Beyond the Desert: The Ultimate Guide to Morocco coastal tourism
When travelers dream of Morocco, they often picture the rolling dunes of the Sahara or the bustling, spice-filled souks of Marrakech. However, with over 3,500 kilometers of coastline, Morocco is arguably one of Africa’s premier beach destinations.
Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the west, Morocco offers a diverse range of experiences. From the wind-swept surfing meccas of the south to the tranquil, turquoise waters of the “Moroccan Riviera” in the north, here is everything you need to know about exploring the coast of the Kingdom.
The Two Coasts: Atlantic vs.
Mediterranean
Before booking your Morocco beach holiday, it is essential to understand the difference between the two coasts:
The Atlantic Coast: Stretching from Tangier down to the Western Sahara, this coast is wild, rugged, and energetic. It is famous for its waves, making it a global hub for surfing in Morocco. The water is cooler, and the cities often feature historic Portuguese fortresses.
The Mediterranean Coast: Running from Tangier to the Algerian border, this area is known for calm, warm waters, jagged cliffs, and lush green mountains backing the beaches. It has a distinctly European, summer-resort feel.
Top Destinations on the Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic coast is the heartbeat of Morocco water sports and laid-back fishing culture.
- Essaouira: The Windy City
Just a three-hour drive from Marrakech lies Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fan favorite. Unlike the chaotic energy of Marrakech, Essaouira is chill and bohemian.
The Vibe: Whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, enclosed by historic ramparts (featured in Game of Thrones).
Best For: Windsurfing and Kitesurfing (due to the “Alizés” trade winds), eating fresh grilled seafood at the port, and art galleries.
Must Do: Walk the Skala de la Ville ramparts at sunset. - Agadir: The Resort Capital
If you are looking for a classic “sun and sand” vacation, Agadir is the place. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and completely rebuilt, it feels more modern and Western than other Moroccan cities.
The Vibe: Wide promenades, international hotel chains, and a massive crescent-shaped beach.
Best For: Families, all-inclusive resorts, and winter sun (Agadir enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year).
Must Do: Visit the Souk El Had and hike up to the Kasbah ruins for a panoramic view of the marina. - Taghazout: The Surfer’s Paradise
Just 20km north of Agadir, the fishing village of Taghazout has transformed into Morocco’s surf capital.
The Vibe: Hip, youthful, and full of digital nomads. The streets are lined with surf shops, yoga studios, and vegan cafes.
Best For: Surfing. “Anchor Point” is a world-famous break. It is also excellent for yoga retreats.
Must Do: Take a surf lesson (suitable for beginners at Panoramas Beach) and watch the sunset from a rooftop café. - Oualidia: The Oyster Capital
Located between Casablanca and Safi, Oualidia is a hidden gem often visited by locals rather than international tourists.
The Vibe: Serene and luxurious. It sits on a natural lagoon protected from the strong ocean waves.
Best For: Seafood lovers (famous for oysters), bird watching (flamingos), and safe swimming for children. - Dakhla: Where Desert Meets Ocean
Far in the south, Dakhla is becoming one of the trendiest destinations in the world. It is located on a narrow peninsula with the Atlantic on one side and a calm lagoon on the other.
The Vibe: Remote, otherworldly, and adventurous.
Best For: Kitesurfing. The wind conditions here are legendary.
Must Do: Take a boat trip to Dragon Island and sleep in a luxury bungalow right on the sand.
Top Destinations on the Mediterranean Coast
For those seeking calm blue waters and a Mediterranean summer vibe, head North. - Tangier: The Gateway to Africa
Sitting on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It has a rich history of spies, writers, and artists.
The Vibe: A mix of Grit and Glamour. The city is currently undergoing a massive renovation with a new marina and high-speed train connections.
Must Do: Visit the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel, and enjoy the beaches just outside the city. - Tamuda Bay and Tetouan
This region is known as the “Moroccan Riviera.”
The Vibe: Exclusive and upscale. The King of Morocco summers here, and you will find luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree.
Best For: Luxury travelers, scuba diving, and pristine clean beaches.
Must Do: Visit the Medina of Tetouan (a UNESCO site) and relax on the beaches of M’diq. - Al Hoceima: The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Al Hoceima offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country.
The Vibe: Quiet, beautiful, and heavily influenced by Spanish culture.
Best For: Nature lovers. The Al Hoceima National Park offers hiking trails that lead down to secluded coves.
Must Do: Quemado Beach, located right at the foot of a cliff.
What to Eat on the Coast
Coastal tourism in Morocco is incomplete without mentioning the food.
Grilled Sardines: A staple of coastal cities, especially Safi and Essaouira. They are usually stuffed with chermoula (a marinade of coriander, garlic, cumin, and lemon).
Fried Calamari and Shrimp: Served in paper cones in the ports.
Fish Tagine: Unlike the meat versions inland, coastal tagines are lighter, cooked with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and fresh catch of the day.
Best Time to Visit the Moroccan Coast
For Swimming & Sunbathing: June to September is the peak season. The Mediterranean coast is warm and water temperatures are ideal.
For Surfing: The winter months (October to March) bring the biggest swells to the Atlantic coast, making it the prime time for advanced surfers.
For Exploration: The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
Conclusion
While the Sahara and the Imperial Cities hold a certain mystique, Morocco’s coastline offers an equally compelling narrative. Whether you are chasing the perfect wave in Taghazout, eating oysters in Oualidia, or lounging in a luxury cabana in Tamuda Bay, the Kingdom’s shores provide the perfect balance of culture and relaxation.
When planning your next trip, don’t just look inland—look to the sea. The beaches of Morocco are waiting.
