The beaches of Morocco

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break sunbathing on the beach or the thrills and spills of surfing, the beaches of Morocco are guaranteed to satisfy your wishes. Morocco boasts miles and miles of clean, unspoilt beaches bathed by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. From Saïdia to Tangier, the Mediterranean coast alone has 120 beaches, and there are a further 238 from Tangier to Essaouira and 54 from Agadir to Dakhla.

The Atlantic coast, ideal for water sports

If you’re keen to indulge in some surface water sports, then head for the magnificent Atlantic coast. The bay of Dakhla and Agadir are the perfect choice for lovers of wind-driven sports. The trade winds blow from late March to mid September, making this the perfect season to travel to this bay to enjoy windsurfing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing or surfing, safe in the knowledge that the waves will rise to the occasion!

The city of Agadir lies on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, bounded by Essaouira and Marrakech as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The 7 kilometre long beach, with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets, draws thousands of tourists each year. They come to enjoy the endless possibilities this beach has to offer; in addition to the water sports listed above, it also has excellent inland sporting facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses.

Watching the sun setting over the beaches of Morocco is a truly breathtaking experience, with golden sandy beaches in the foreground, the calm waters of the Atlantic behind them and the magnificent sun at dusk in the background. An unforgettable sight that will remain fixed in the mind’s eye of everyone with even just a touch of sensitivity.

The Mediterranean coast, calm waters bathing cliffs set in stunning natural landscapes.

The Mediterranean coast is ideal for underwater fishing (for grouper and other Mediterranean species), as well as for scuba diving. Between Tangier and Al Hoceima the sea is kinder and calmer, and the beaches are more secluded. Some are close to traditional fishing villages set against paradisiacal backdrops. The beaches of Tetouan include Martil, Cabo Negro (a stunning beach which also has the added attraction of Cabo Negro Lighthouse, situated a kilometre away, with spectacular views of the sea) and Costa de los Ghomara (a quiet and secluded area that stretches as far as the mouth of the Oued Laou and the magnificent beach of Targhan), and Playa Quemado, one of the finest in Morocco.

Saïdia deserves a special mention. It is known as the Blue Pearl of the Mediterranean because in addition to the beauty of its coastline it also enjoys a particularly mild microclimate in winter. Lying opposite the border with Algeria, visitors can stroll among the mimosas and eucalyptus trees that line the beach, sunbathe freely and especially bathe in the turquoise waters that have an immediate calming effect. Saïdia is set to become one of the Mediterranean’s most popular spa destinations.

Moroccan Beaches

Moroccan Beaches

Discover Morocco's Wonderful Beaches and Coastline

Enjoy the sand between your toes and the warm Moroccan breeze through your hair. Morocco has plenty beaches where you can work on your tan or take a long walk. 

Grotte of Hercules

Located on the Atlantic Coast of Tangier.

The beach at Grottes d'Hercules is generally clean and pleasant and tends to be very full during the holiday months of July and August. The only drawback is that the water here is noticeably colder than the Mediterranean beaches of Tangier.

Dakhla

Located in the Morocco-administered Western Sahara on the Atlantic coast

This beach is mainly used by fisherman and is simply too littered for bathing or sun tanning. If you enjoy photography, there is a lot of attractive scenery and colorful wooden fishermen boats.

Plage Quemada, Al Hoceima

Located in the center of the Rif Mountains on the Mediterranean coastline in the north of Morocco.

This beach has a reputation for always being busy and crowded; however this is no reason to stay away. It is a very clean, picturesque and pleasant beach.

Esfiha, Al Hoceima

Located in the center of the Rif Mountains on the Mediterranean coastline in the north of Morocco.

Asfiha beach is not recommended for swimming or beach walks since the water is very shallow (about 1 meter) and the sand dirty and sticky. If you do go here you will find that there is a nice view of the Spanish Island a few hundred meters from the shore.

El Jadida

Located on the Atlantic coast about 110 miles north of Marrakech.

The beach is close to town, clean and pleasant. The people are friendly and outgoing.

Lalla Fatma

Located about 10 kilometers north of Safi on the Atlantic coast.

This is the cleanest and most popular beach in Morocco even though the waters are not very safe for swimming. The tourists enjoy the sand, sun tanning and the tranquility.

Larache

Located in the Tangier-Tetouan region in northern Morocco.

This beach is very clean, popular, friendly and wonderful for swimming even though the waves can be a bit dangerous. There are lifeguards on duty all day.

Tangier Town Beach

Located where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean in northern Morocco.

This beautiful beach is surrounded by mountains and the white washed houses of Tangier and is very popular with both locals and visitors.

Agadir

Located on the Atlantic coast in southwest Morocco

A number of the beach-side hotels have sections of the beach exclusively for the use of their guests, but there are still plenty of long sandy beaches for locals and tourists alike.

Casablanca

Located on the Atlantic coastline

The long sandy beaches of Casablanca are dotted with resorts and hotels. The majority of the beaches are geared up for tourist trade and offer a range of facilities and water sports.

A Guide to Morocco's Atlantic Beaches

Morocco benefits from mile upon mile of sandy beaches situated on its Atlantic Coastline. These beaches in Morocco are perfectly geared up for water sports fans, but are less ideal for sun-worshippers. The large Atlantic rollers are ideal for surfing and body boarding, something adults and older children will love.  During public holidays and the summer, the beaches become crowded with domestic tourists. Beaches tend to attract people, which in turn attract touts. Camels, horses and quad bikes are readily available on popular beaches where children (or adults) can enjoy a short ride. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, some beaches have a small café as well, but facilities vary from place to place.

The beaches are fun for people watching and playing in the waves and children will love building sand castles. However, the Atlantic surf can be quite rough so it is more a pursuit for confident swimmers.   If you are in Morocco for longer, we recommend that you stay somewhere with a pool so that you can enjoy the beach atmosphere and crashing waves, but then relax around a cleaner and safer pool environment where you can relax in swim-wear without the concern of revealing too much flesh on the beach.

Top Beach Destinations in Morocco 

Essaouira

Located on Morocco's West coast, Essaouira is the epitome of laid-back Morocco. A popular domestic tourist destination, the town has a small, stress free medina and a busy fishing port, ensuring fresh fish every day. Inside the old town, there are art shops and souvenir stalls, with none of the selling pressure you see in the larger Moroccan cities. The emphasis here is on relaxing and people-watching, visitors spend most of their time promenading on the ramparts and enjoying mint tea in the square. The beach is large and windy, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Kite surfing and wind surfing are popular here, as well as regular surfing.

Sidi Kaouki

Just to the south of Essaouira lies the small Atlantic village of Sidi Kaouki. One of the more family friendly beach villages, this is a laid back and sleepy place with just a handful of cafes. To the north of the village are some interesting rock pools at low tide, to the south, the sandy beach seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon and if you are prepared to walk for 10 minutes along the beach, it won’t be too long until you find a deserted stretch of sand. This spot is perfect for surfers and in the summer months, when the surf is gentler, it is a great base for beginners. As is the case in Essaouira, it can get windy here in the summer months, especially in the afternoons, so it pays to hit the beach in the morning and then spend the afternoon lazing around a pool.

Mirleft

In the south of Morocco, benefitting from a year round temperate climate, Mirleft has some excellent beaches and some of the best boutique coastal accommodation in the country. Even better, it is still fairly off the beaten track.  The coast here is wild, with pounding waves and strong currents and lovely sandy beaches. On national holidays the beaches are packed as this is a popular Moroccan destination but there are few tourists here and outside of the country holidays the beaches are almost deserted. The village is well spread out, with the centre away from the sea and the accommodation tends to be in more isolated spots making a car very useful. Mirleft makes for an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby towns such as Sidi Ifni and Tafraout, whilst staying in fantastic accommodation.

Oualidia

Situated on a small lagoon on the Atlantic Coast, Oualidia is a well-heeled town, slowly growing in popularity for both domestic and international tourists. Whilst most of the Moroccan Atlantic coast is exposed to the elements, the unique tidal lagoon offers calm waters and abundant birdlife: there is a chance of seeing flamingos in the winter months. Water sports fans will love exploring the lagoon by kayak or boat, whilst for keen surfers, the wild Atlantic Coast offers crashing waves and great surf.  Food-wise, the region is particularly well-known for its oyster production. Sea food lovers can also enjoy fresh lobster, crab and red mullet.

Agadir

Well-known as a package destination, the town’s beaches are clean and full of tourists. The town itself is geared towards package tourists and holds little charm. The airport is a convenient location for exploring the couth of the country, but you really wouldn’t be missing out if you avoided the town completely. 

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