Bordj El Berod Ruins
Iconic coastal ruins near Diabat, Morocco, famed for their dramatic ocean setting and rumored inspiration for Jimi Hendrix's 'Castles Made of Sand.'
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best access to ruins
Bordj El Berod Ruins
Best Time
Best access to ruins
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic coastal ruins near Diabat, Morocco, famed for their dramatic ocean setting and rumored inspiration for Jimi Hendrix's 'Castles Made of Sand.'
"A beautiful place where you can swim, relax and dream."
Check Tide Times 🌊
Access to the ruins is best at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly to explore fully.
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
The terrain can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bordj El Berod Ruins
Coastal area near Diabat
Iconic fortress ruins dramatically set against the ocean, inspiring dreams of castles in the sand.
Diabat Beach
Adjacent to the ruins
A windswept beach with dunes, popular for kitesurfing and offering stunning views.
Ocean Views
From the ruins and beach
Panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Mogador Island, perfect for contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times 🌊
Access to the ruins is best at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly to explore fully.
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
The terrain can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Windbreaker Essential 💨
It's often very windy here. A windbreaker will make your visit much more comfortable.
Jimi Hendrix Connection 🎶
Legend links these ruins to Jimi Hendrix's 'Castles Made of Sand,' though the timing is debated. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times 🌊
Access to the ruins is best at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly to explore fully.
Wear Sturdy Shoes 👟
The terrain can be sandy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Windbreaker Essential 💨
It's often very windy here. A windbreaker will make your visit much more comfortable.
Jimi Hendrix Connection 🎶
Legend links these ruins to Jimi Hendrix's 'Castles Made of Sand,' though the timing is debated.
Beach Clean-up ♻️
You might find some plastic on the beach. Consider picking some up to help keep it clean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning coastal scenery and the evocative atmosphere of the Bordj El Berod Ruins, often highlighting the dramatic ocean views and the romantic association with Jimi Hendrix. Some note the ruins are heavily eroded but still picturesque. A common drawback is the amount of plastic litter on the beach, detracting from the natural beauty.
"I really love and enjoyed this beach site. Very clean & clear water, less people. The best one I found within walking distance from the old town."
NguyenNgoc Diep
"A beautiful place where you can swim, relax and dream. Sometimes you need to collect some plastic bottles. This is the only sad thing to see in this amazing place. People, locals or turists need to learn to keep tgeir rubbish with them."
Robin Nic
"Ruins of a once tower but erosion has had its day. Stunning view of Mogador island and former prison"
thomas masterman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located near the village of Diabat, a short drive or a pleasant walk along the beach from Essaouira's medina. Taxis are readily available in Essaouira for a quick trip.
Yes, you can often park on the beach entrance near Diabat, making it convenient to access the ruins and the beach.
Absolutely! It's a scenic walk along the beach, taking about an hour. Be mindful of the tide if you choose this option.
Diabat is known for its bohemian vibe and the Jimi Hendrix Cafe. It's a charming stop before or after exploring the ruins.
Many visitors combine a visit to the ruins with a walk along Diabat beach and exploring the village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bordj El Berod Ruins are an open-air historical site and do not require an entrance fee. You can explore them freely.
As an outdoor historical site, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime, but checking tide times is recommended for best access.
The beach adjacent to the ruins is public and free to access.
While not always formally advertised, local guides may be available in Diabat or Essaouira who can offer insights into the history and legends of the ruins.
You can visit anytime, but the experience is significantly enhanced during low tide for better access and exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers dramatic lighting for capturing the ruins against the ocean. Midday can be harsh due to the sun.
Expect stunning shots of the weathered stone ruins, the vast Atlantic, sand dunes, and potentially kitesurfers.
Many photographers capture the ruins from the beach, framing them with the ocean and sky. Exploring the surrounding dunes also offers unique perspectives.
The wind can be a challenge, but it also adds a dynamic element to photos. Consider using a polarizing filter to manage reflections and a wider aperture to keep your subject sharp.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the ruins or distant ocean shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village of Diabat, a short walk away, has cafes and restaurants, including the popular Jimi Hendrix Cafe, offering local fare.
Yes, it's common for visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks, especially for a picnic on the beach. Remember to take your trash with you.
You'll find traditional Moroccan dishes, light snacks, and refreshing drinks at the cafes in Diabat.
Many visitors enjoy the atmosphere and food at the Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat as part of their experience.
Typically, there are no formal dining establishments directly on the beach itself, but cafes are available in the nearby village of Diabat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Visit during low tide for easier exploration of the ruins. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Be mindful of the wind and ensure children have appropriate clothing. The walk from Diabat is manageable for most families, but a taxi is an option if needed.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
+1Make sure to visit the Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat for a coffee or meal and soak in the musical ambiance. The experience of standing amidst these ancient stones, with the ocean as your soundtrack, can be a profound connection to the legendary artist.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Recommendations: Combine the visit with a longer beach hike. The ruins provide a fascinating point of interest along the way. Be prepared for the wind and carry essentials for a day out. The relative lack of crowds can make for a serene experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Jimi Hendrix and Bordj El Berod
+1This enduring legend draws many music fans to the ruins, hoping to connect with the spirit of the era. The melancholic beauty of the crumbling fortress against the vast Atlantic ocean certainly evokes a sense of timelessness and artistic inspiration, making the legend easy to believe.
Whether the legend is true or not, the ruins offer a captivating backdrop for contemplation and photography, resonating with the themes of impermanence and dreams often found in Hendrix's music. The nearby Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat further solidifies this connection for visitors.
Exploring the Coastal Landscape
The beach adjacent to the ruins is a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the consistent Atlantic winds. Visitors can enjoy watching the colorful sails dotting the horizon or even try their hand at these exhilarating water sports. The shallow waters and moderate shore break make it suitable for various skill levels.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the ruins, the coastline offers opportunities for long walks, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the rugged natural beauty. Be prepared for the strong winds, which are a defining feature of this coastal landscape, and always check the tide times for the best access to the ruins and the beach.
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