Beaches in Morocco: Best coastal spots and seaside escapes

Morocco’s Atlantic coast is packed with brilliant beaches: big, open stretches of sand, great waves for surfing, and lovely laid-back seaside towns. It’s perfect if you’re after a proper beach day with space to spread out and that fresh sea breeze you just don’t get in the city. Whether you fancy a surf lesson, a long walk along the shore, or simply a lazy afternoon with your toes in the sand, the Atlantic coast really has something for everyone.

Essaouira: Windy medina and wide sandy beach

Essaouira is renowned for its wind, which makes its expansive beach a hub for surfers and kitesurfers. The sandy shoreline stretches for miles and is the perfect place for an invigorating stroll or to hit the waves if you’ve come seeking surf. You can also book surf lessons here if you’re feeling like a new adventure. Two slightly more out-of-town beaches (nonetheless popular) are Plage Assafi, with an epic windswept vibe and otherworldly feel, and kitesurfers’ favourite Ord Omar. If Ord Omar is your cup of tea, be sure to stay at the luxurious Hotel Le Golf D'Essaouira & Spa. For hotels in Essaouira nearer the city centre, you’ve got many options. Try the charming three-star Riad Zahra or chic, guest-favourite Mama Lova Hôtel, Riad, Restaurant & Spa. You can catch the waves during the day and enjoy the old-world allure of a traditional medina in the evening. Traverse Essaouira’s maze of streets, lined with whitewashed buildings with colourful shutters, and soak in the atmosphere in its souks.

Agadir: Resort comfort and a sweeping bay

One of Morocco’s most famous resort towns is Agadir, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why. It has a serene vibe, with wide boulevards and cosmopolitan cafés, as well as 11 kilometres of golden sand. As it’s more sheltered than other spots on the North African coast, it’s only suitable for beginner surfers or those looking to try out lessons. The sandy crescent fringes the entire town, so you’re spoilt for high-class hotels in Agadir right on the shoreline. The Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa and Iberostar Waves Founty Beach are just two of your all-inclusive options.

Tangier: Beach days with a cosmopolitan twist

Tangier’s beaches stretch along the city’s lively seafront, offering a brilliant blend of laid-back seaside charm and cosmopolitan buzz. The main city beach is great for a relaxed stroll, horse riding, or simply sitting back with a coffee while watching the waves roll in. You’ll also find beach clubs dotted along the shore where you can grab a sun lounger and enjoy the sea breeze.

For a quieter vibe, head a little further out to Plage Sidi Kacem, a peaceful beach where locals go to escape the city, or the rugged Plage Achakar, with its soft sands and dramatic views over the Atlantic.

When it comes to where to stay, you’ve got some top hotels right near the beach. The Barcelo Tanger is right on the seafront, offering great views and easy beach access. The Marina Bay is another great pick, perfect if you want to be close to the port and the buzzing promenade. For a more modern stay with panoramic sea views, Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences is a fantastic option with everything you need for a comfortable, beachside break.

In Tangier, you can enjoy long beach walks by day and dive into the city’s lively cafés, bars and historic medina by night, a lovely mix of seaside relaxation and vibrant city life.

Taghazout: Laid-back surf town

Taghazout is a former fishing village that oozes rustic charm, calling surfers and seclusion seekers to its shore. It’s probably Morocco’s crowning jewel surf destination. White buildings with colourful shutters give way to honey-coloured sands, with blue fishing boats perched at the ready and breakers rolling in. Head in either direction along the coast and you’ll find quiet coves and secluded surf spots. The town is speckled with hostels, guest houses and surf schools, all giving a pleasantly laid-back vibe to the area. You’ll also find Taghazout hotels by more well-known brands, with a resort-y feel, just outside town.

The beaches along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast have a totally different feel: calm waters, soft sands and a much more laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect stretch if you’re after gentle waves, pretty coves and long, easy days by the sea. Whether you fancy dipping into local beach cafés, strolling along the coast, or just settling in with a good book and a sea view, the Mediterranean side is a brilliant spot to slow things right down.

Al Hoceima: Hidden gem with turquoise waters

On a headland jutting into the sparkling sea, Al Hoceima is one of the absolute gems of the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. The provincial capital has multiple beaches to choose from. Quemado is a golden-sand paradise with pristine, shallow sea and with the sleek Mercure Quemado Al-Hoceima Resort taking prime spot on the shoreline. There’s also Calabonita and Matadero – smaller coves favoured by locals and dive schools. On the opposite side of town, Rmod has an equally beautiful sea and shore, with a simple, old-fashioned feel thanks to the lack of facilities (there is plenty of parking though). Plage Izdhi is sand and pebble, with shallow entry to the water and a few casual beach cafes on the sands. You can also enjoy walking or driving the winding corniche overlooking the sea, for stunning views, especially at sunset. Alternatively, escape any crowds with a day trip into the nearby Al Hoceima National Park.

Saidia: The Blue Pearl of the Mediterranean

Saidia, located right on the border with Algeria, is a popular resort town with dozens of hotels offering luxury on a large scale. The “Blue Pearl”, as it’s known, is fringed by a seemingly endless stretch of sand on which you can rent shade and loungers, try out water sports (or simply rent a pedalo), and even eat dinner. There’s so much space that if renting a lounger isn’t your style, you can also pitch up your own towel. The Be Live Collection Saidia and Iberostar Waves Sadia are two five-star stays with prime locations right on the beach.

M’diq and Tetouan: Relaxed seaside charm

Visitors to the major city of Tetouan flock to neighbouring Martil – so close it may as well be a suburb – to enjoy the seaside. Martil beach is long and sandy, backed by a promenade for leisurely strolls and, like many of the beaches in Morocco, it’s as lively after dark as during the day. Especially in the hot season, people like to head to Martil beach at sunset and beyond to enjoy food, drinks, the family-festival atmosphere and simply walking on the sand in the pleasant cool of evening. Just a few kilometres along the coast, M’diq is a picturesque spot for a beach holiday. The sand and shingle shore attracts throngs of visitors in high season, transforming into a sea of umbrellas as people come to dip in the glorious sea. The quaint, blue-and-white architecture of the town adds to its postcard-worthy charm. Looking for five-star excellence just steps from the shore? Try the Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach And Spa.

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, Morocco’s wild and remote beaches are well worth the effort. These are the kind of spots where you can really switch off. Think rugged coastlines, quiet sandy stretches and hardly another soul in sight. Perfect if you fancy escaping the crowds, going for long walks, or just finding your own peaceful patch of sand. It’s all about big views, proper sea air and that lovely feeling of having the place to yourself.

Sidi Kaouki: Untouched sands near Essaouira

Sidi Kaouki is a relatively hidden gem, situated approximately 30 km south of Essaouira. The beach is wide and long, with sand stretching (almost) as far as the eye can see. There are some loungers and shade to rent, but you’re spoilt for space if you want to escape the tourist-y feel. A surf crowd favours it, and you can rent boards and take listens from Sidi Kaouki beach. There are also lots of travellers camping in the various sites close to the sands.

Legzira: Natural arches and red cliffs

For those seeking seclusion and something more off-the-beaten-track in Morocco, Legzira is satisfyingly far from any tourist hot spots. What draws adventurous souls to this spot on the Atlantic coast is the stunning geology. Here, red cliffs have been carved and smoothed by the winds into cathedral-esque arches, and come sunset, the rock almost glows in the fading light. The beach is predictably windswept and wild and people come here to walk, take photos and enjoy the view from the one or two rustic beach eateries. Adventurous surfers also relish the lack of crowds competing for the raw breaks.

Dakhla: Desert meets sea

In the farthest-flung corner of Morocco, Dakhla is a disputed territory in Western Sahara, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. It has two main beaches, Pointe de l'Or and Oum El Bouir. The former feels like the desert simply rolls down to the sea without stopping; camels occasionally grace the shore, and visitors like to take quad bike tours of the rolling sand. Oum El Bouir is another sandy shore, attracting some tourists to sunbathe and walk, as well as take in the epic views from one of the cafes. The only hardy souls to brave the choppy sea here are usually kite-surfers and surfers.

Morocco’s beach resorts and family-friendly spots are made for easy holidays. Think wide sandy beaches with plenty of space, calm shallow waters for safe paddling, and seaside cafés just a short stroll away. Many resorts have everything covered, from swimming pools and kids’ clubs to easy access to the beach, so you can properly relax. Whether it’s a big resort with lots going on or a quieter seaside town, there are plenty of places where families can settle in and enjoy simple, sunny beach days.

Agadir: Easy beach access and modern comforts

Agadir is Morocco’s best-known beach resort, boasting around 300 days of sunshine a year and home to a miles-long beach of honey-coloured sand and calm seas. The beachfront promenade is lined with shops, bars, cafes and hotels too. And, come sunset, it’s the place to be for a fantastic photo. You can stay in a hotel backing onto the beach like the Dunes d'Or Ocean Club or the Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas and have your prime sunbed spot guaranteed. But if you choose not to, the beach is so large, there’s room for everyone to pitch up. Agadir Marina is chic and modern, and well worth a visit for a stroll and a classy bite to eat or drink. The beautiful boutique stay, The View Agadir, is ideally located for the marina and the beach.

Saidia: Long beach days and resort living

We’ve already waxed lyrical about the golden sands and azure waters to be found at Saïdia. It’s ideal for a family holiday thanks to the wide sandy shores, calm seas, and friendly all-inclusive resorts. Besides the main beach, you can also spend a day (or several) on Barcelo/Melia Beach. The sands are sugar-soft and the sea fairly sheltered. At this end of town, you're close to the Moulouya National Park with its varied birdlife and flocks of flamingos. Families looking for comfort, fun and all-inclusive packages should try the Radisson Blu Resort Saidia Beach or the Iberostar Waves Saidia.

Oualidia: Lagoon, calm and relaxed pace

Nestled between Casablanca and Essouira, Oualidia is a quaint fishing village with a truly unique beach. Two reef-like sandbars curve around a lagoon, creating bath-like swimming conditions, while the beaches facing the Atlantic, unprotected, offer great surfing conditions. It’s the favoured destination of Moroccans on a staycation, so you know it’s a great choice. Five-star La Sultana Oualidia is one of the top-rated stays in the town, thanks to its gorgeous architecture and decor, beautifully designed gardens and the stunning view from the terrace pool overlooking the sea and horizon.

Surf spots, sunny beaches and peaceful hideaways are easy to find along Morocco’s beaches. Some places are made for catching waves and enjoying that laid-back surf vibe. Others are perfect for long, lazy days on soft sands, where you can just stretch out and soak up the sunshine. For a bit of quiet, there are also lovely little coves and remote beaches where you can enjoy the sound of the sea and not much else. It’s all about finding the right beach to match your mood.

For surf: Taghazout, Imsouane, Essouira

If it’s breaks you’ve come for, make a beeline for the Atlantic coast. Taghazout and Essaouira are the two classic destinations for those seeking wind, waves, and budget-friendly accommodations. Imsouane is smaller, but from dawn till dusk, the shore and the lineup are littered with boards, and the whole town gives off a laid-back, surf vibe.

For sun and comfort: Agadir, Saidia

Agadir and Saidia are the country’s prime beach destinations. If you’re looking for (almost) guaranteed sunshine and all the amenities you could wish for, one of these could be the resort town for you. Both towns are home to accommodation in all budgets, but especially to higher-end all-inclusive options if you’re looking for an easy-breezy getaway. They’re also both popular golfing destinations, if a day at the green takes your fancy.

For off-the-beaten-track: Sidi Kaouki, Al Hoceima, Dakhla

Both Sidi Kaouki (which could also have featured in our ‘for surf’ section) and Al Hoceima are lesser-visited gems, yet to break onto the major tourist scene in Morocco. Now is the perfect time to visit them and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, reasonable prices and fantastic, authentic accommodation options. Visiting Dakhla is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It has an otherworldly, Robinson-Crusoe feel (with a dash of luxury thrown in, of course).