Beaches near Marrakech

Marrakech pool clubs are a relaxing alternative to the beach, providing all the relaxation and atmosphere of the coast and giving you a chance to cool off from the city heat. Riad stays are famous for their serene and cool interiors, with the feeling of having found an oasis in the bustle. You can either stay in a hotel with a resort feel or pay for a day pass to use a hotel’s pool and facilities.

Luxury hotels with resort-style pools

La Mamounia takes luxury to the next level. You’ll feel like genuine royalty at this extravagant five-star hotel that pulls out all the stops. La Mamounia occupies a palatial amount of space in the city centre, so the gardens have the feel of a beach resort in Marrakech, stretching out before you. There’s a luxurious spa, a large indoor pool and an even bigger outdoor pool, surrounded by palms and with a pool bar – what could feel more beach-like?

Enter the La Villa des Orangers and step into a fairytale. The gardens comprise secluded terraces, tree-shrouded courtyards and dining areas dripping in bougainvillaea. There are three heated pools here, including the showstopper in the traditional courtyard and a rooftop spot for a view of the city while you cool off. Of course, the hotel boasts gorgeously decorated rooms and suites. The pièce de résistance is the Riad Privé with its own courtyard relaxation space and pool. The opulence only continues with gourmet food and romantic indoor and outdoor dining spots.

In the Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa you barely feel like you’re in a city. You’re surrounded by so much greenery and space, you could well be by the coast, with a choice of several outdoor pools and plenty of space for lounging between dips. There’s also an indoor pool, a large spa, several restaurants and a handful of lovely bars. One of the hotel’s unique features is its patisserie, La Haute Croissanterie, where showstopper creations are artfully baked and iced (and eaten) daily. This particular venue also offers day passes for its pool and spa.

Boutique riads with hidden courtyard pools

Get the feeling of staying in an authentic Moroccan residence, while also feeling like you’re at a Marrakech pool club, at a boutique riad. These traditional residences are usually built around a central courtyard, fully secluded from the outside world, overflowing with greenery and shady spots to sit, and usually a petite pool too. In short – bliss. At Les Jardins de la Medina, the verdant courtyard space is to die for, with its tempting pool and romantic, shaded dining areas. The interior, and especially the restaurant, is atmospheric too, and some rooms have private sunbathing terraces with stunning views.

Close to some popular souks and the secret botanical gardens, Riad Alma Mouassine is a charming boutique stay that’s surprisingly budget-friendly. The decor is traditional and evocative, and the whole place has a sense of serenity that makes for a truly dreamy holiday. The intimate courtyard is part of the spa, with its pretty pool as the centrepiece. Upstairs, candlelit tables are placed thoughtfully on the terrace to give the air of private dining under the evening sky. Nearby, Riad Yalla Habibi is another photogenic hotel, with colourful decor and artisan touches. The outdoor pool is a vision, completely surrounded by blue and green tiles, while the upstairs terraces are a delightful suntrap, but totally secluded from the outside world. Inside, expect intricate woodwork, colourful tiles and luxurious soft furnishings.

If you’re after a proper beach day vibe in the heart of Marrakech, the city’s beach clubs and pool lounges are just the ticket. These spots are perfect for soaking up the sun, enjoying a dip in the pool and making the most of laid-back afternoons with good music, tasty food and a cocktail in hand. Whether you want somewhere lively with a buzz or a more peaceful poolside hideaway, there are plenty of brilliant places to choose from.

Nikki Beach Marrakech: Glamour and entertainment

Did we say there were no beaches in Marrakech? Well, Nikki Beach is the closest thing. It’s a pool club on the very outskirts of the city, in La Palmeraie, designed to attract a glitzy crowd looking to escape the city and play beach for the day. It’s a large, outdoor poolscape open day and night, with plenty of loungers and cabanas. There’s also dining and drinks on site, of course, as well as parties in high season. You can even stay nearby in the Palmeraie Palace and enjoy the luxury and convenience of an all-inclusive resort, with even more pools.

Oasiria Water Park: Family-friendly with lazy rivers

Looking to escape the city heat without driving far? Oasiria Water Park is probably one of the best ways to feel like you’re on a beach in Marrakech. This family favourite has everything you need for a full day out, so you feel like you’ve truly escaped to the coast. There’s a wave pool and splash zone, as well as a lazy river and a pirate lagoon for little ones. You can enjoy multiple slides and rides, or simply stroll the multiple hectares of tranquil, sculpted gardens. The kids’ club is open seven days a week, offering a full entertainment and activity programme, and for the adults, there’s an indoor pool as well as padel courts. Stay dawn till dusk and sample one of the five restaurants. Alternatively, you could stay right next door at the Oasis Lodges.

If you’re craving the real seaside, it’s well worth heading out of Marrakech for a day by the coast. There are some brilliant beach towns within easy reach where you can swap the city heat for sea breezes, fresh seafood and a proper paddle in the ocean. Whether you fancy exploring the relaxed vibe of Essaouira or stretching out on the beaches near Agadir, a day trip to the coast is a great way to mix up your Marrakech holiday with a bit of sea and sand.

Essaouira: Medina meets the Atlantic

It’s a simple drive – one road in fact – from Marrakech out to the port city of Essaouira. In just under three hours, you could be sampling a different pace of life on the long, sandy (and windy) beach. Right on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is known for its wind, so it’s popular with surfers and kite surfers riding the waves. But the beach is also a beautiful place for a stroll, a picnic or sunbathing. There’s a scenic port and a thriving medina with lots of shops, stalls and eateries, as well as art galleries.

Oualidia: Lagoon beach vibes and seafood

Oualidia is also just a three-hour drive from Marrakech. This pretty fishing village is a completely different vibe to Essaouira (and Marrakech), with life mostly revolving around the tranquil lagoon. Waters this calm and shallow are a rarity on the Atlantic coast, and so locals and tourists alike visit to enjoy the almost-completely sheltered patch of sea. People come to swim, paddle and kayak, or hang out on the sand bars, then sample some seafood before heading home. Alternatively, you could book a day pass to a hotel with its own pools and enjoy the coastal vibes from the luxury of your lounger.

You don’t need to leave Marrakech to get those beach day feels. Some of the city’s best resorts have that beachy vibe sorted, with big, palm-fringed pools, soft sun loungers and plenty of space to soak up the sunshine. These places are perfect if you’re after the relaxed energy of a seaside escape but want to stay close to the heart of the city. Whether you’re after peaceful garden settings or lively poolside spots, Marrakech has some gorgeous resorts that bring the beach to you.

Palm Grove: Peaceful resorts with garden pools

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s medina, the Palm Grove (Palmeraie) feels like a proper escape. This peaceful area is renowned for its swaying palm trees, quiet lanes, and laid-back vibe, offering a distinctly different side to the city. It’s a brilliant spot if you’re after a slower pace with beautiful garden pools, perfect for lazy afternoons under the sun.

There are some gorgeous places to stay here, too. At Barcelo Palmeraie, you can unwind in leafy surroundings, relax by the large pool and enjoy plenty of space to recharge. The Domaine Des Remparts Hotel & Spa is another calm retreat with stunning gardens, a serene pool area and views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance – perfect if you fancy a bit of pampering. For something lively but still set in peaceful grounds, Hotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie – All Inclusive is a great pick with a huge pool, lush gardens and everything you need sorted for a proper switch-off holiday.

Staying in the Palm Grove is a lovely way to balance the buzz of Marrakech with a bit of breathing space. You can dip into the city’s energy when you want to, then retreat to these peaceful resorts when you’re ready to slow things down.

Agafay Desert lodges: Pools with epic views

Just forty minutes from Marrakech city centre, the Agafay Desert couldn’t feel more otherworldly. The rocky desert promises truly epic scenery and sensational sunsets, and it’s also a great location for trying exciting activities like quad-biking, camel trekking or traditional cooking. It’s an easy day or half-day trip from Marrakech, but if you want to be totally immersed in these alienesque surroundings, you can stay in a desert lodge. It’s definitely recommended, so you can witness the breathtaking night sky.

In Agafay Luxury Camp you stay in elevated safari-style lodges with elegant furnishings, and dine at atmospheric, candlelit tables outdoors. The crowning glory of this resort is the outdoor pool with its stunning views. You could also stay at the fun, Selina Nomad Camp or the secluded and more luxurious Oxygen Lodge Agafay.

If you fancy adding a proper beach break to your Marrakech adventure, it’s easy to plan a seaside escape. You can start your trip soaking up the buzz of the city, then head off to Morocco’s laid-back coast for a few days of sun, sea and sandy beaches. Whether you’re thinking about Essaouira for its relaxed charm or Agadir for its long, golden stretches, there are plenty of options within a few hours’ drive. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds: city sights and beachy downtime all in one trip.

Combine city and coast

If you’ve just realised there are no beaches in Marrakech – don’t panic – planning a holiday which combines city and coast is very doable. Marrakech is just three hours from the closest parts of the Atlantic coast, so you can easily split a week and spend several days in the city, followed by several days in Essaouira or Oualidia. It can take three to four hours to get from Marrakech to Agadir, Morocco’s premier beach resort. Another great option for a beach-and-city break is to split your holiday between the two big-name destinations

Getting there: Transfers and transport

Buses by companies Supratours and CTM run from Marrakech to Essaouira multiple times a day, and it’s also very feasible to rent a car to make the drive yourself, as the route isn’t too complicated. Similarly, multiple buses run to Agadir every day, run by the same companies. You could arrange your journey seamlessly using two airports, to save you having to return to Marrakech to complete your trip. Fly direct to Marrakech for the first half of your holiday and book return flights from Agadir International Airport after you’ve finished beaching.