Let’s keep it real. There’s nothing quite like the sound of waves lapping up against the shore, the feel of sand in between your toes, and the kiss of the cool ocean breeze against your cheek.
At least, that’s how I feel as a total beach lover who visits the best beach towns in Morocco every chance I get.
Yup, your girl over here needs her Vitamin Sea and I’ve made it my mission to visit all of the most beautiful coastal towns in Morocco. TBH, it’s pretty easy to do since I’ve been living here with my Moroccan partner since January of 2023.
And let me tell you—this country does not disappoint when it comes to dreamy beach destinations!
From laid-back surf towns to hidden fishing villages and vibrant seaside cities, Morocco’s coastline is as diverse as it is stunning.
Whether you’re chasing waves, craving fresh seafood, or just want to soak up the sun, there’s a perfect spot for you.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to all of my picks for the best beach towns in Morocco—places I’ve personally visited (sometimes more than once because, well, I couldn’t stay away and live in Essaouira).
So, grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and some refreshing mint atay (tea) as we dive into this epic local guide.
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Table of Contents
1. Essaouira
If there’s one beach town in Morocco that has completely stolen my heart, it’s Essaouira. With its laid-back vibes, friendly locals, beautiful blue and white medina, and rich history, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
The Main Beach here is 2 kilometers long and is lined by a stunning beach promenade where you can go for a stroll before soaking up some sun. It is by far one of the best beaches in Essaouira.
This is also a great place to try some fresh local seafood since many local restaurants in Essaouira overlook the beach and serve the freshest seafood you can imagine.
If you want, you can even go for a swim. Just remember that the water will be a bit cold and the wind can be intense. So, don’t be surprised if you get a face full of sand while you’re here.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try your hand at surfing in Essaouira (in winter) and kite surfing in Essaouira (in summer). Just remember that the waves here are not massive.
So, it is a perfect place to learn how to surf before catching more intense waves at Sidi Kaoukia, Taghazout, and Sidi Ifni.
However, if surfing isn’t your thing, you can go horseback riding, camel riding, or quad biking In Essaouira along the beach for an extra thrill.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Head to nearby Diabat to explore the old ruins of Sultan Moulay Ben Abdallah’s palace.
For unbeatable views, climb the Scala de Port, the city’s historic sea bastion, and take in breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Afterward, hit up the Old Scala. Sit among one of the 19 different cannons here and watch the sky light up in a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
2. Oualidia
If you’re looking for quiet, calm waters that are surrounded by beautiful beaches then Oualidia is the perfect place for you.
Nestled along the shores of a tranquil lagoon fed by the Atlantic, this charming beach town is filled with sandy coves that are perfect for both kayaking and fishing.
Other fun things to do include surfing (great for beginners), swimming, paddle boarding, and spotting cool birds like flamingos.
Known as Morocco’s oyster capital, Oualidia is also a great place to try amazing seafood like oysters, lobster, crab, and red mullet.
The best part? Oualidia is very accessible and only about a 2.5-hour bus ride away from Casablanca. You could also take the bus here from Marrakech, but it will take a really long time since it involves a transfer.
I also love that you basically have the place all to yourself from October through June since this is primarily a summer destination.
3. Agadir
Agadir is a vibrant, modern city in southern Morocco that is known for its sprawling beach resorts and year-round sunshine.
Unlike many of the historic cities in Morocco, Agadir is super modern since the majority of the city was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in February of 1960.
As a result, this city has a very contemporary feel that is enhanced by wide boulevards, modern infrastructure, and many modern attractions like the Crocopark.
The city’s golden beach stretches out for over 9 kilometers, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Along the beachside promenade, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll with ocean views. The last time we were here we ate at Zahrat Loubnan and the Lebanese food was awesome.
Plus, we got to enjoy awesome views of the beach from the comfort of our table.
Finally, for a truly breathtaking view of the beach, hop aboard Morocco’s only cable car and take it all the way up to the Oufella. This is where you can explore the remains of the city’s kasbah and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.
Whether you’re looking to relax at a resort, explore the lively marina, or soak up the sun on the sand, Agadir makes for the ultimate beach getaway in Morocco.
4. Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni is a peaceful little beach town on Morocco’s southern coast. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants to escape the crowds and get a more authentic feel for local life.
Known for its laid-back vibe and great surfing, this hidden gem is especially quiet in the summer, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
While many surfers flock here in the winter, summer visitors will find nearly empty beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Plus, getting to Sidi Ifni is easy. Just board a bus from Agadir, and in about four hours, you’ll arrive in this charming coastal town.
Once there, take a refreshing swim or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach before exploring the town’s historic architecture, a remnant of its Spanish colonial past.
For an unforgettable experience, take a short bus ride to Legzira Beach, home to one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders—a massive stone arch carved by the waves.
If you want, you can take that same bus all the way to Mirleft and visit another one of the best beach towns in Morocco.
5. Asilah
Probably one of my fave beach towns in the country, Asilah offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation, history, and seaside beauty.
Located along the Atlantic coast in Northern Morocco, it’s a laid-back yet touristy spot due to its excellent location near Tangier.
Yeah, the town is only about a 45-minute drive from Tangier and a trip here is one of the best day trips from Tangier.
But, you definitely don’t need a car to visit Asilah. Just catch the train from Tangier and you should arrive at the town’s station in under an hour.
From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the heart of Asilah. The stroll is a bit lackluster but the beauty of Asilah makes the trip worthwhile.
Once in town, explore the beautiful whitewashed medina, known for its vibrant street art and Spanish-influenced architecture.
Wander along the historic ramparts, offering stunning ocean views, and stop by the beach, where you can relax, swim, or even try horseback riding along the shore.
For a taste of local life, visit the souks and one of the town’s many seaside cafés, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while soaking up Asilah’s quiet charm.
I personally love Dar Al Maghrebia since the staff is lovely and the chicken bastilla is out of this world.
6. Sidi Kaouki
Easily one of the best day trips from Essaouira, this quaint little beach is just a 30-minute drive from Essaouira. To visit, hop on the number 2 bus from Bab Doukala in Essaouira.
The trip takes about 45 minutes and Sidi Kaouki is the final stop. Bus tickets cost just 8 Dirhams per person and the bus drops you off right in the center of town.
Once here, unwind at this sleepy town’s gorgeous beach. This wide-open stretch of sand is perfect for surfing (bigger waves than Essaouira), kite surfing, and sunbathing. You can also try camel riding, quad biking, or horseback riding.
Above all, Sidi Kaouki is a peaceful retreat where you can relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and watch the waves roll in.
If you’re looking for a great place to chill, La Mouette is my favorite. This cafe is a bit off the main road and is home to comfy chairs, delicious drinks, and fantastic beach views.
Another top pick is Surf Station. Here you can enjoy live music, great food, yoga, stunning panoramic views, and delicious mint tea.
If you’re visiting Essaouira, a trip to Sidi Kaouki is the perfect way to experience a quieter, more laid-back part of Morocco’s coast!
7. Taghazout
Taghazout is a laid-back beach town that sits just 20 kilometers north of Agadir. Therefore, it is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the chaos of the city.
Known for its iconic surf culture, Taghazout attracts both experienced surfers and beginners alike thanks to its consistent waves and chill, hippie-chic vibe, and wealth of local surf schools.
The beach in the center of the town may be small, but it is the perfect place for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are also lounge chairs and umbrellas available so that you can relax comfortably.
Beyond the waves, visitors can enjoy yoga retreats, beach volleyball, and a day trip to nearby Paradise Valley. The town is also full of cozy cafés, vibrant surf shops, hostels, and boho-style accommodations.
If you want, you can take a scenic walk along a beautiful pedestrian walkway that leads you to the larger of the two beaches. While here, get a much needed adrenaline boost with a bit of jet skiing.
Before you visit. do remember that this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Therefore, do not expect to have this town all to yourself and be prepared for hoards of tourists.
8. Al Hoceima
Who says you have to choose between the mountains and the beach? Because In Al Hoceima, you can enjoy the best of both!
Nestled between the lush Rif Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean, this coastal gem is filled with stunning sandy coves and crystal-clear waters.
Feel free to go for a swim at Quemado Beach or escape the crowds at Asfiha Beach since it sits just outside town and is one of the best beaches in Morocco.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along Avenue Mohammed V, where a refreshing breeze off the ocean adds to the charm of this magical seaside oasis.
Then, when you need a break for the beach, hike up one of the town’s awesome mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of Morocco’s rugged coastline.
I also love that getting to Al Hoceima is super easy since you easily drive here, along a beautiful, scenic coastal highway, from either Tetouan or Chefchaouen.
You could also hop on a ferry from Almería, Spain and start your Moroccan adventure here.
9. Mirleft
Located about 30 minutes north of Sidi Ifni is Mirleft. This seaside oasis is much bigger than Sidi Ifni but is still one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
With wild, untouched beaches and hardly any tourists in sight, this laid-back spot offers visitors a truly authentic taste of Morocco.
The town itself is traditional and charming, though its center is a bit spread out and set back from the coast. Therefore, you’ll probably need a car while you’re here since this is where most accommodations are located.
While Mirleft is a popular getaway among Moroccans, visiting outside national holidays means you’ll have the pristine beaches all to yourself.
It’s also a pretty accessible spot since you can catch a CTM bus from Agadir and arrive in just under 3 hours.
Once here, enjoy a wide variety of beach-related activities like surfing (perfect for all skill levels), beach hopping (visit Plage Imin Turga, Aftas Beach, and Plage Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah), horseback riding, paragliding (there are tons of cool cliffs in the area), and fishing.
For those looking to escape the crowds, Mirleft is a coastal paradise waiting to be explored!
Map of the Best Beach Towns in Morocco
Conclusion
Morocco’s dynamic coastline is home to an incredible array of vibrant beach towns, each with its own unique charm. From lively surf spots to quiet, secluded coves, each town has something unique to offer you.
After exploring the best of the best, my top pick for the best beach town in Morocco has to be Essaouira.
With its stunning beach, vibrant culture, fresh seafood, and breathtaking views from the old kasbah, Essaouira offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and history. I mean, there’s a reason why I live there!
It’s a place where you can soak up the sun, dive into water sports, and wander through the charming streets of the Medina, all while enjoying the laid-back yet lively atmosphere.
No matter where you choose to go, you’ll have an amazing time and can enjoy some of the rich natural beauty that Morocco has to offer.
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