaouira lies the small village of Sidi Kaouki. It is surrounded by extensive argan forests, broom bushes and overgrown dunes. Long before the tourists populated Sidi Kaouki, camel caravans were already passing by on the paths of Sidi Kaouki. Once a sleepy fishing village, this place has become a popular destination for surfers, adventurers and seekers of peace and spirituality. But apart from the magnificent sea of waves and the extensive sandy beaches, Sidi Kaouki has a history that is closely linked to an important religious monument – the Mausoleum of Sidi Kaouki

At the edge of the beach, where the waves break on the first rocks, sits this white and light blue whitewashed stone house: the tomb of Sidi Kaouki (“Mr. Kaouki”). It is the story of a man from the Middle East, a Muslim, who came here to find the sea and peace in this Berber village.
Sidi Kaouki probably lived in the region of Morocco in the 18th century. He gained the reputation of a saint due to a remarkable event: when a deadly plague threatened the goat herds in the area, he saved them from destruction through his intervention. This event led to the construction of Sidi Kaouki’s mausoleum, which still serves as a pilgrimage site for locals today.

The tradition of cutting the hair of children at the mausoleum of Sidi Kaouki to bring good luck has evolved over time. It is believed that this custom is due to the spiritual power of the saint and is seen as a blessing for the children. Women make pilgrimages to this place particularly often, as it is said that their prayers for a child are especially answered here.

The importance of the mausoleum of Sidi Kaouki as a pilgrimage site has increased over the years. People from different parts of Morocco come here to practice their religious traditions, ask for blessings and find comfort and hope. The pilgrimage to this place is an integral part of the cultural and spiritual life of the region.

The mausoleum of Sidi Kaouki serves as a place of worship and a symbol of the community’s spiritual connection to its religious heritage. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, compassion and community and shows how spiritual traditions can remain alive across generations.

And so the small fishing village was named after the saint. The village was discovered by hippies in the 1970s. This period had a lasting impact on the colorful population mix of Berbers, Arabs, French and some other dropouts. The very conservative Moroccan culture is a little more open here. You can even find modern Moroccan women here who walk around without headscarves and in shorts and are mostly accepted by the locals. Music is everywhere. Perhaps a remnant of this bygone era. The atmosphere is incredible. Chilled, magical and relaxing.

The first hotels were built in the 90s. However, they blend in with the look of the surroundings and are built according to the local model. You will look in vain for high-rise buildings here.

Tourism has developed strongly in the last 15 years. Sidi kaouki has developed into a seaside resort for locals and tourists alike, who appreciate this pearl of the Moroccan coast.