Best Surfing Beaches in Morocco

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.

Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco in the city of Essaouira, Essaouira Beach - also known as Plage Tagharte - is a three-kilometer-long and wide golden sand beach.  The beach is adjacent to the famous Port de Essaouira and has a spectacular backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including shops, bars, restaurants, and luxury hotels, which together provide incredible views of Mogador Island.

Imsouane Beach is one of the best beaches for surfing in Morocco, claiming the longest wave in the country. The break surf has given many a surfer a ride of over two minutes. The waves are great for professionals and intermediate and beginning surfers as the waves closer to shore cater to surfers of every skill level. The beach is located at the bottom of a cliffside and features a long wide expanse of tan golden sand and clear blue water that turn into barreling waves, so swimmers must take caution.

Imsouane is wonderful for sunbathers, sand castle makers, and a long walk on the beach, you can also walk along the cliffside for a stunning panoramic view of the beach that continues on to the horizon. This peaceful rural community is situated between Agadir and Essaouira, and is known for its lively fish market where many exotic forms of marine life can be seen and sampled. If you decide to purchase some freshly caught fish, you can bring it to a stall-holder outside the market and they will cook it for you in an open fire right on the spot!

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.

Agadir Beach is probably one of the more well-known beaches in Morocco. Mainly a beach resort town, Agadir is full of luxury and a beautiful private marina. This beach is perfect for long walks. Playing in the waves, you'll see plenty of surfers taking advantage of the ample waves, you can also go kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.

Agadir is tucked between the magnificent Atlas Mountains and Atlantic Ocean, giving its visitors spectacular views and plenty of activities. Sousa Massa National Park nearby is a common place for birdwatching. You can surely find a good amount of crowd here but visiting during the off-season might be best if you prefer emptier shores. Due to the rolling sands coming from the Sahara, the soft deposits of sand on this beach makes it perfect to relax, sunbathe, and chill. Agadir sees over three hundred days of sun every year, so you won't be without plenty of sun whenever you choose to go. It is a very safe place, and is surrounded by cafès and fun- you can rent jet-skis, quad bikes, and even go on horse or camel rides.

Nestled between local cultural mecca Agadir and popular beach Taghazout is Tamraght, one of Morocco’s most underrated beach destinations. Easily accessible from Agadir-Al Massira Airport, Tamraght is a remarkably beautiful beach town and is a destination for beachgoers that desire a beach day with adventure and Moroccan culture.

For travelers that desire a picturesque and scenic beach day, look no further. With clear turquoise water, dramatic rock structures, coastal greenery, and narrow stretches of soft white sand, Tamraght is the epitome of North African beach paradise. Beachgoers find Tamraght to quiet, serene, and remote-feeling despite its fairly central location and accessibility. While its beach facilities are fairly basic, the activities that local vendors offer on it are endless. On Tamraght’s pristine coastline, surf like a pro with classes taught by experts. Attend yoga camps and tap into your inner chi. Learn to belly dance with professional instructors teaching a variety of techniques such as classical, modern, and Baladi. Try your luck at fishing. Or, as many beachgoers do, simply lounge on the coast and take in Tamraght’s incredible scenery and views.

When the sun goes down and hunger sets in, head to one of Tamraght’s great local restaurants. Visit Babakoul, an affordable local favorite offering a modern twist on African and Moroccan cooking, or Le Palmier Bleu, a French and Moroccan cafe serving top-notch seafood and great specialty meats. And if you’re staying the night, check-in at Riad Dar Haven, a Mediterranean- inspired boutique hotel offering luxurious amenities and outstanding hospitality.

Looking for more adventure? Just twenty minutes away from Tamraght lies Agadir, a destination for adventurers and adrenaline-junkies that want unique experiences. At Agadir, take a guided tour through Paradise Valley, witness its world-renowned forest and dramatic structures, and swim in its large rock pools. Or if you’re looking to see Sahara, take a guided desert tour, where you can Quad Bike or Camel Ride through the desert in style.

Imsouane Beach is one of the best beaches for surfing in Morocco, claiming the longest wave in the country. The break surf has given many a surfer a ride of over two minutes. The waves are great for professionals and intermediate and beginning surfers as the waves closer to shore cater to surfers of every skill level. The beach is located at the bottom of a cliffside and features a long wide expanse of tan golden sand and clear blue water that turn into barreling waves, so swimmers must take caution.

Imsouane is wonderful for sunbathers, sand castle makers, and a long walk on the beach, you can also walk along the cliffside for a stunning panoramic view of the beach that continues on to the horizon. This peaceful rural community is situated between Agadir and Essaouira, and is known for its lively fish market where many exotic forms of marine life can be seen and sampled. If you decide to purchase some freshly caught fish, you can bring it to a stall-holder outside the market and they will cook it for you in an open fire right on the spot!