Top Camping Beaches in Morocco
The sleepy surf town of Sidi Kaouki is situated 15 miles (25 kilometers) south of Essaouira. It is a quieter, wilder alternative to Tagharte. You'll see picturesque sand dunes, long stretches of sand and basic amenities including sun loungers and surfboards for hire. This beach is famed for being a favorite place of Jimi Hendrix, enjoying the easy carefree lifestyle that exists in Sidi Kaouki. This beach is also a surfers haven, giving ample space in the water since Sidi Kaouki beach remains a hidden gem. After basking in the sun or surfing the water, you can wander around the Souk, or the marketplace in town where you will see both French and Spanish influence and the central square has a simple rustic café and restaurant to get something to eat after a day at the beach. During the winter, you can walk a little way out of the village to see wild flamingos, and other coastal birds.
The ubiquitous horse and camel tours can also be found here. If you take a walk to the north of the beach you will discover interesting rock pools that are visible only at low tide; or head south to a small river where wild flamingos are often spotted in winter. If you decide to stay longer, Sidi Kaouki is known for its quality backpacker accommodations and authentic local cafes.
Situated just north of Agadir, the laid-back fishing village of Taghazout has earned a reputation as one of the best surf spots in Africa. The beach’s various breaks and consistent waves cater to beginners and experienced surfers alike with top spots including Anchor Point, Boilers and Imesouane which is claimed to be the longest ride in Morocco. If you’ve never tried surfing, don’t worry, there are plenty of surf schools, camps and rental shops offering lessons at reasonable prices. The best season for surfing is September to April.
The sands of Taghazout beach are golden and soft, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing after surfing or swimming. If seclusion is a priority for you, plan to go in the offseason. The town of Taghazout has plenty of small cafes and restaurants and lots of yoga classes for when you're ready to unwind and refuel after a long day of playing in the waves. To get there, take a thirty-minute taxi ride from Agadir airport, which has great connections with Marrakech, a famed tourist destination as well.