Best Beaches in Morocco

Morocco may not be known as a beach vacation destination, but with over 1,000 miles of coastline and rich variety of beaches and experiences, that reputation is sure to change. Here are some of the best beaches in Morocco:

Legzira Beach
The famous archway of Legzira Beach is the most common image of this area, and yet it has so much more to offer. This windy, pebbly beach on the Atlantic coast sits strikingly against red sandstone cliffs, and is perfect for walks with breathtaking views. It’s a popular destination for European surfers and paragliders, but not yet crowded with tourists, and nearby Sidi Ifni has a beguiling mix of Moroccan and Spanish influences.

Oualidia Lagoon
Long a favorite beach destination for Moroccans, visitors are just catching on to the incredible experiences of Oualidia Lagoon. The sapphire lagoon and calm nearby beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the sandy island in the middle of the lagoon offers more tempting and secluded beaches. In the summer months, flamingos can be seen on the shore, and, in season, it’s the oyster capital of Morocco. Year round, the climate is warm and appealing, the seafood is spectacular, and the vibe is relaxed and friendly.

Taghazout
Taghazout has a coastline dotted with beaches, and is Morocco’s answer to a Pacific surfing town. The fishing village has plenty of surf rentals and classes, and the surrounding beaches have waves for everything from beginners to experts. In fact, there isn’t much to do in Taghazout besides surf and eat seafood, and that’s just how the locals like it. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat of a Moroccan summer and the crowds of tourists in more popular resort towns, and enjoy the zen of the ocean.

Essaouira
Essaouira is a fascinating city, rich in art, history, and culture, and it just happens to also have windy beaches perfect for water sports. At Moulay Bouzerktoune, while the beaches are often too windy for peaceful sunbathing, the kite and windsurfing are spectacular, and draw visitors from all over the world. Essaouira also has incredible seafood, fascinating galleries and museums, boutique shopping, and a gorgeous medina pretty enough to compete with Chefchaouen.

Agadir Beach
If your idea of a beach vacation includes pampering yourself, consider Agadir. It’s a coastal resort city, with international hotels, broad palm-lined avenues, and modern urban style. The beach is sheltered from the Atlantic winds, keeping it warm and balmy, and it’s possible to partake in nearly every beach activity imaginable, including jet skis, dune buggies, horse and camel riding, quad bikes, and more. The ocean undertow can make swimming dangerous, but the beach is glorious all year long. Agadir also boasts golf courses, a marina, a fishing port, and a tourist train to take in the sights.

Dakhla Dragon Beach
The Dakhla peninsula juts into the Atlantic ocean, with a white sand beach that is irresistible to visitors. The vista opens up like a hidden wonderland, where the peninsula forms the shape of the head of a dragon, and the land and sea are teeming with rare and unusual species of flora and fauna. The water at Dakhla is crystal clear, and 330 windy days a year are perfect for kitesurfing and water sports. In fact, they have an annual kitesurfing competition that is known around the world, but the conditions are also friendly for beginners, who can surf or kite surf with flamingos and dolphins. The seafood is ocean-fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing, and the hidden beaches aren’t crowded with tourists.

Morocco’s vast coastline ranges from white or golden sands to rocky cliffs, posh international resorts to tiny fishing huts, sheltered bays of warm water to wild and windy waves, which means there is a beach destination for you, no matter what kind of experience you want on your Moroccan holiday.