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The Best Beaches in Morocco to Visit This Summer
The Best Beaches in Morocco to Visit This Summer
If you're looking for a destination that offers something a bit different alongside miles of coastline to explore, Morocco is a great choice. With over 3,500 kilometres of shore split between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, you can easily combine historic cities, varied scenery, and some of the most impressive beach spots in North Africa.
The best beaches in Morocco stand out for their sheer variety. On top of that, many have kept their natural character, making them a far less crowded alternative to other Mediterranean spots.
One of the best ways to explore them is by driving along the coast. Hiring a car with CarJet gives you total flexibility to set your own itinerary, visit coastal towns whenever you like, and travel completely at your own pace without having to wait around.
Here is our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Morocco and what you can expect from each one.
Located south of Agadir, Legzira Beach is probably the most iconic coastal spot in Morocco. Its striking red sandstone cliffs create a unique backdrop that attracts travellers and photographers from all over the world.
Although one of its famous natural arches collapsed in 2016, the area is still one of the most impressive sights in the country. When the tide is low, you can walk for miles along the sand while watching the rock formations and the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs.
Beyond spending time on the beach itself, it’s well worth walking along the cliff-top paths to get incredible views across the ocean. At sunset, the red rocks take on an even deeper colour, making it one of the best places on the coast to watch the sunset.
How to get there
Legzira is roughly 150 kilometres from Agadir. Driving there takes about two and a half hours by car.
Just 20 kilometres from Agadir sits Taghazout, a small fishing village that has become one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world in recent years.
Taghazout isn't just for surfers, though. Its long, sandy beach is also ideal for going for a stroll, soaking up the sun, or trying local food at one of the restaurants right on the waterfront.
Along with surfing, you can do yoga by the sea, take day trips to nearby Paradise Valley, or simply relax and watch the sunset from one of the viewpoints around the village.
Surfing and Water Sports
The best waves arrive between October and April, although you can go surfing here all year round.
In Essaouira, you get a great mix of historical heritage, a relaxed feel, and a massive beach opening straight out onto the Atlantic. Its UNESCO World Heritage medina and busy fishing port make the city an essential stop on any coastal road trip.
The beach stretches on for several kilometres and is famous for its steady breezes, making it one of the top spots in the country for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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After spending the morning on the beach, it’s well worth taking a few hours to walk around the medina, where you’ll find traditional markets, art galleries, craft shops, and rooftop terraces overlooking the ocean.
Located between Casablanca and Essaouira, Oualidia is a small coastal town famous for its sheltered natural lagoon. Thanks to its calm, shallow water, it’s widely considered one of the best beaches in Morocco for families with children or anyone looking for a quiet day out.
Because the beach is protected from the heavy Atlantic waves, it's ideal for swimming or trying out water sports. The area is also famous for its oysters, reckoned to be some of the finest in the country, making a seafood lunch by the water a must-do while you're here.
While you can visit Oualidia all year round, the best weather for spending time on the beach is between May and September.
In the far south of Morocco, the Dakhla region is home to some of the country's most impressive landscapes. Known as White Beach, this spot stands out for its miles of fine sand, clear turquoise water, and a setting where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean.
It remains a largely uncrowded destination, making it ideal if you're looking for peace and quiet in nature. Its beautiful scenery has made it one of the most photographed beaches in Morocco.
The easiest option is to fly into Dakhla and hire a car to explore the area at your own pace, as many of the beaches and viewpoints are spread quite far apart.
Around 25 kilometres south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a wide, open beach that keeps a relaxed feel even during the busier summer months.
With its long stretch of sand, the sound of the ocean, and minimal development nearby, it’s a great choice if you want to get away from the main tourist areas.
It's a good idea to bring water, sun cream, and a bit of food if you plan to stay for a while, as there are fewer facilities here compared to larger resort beaches.
At over 14 kilometres long, Saïdia boasts one of the longest stretches of beach on Morocco's Mediterranean coast. Its fine sand, calm waters, and wide selection of hotels and restaurants make it one of the country's most popular holiday destinations.
The shallow water and great range of facilities make Saïdia a brilliant choice if you're travelling with children.
Located right near Tetouan, Martil is a popular beach with both international travellers and locals alike. Its close proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar makes it an easy option to visit if you're coming over from Spain.
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You can take a walk along the seafront promenade, try the local food, or take day trips into Tetouan, one of the most historic cities in northern Morocco.
Located right next to the town of Al Hoceima, Quemado Beach is known for its dramatic mountainous backdrop.
It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for crystal-clear waters in a beautiful natural setting.
It’s easy to reach from central Al Hoceima via a paved road, followed by a short walk down to the beach.
If you want to visit several beaches in a single trip, hiring a car is by far the most practical option. While Morocco's main cities have public transport, many of the most impressive beaches are off the standard routes or require multiple connections to reach.
With a hire car, you can travel at your own pace, pull over at scenic viewpoints, explore small coastal villages, and adjust your route to suit your schedule.
One of the big advantages of exploring Morocco by car is that many of the top beach spots are relatively close to one another:
- Agadir – Taghazout: roughly 20 km
- Taghazout – Essaouira: about 175 km
- Essaouira – Oualidia: around 190 km
- Martil – Al Hoceima: roughly 220 km
- Tangier – Martil: about 70 km
These distances make it easy to put together a multi-day road trip combining beaches, historic cities, and natural scenery.
You can visit the Moroccan coast pretty much year-round, though the best time to go depends on the region.
If you're looking for sunbathing and swimming, the months between May and October offer warm temperatures and plenty of daylight. Along the Atlantic coast, the water tends to stay quite fresh even in summer, whereas the Mediterranean side is slightly warmer.
On the other hand, autumn through to spring brings the best conditions for surfing in spots like Taghazout and Sidi Kaouki.
The best beaches in Morocco prove that this country is about far more than just bustling cities, souks, and desert landscapes. From the impressive cliffs at Legzira and the calm waters of Oualidia to the surf in Taghazout and the long Mediterranean stretches of Saïdia, the coastline offers something for every type of holidaymaker.
To make the most of your trip, exploring Morocco by car lets you discover lesser-known spots, pull over whenever you fancy, and enjoy a far more flexible journey. With CarJet, you can compare deals from a wide range of car hire companies to find the best vehicle for your route, so all you need to worry about is deciding which beach to visit next.
