Morocco captivates visitors with its vibrant medinas, stunning Atlas Mountains, and golden Sahara dunes. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the bustling souks of Marrakech, this North African gem offers an intoxicating blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. Experience world-class cuisine, ancient imperial cities, and warm hospitality in one of Africa's most enchanting destinations.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Morocco.
-
- Busy resort beach with all amenities
- sunbeds
- restaurants
- showers
- toilets
- water sports
- lifeguards
Agadir Beach
A 9km arc of golden sand backed by the Agadir promenade, making it Morocco's premier resort beach. Calm Atlantic waves, ideal for families, and a full complement of loungers, bars, and water sports rentals.
-
- Wild Atlantic windswept, surfer and kite-surfer paradise
- kite/windsurf schools
- beach cafes
- horse riding
- camel rides
Essaouira Beach (Sidi Kaouki area)
A dramatic 5km stretch of pale sand pounded by Atlantic swells and constant trade winds that make it a world-class spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The historic ramparts frame the northern end perfectly.
-
- Surf village beach, relaxed and bohemian
- surf schools
- yoga studios
- beach cafes
- surf rental
Paradise Beach (Plage Paradis), Taghazout
A crescent bay beloved by surfers and Morocco's digital nomad community. Rocky point breaks and sandy beach breaks cater to all levels. The village has an excellent selection of surf cafes and guesthouses.
-
- Local beach, wide dune-backed strand
- basic restaurants
- beach umbrellas
- parking
- free access
Plage de Mehdia
A wide, unspoiled Atlantic beach north of Rabat popular with Moroccan families, featuring historic Merinid kasbah ruins overlooking the shoreline and the mouth of the Oued Sebou river.
-
- Popular local beach town
- restaurants
- beach cafes
- sunbeds
- parking
- toilets
Plage de Sidi Bouzid
El Jadida's main beach is a broad sandy stretch popular with Casablanca weekend visitors. The nearby UNESCO-listed Portuguese Cistern makes it a perfect beach-and-culture combination.
-
- Serene lagoon, best oysters in Morocco
- oyster restaurants
- kayak rental
- paddleboarding
- calm swimming
- bird watching
Oualidja Lagoon Beach
A protected lagoon surrounded by hills and salt marshes, offering calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Famous for Morocco's finest oysters served fresh at lagoon-side restaurants.
-
- Pristine Mediterranean coves, crystal-clear water
- limited facilities
- snorkeling
- boat hire from town
- wild camping nearby
Al Hoceima National Park Beach
Some of Morocco's clearest Mediterranean waters lie in the protected coves of Al Hoceima National Park on the northern Rif coast. Remote and relatively untouched, the turquoise bays rival anything in southern Europe.
-
- Dramatic cliffs and natural arches
- cliffside cafe
- photography access
- surf spot
- limited facilities
Legzira Beach
One of Africa's most photogenic beaches, Legzira features enormous natural red-rock arches framing the Atlantic surf. The beach is accessible only at low tide in sections, adding to its dramatic atmosphere.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Oualidja Lagoon and Al Hoceima's Mediterranean coves offer peaceful escapes with minimal crowds, even in summer
Family
Family-friendly
Agadir Beach is Morocco's top family destination with calm waves, full amenities, and numerous resort hotels along the promenade
Sport
Active & sporty
Essaouira and Taghazout attract kitesurfers, windsurfers, and surfers; Oualidja suits paddleboarding and kayaking in calm waters
Social
Lively scene
Taghazout village has a vibrant surf community with beach bars and yoga cafes; Agadir's promenade is lively in the evenings
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Morocco memorable.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Essaouira's constant trade winds make it a world-class venue for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with beginner courses available from several accredited schools. The 'Wind City of Africa' hosts international competitions.
Essaouira Beach and Sidi Kaouki, 25km south of Essaouira
Surfing
Morocco's Atlantic coast offers excellent surf from beginner-friendly beach breaks in Agadir and Taghazout to more challenging point breaks at Anchor Point and Killer Point. The season runs September to April for best swells.
Taghazout, Anchor Point (north of Taghazout), and Essaouira's Sidi Kaouki
Camel Trekking on the Beach
Camel rides along the shoreline are available at Agadir, Essaouira, and several other Atlantic beaches, offering a quintessentially Moroccan coastal experience particularly spectacular at sunset.
Agadir Beach and Essaouira
Snorkeling and Diving
The crystal-clear Mediterranean coves of the Al Hoceima National Park offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, with local operators in Al Hoceima town offering boat excursions to protected marine areas.
Al Hoceima Marine Park coves
Oyster Tasting at Oualidia
Morocco's finest oysters are farmed in the protected Oualidia lagoon, served fresh at lagoon-side restaurants while you paddle in the calm shallow waters. A unique culinary beach experience.
Oualidia Lagoon, 2 hours south of Casablanca
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
May-October best for beaches; Agadir year-round due to mild climate; Essaouira windiest June-August
Getting there
Most beaches are public and free; sunbed rental typically 20-50 MAD ($2-5); some hotel beaches restricted to guests
On-beach facilities
Agadir has full resort facilities; other beaches range from basic (cafes only) to very limited (wild beaches)
Costs to budget
Sunbeds 20-50 MAD; surf lessons $30-60/session; kitesurfing courses $60-80/day; camel rides 50-100 MAD
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.