Although many people are drawn to Morocco by visions of treasure-filled souks and starlit nights in the Sahara Desert, the country also has its fair share of gorgeous Beaches in Morocco. There are two coastlines to choose from: the laid-back Mediterranean, with its safe swimming beaches and warm water temps, or the untamed beauty and rich culture of the windswept Atlantic coast. In this post, we’ll look at ten of the top Moroccan beach vacation possibilities. It’s up to you if you wish to stay an extra week (or three) to see the country’s heartland attractions.
Tagharte Beach in Essaouira
Tagharte Beach, located on Morocco’s central Atlantic coast, is the principal beach of popular tourist destination Essaouira. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and water quality, and it has 6 miles (10 kilometers) of lovely golden sand. Even during peak season, there is enough space for everyone. The water is quite cold, and there are better swimming Beaches in Morocco on this list, but Tagharte has few rivals for high-octane activities. Essaouira is well-known for its strong winds, which provide ideal year-round conditions for windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing. Sign up for a lesson rent a board at one of the local surf shops, or join the locals for a game of beach football instead. Horseback and camel rides are also available.
Sidi Kaouki Beach, Sidi Kaouki
Sidi Kaouki is a tranquil beach town located 15 miles (25 kilometers) south of Essaouira. Its beach is a quieter, wilder alternative to Tagharte, and with the same strong Atlantic winds, it’s a perfect alternative when the waves at the larger beach become too crowded. Expect picturesque dunes, long stretches of sand, and basic amenities such as sun loungers and surfboards for rent. The usual horse and camel touts can also be found here. Take a walk to the north of the beach to find interesting rock pools at low tide, or head south to a small river where wild flamingos are frequently spotted in winter. If you decide to stay longer, Sidi Kaouki is known for its high-quality backpacker accommodations and authentic local cafés.
Sadia Beach
Sadia is a resort town in northern Morocco, near the Algerian border. It’s off the beaten path for international visitors, but savvy Moroccans flock here in summer to enjoy Blue Flag-awarded Sadia Beach. It has one of the country’s longest Beaches in Morocco at 8.5 miles (14 kilometers), and its Mediterranean setting means the water is always warm and the climate is pleasant even in summer. Work on your tan, go for a swim or bring a picnic to enjoy among the mimosa and eucalyptus groves. Moulouya National Park lies to the west of the beach, while Sadia itself has a marina, an 18-hole golf course, and a selection of 5-star resorts.
Legzira Beach, Sidi Ifni
Legzira Beach is located on the southern Atlantic coast, about a 20-minute drive northeast of the former Spanish outpost of Sidi Ifni. It’s famous for its ancient sandstone arches, one of which collapsed in 2016. The other remains, along with some spectacular cliffs, and from the top, you can admire the contrast of the red stone with the blue ocean spread out before you. A stairway leads down to the secluded, sandy bay. Legzira, the country’s most photogenic beach, is especially stunning at sunset when the cliffs glow crimson in the fading light. During the day, it’s a popular spot for romantic walks, surfing, and paragliding. Local cafés line the beach, and surf shops in Sidi Ifni offer guided tours, lessons, and rentals.
Asilah Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach, also known as Rmilate Beach or Playa de las Cuevas, is a popular relaxation destination for visitors to the fortified seaside town of Asilah. It’s about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) south of town, at the end of an unpaved road. To get there, take a shared taxi, rent a 4×4, or take a traditional horse and cart ride. Although there are nearby Beaches in Morocco (including Asilah’s town beach), Paradise is worth the effort for its unspoiled, uncrowded beauty, and getting there is part of the adventure. In the summer, beach shacks serve cold drinks and fresh seafood tagines, while rental umbrellas provide shade from the sun. Out of season, you may have the beach to yourself.
Taghazout Beach, Taghazout
Taghazout, located just north of Agadir, has earned a reputation as one of Africa’s best surf spots. The beach’s various breaks cater to both beginners and experienced surfers, with top spots including Anchor Point, Boilers, and Immesouane (touted as the longest ride in Morocco). If you’ve never tried surfing before, don’t worry; there are numerous surf schools, camps, and rental shops that offer affordable lessons. The best time to surf is from September to April, but in the summer, backpackers and families are drawn by the beach’s safe swimming and laid-back vibe. If seclusion is important to you, go sooner rather than later; there’s a major resort in the works that will undoubtedly increase visitor numbers.
Sidi Abed Beach, El Jadida
Consider visiting Sidi Abed Beach if you want to go somewhere completely off the beaten path. The nearest major settlement is El Jadida (a 40-minute drive away), and the beach has no shops, cafés, vendors, or touts. Instead, there’s just the soft crash of the deep blue Atlantic crashing against the golden shore and a few wooden fishing boats moored on the sand. You’re likely to be the only tourist there. Of course, because the beach is so remote, you must be completely self-sufficient; bring plenty of water and an umbrella or something similar for shade. A handful of local restaurants in Sidi Abed village sell authentic, reasonably priced food.
Martil Beach, Martial
Martil Beach is located on the Mediterranean coast in the far north of the country. It is the main attraction of Martil and a popular weekend getaway for visitors from nearby Tetouan and Tangier. It’s a place to see and be seen, with a scenic promenade and a lively selection of beachfront restaurants, shops, and cafés. The beach is busiest during the summer when Moroccan and European tourists flock to enjoy the carnival atmosphere. Come in September or May when the crowds have thinned out but the weather is still pleasant. The wide bay always impresses with its white sand shore and mountain views, and the warm, calm waters are ideal for swimming.
Oualidia Lagoon, Oualidia
The picturesque seaside village of Oualidia is endowed with an average of 320 days of sun per year and a crescent-shaped lagoon shielded from the Atlantic by two rocky promontories. Large swaths of sand flank the lagoon, giving it the ideal location for families to paddle, swim, and play all day. Fishermen moor their brightly painted boats here as well, and in the evening, you can try their daily catch at one of the village’s modest eateries or luxury guesthouses. Oualidia Lagoon is widely known as one of Morocco‘s greatest birding spots. Migrant birds on their route from Europe to Africa pause here to recharge in the spring and fall, and guided boat safaris may give glimpses of hundreds of flamingos (amongst other species).
Dakhla, Dragon Island
Dragon Island is undoubtedly the ultimate beach spot for daring vacationers. It is situated in a picturesque lagoon off the peninsular city of Dakhla in Western Sahara, a disputed territory now governed by Morocco. The island is an uninhabited and fully pristine spit of land with white sand Beaches in Morocco that fall out into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. The most convenient way to get there is via a two-hour boat tour with Dakhla-based company Dakhla Attitude. Spend your day on the beach exploring, sunbathing, or searching for rare shells. The lagoon itself is famous for watersports like kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.
