Morocco is a wonderful destination with a massively long coastline that offers a laid-back vibe away from the hustle of the main cities like Marrakech and Fez. For young adults seeking active holidays with tranquility, there are several less-crowded beaches that not only cater to water sports lovers but also provide alternative lifestyle and adventure. Here are some of the best beach destinations for active holidays in Morocco:
1. Asilah
Located just 30 kms south of Tangier, Asilah is a beautiful Mediterranean town with mild winters and warm summers, and offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor activities. Its Plage de Asilah features soft sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming and beach sports. Sidi Mghait and Rmilat beaches are good for windsurfing and kitesurfing, providing a peaceful atmosphere for water sports enthusiasts. Many cyclists also stop by Asilah on their way along the coast. Asilah’s charming medina is wonderful to walk around and explore local graffiti and art, handicrafts, music, and cozy cafes.
2. Bouznika
Bouznika is a small beach town located between Casablanca and Rabat, offering natural beauty and cultural richness. The less crowded sandy beaches have a peaceful atmosphere allowing you to safely practice your surfing skills without feeling rushed. In addition to surfing, Bouznika provides opportunities to make a day trip to Rabat, enjoy local cooking, or visit popular local restaurants and historical landmarks.
2 hours south of Casablanca is a town called Oualidia with serene surroundings and friendly locals, making it a perfect escape for tranquility and adventure. Oualidia is famous for its stunning lagoon and less commercial surf spots. The lagoon offers gentle waves and calm waters, ideal for beginners. You can enjoy Kayaking or Paddle-boarding on the lagoon. When hungry, you can find plenty of sea-side restaurants that serve up fresh seafood and delicious Oysters.
4. Essaouira
Situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 200 kilometers west of Marrakech, Essaouira is known as the Wind City and truly combines adventure with Moroccan culture.
With mild weather and consistent winds year-round, it’s a perfect spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers who prefer not to travel as far as Dakhla. The local beach is famous for fresh seafood from the pier, and there are plenty of activities like fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding with stunning coastal views.
Each June, Essaouira hosts the renowned Gnawa Music Festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Gnawa people with mesmerizing music and dance performances bringing artists and more than 400k visitors together from around the world.
The Essaouira medina offers a treasure trove of local crafts and traditional Moroccan cuisine, with live music enhancing the experience.
An hour north of Agadir, Taghazout is known as the surf mecca along the west coast of Morocco. There are busy surf spots like for advanced surfers and quieter beaches where beginners can find their footing without the hustle and bustle. Surf spots like Anchor point are a great attraction for admirers to sit on the rocks and watch experienced surfers tackle proper waves. Beaches like Tamraght and Crocro Beach offer gentler waves and a friendly atmosphere for beginners to practice surfing. Book a surf camp in Taghazout to ensure you receive personalized lessons with small group sizes providing the attention you need to build confidence on the surfboard.
Apart from surfing, Taghazout has a happening yoga scene. Many surf camps combine surfing with daily yoga sessions, making it easy to unwind and stretch after a day at the beach. Taghazout also boasts cozy cafes serving delicious, healthy meals, perfect for refueling after surfing all day. Typically, your surf camp will have an all inclusive package with food, accommodation, surf classes, and also other activities to keep you entertained during the evenings.
An hour in-land from Taghazout is an amazing destination called Paradise Valley - perfect to spend the day soaking in the lagoon after a short hike. You can also visit Agadir Souk or city to explore local pubs and clubs during the night.
Imsouane is a charming fishing and surfing village an hour north from Taghazout. Off the beaten track, Imsouane is tucked away from the busy roads of the Moroccan west coast. Known for its long, mellow wave, Imsouane is ideal for surfers looking to catch fun waves. The vibe here is relaxed, and the beach is spacious, allowing for plenty of room to practice without the worry of crowds.
When you’re not surfing, you can explore the village and savor the fresh seafood at the beachside restaurants. Imsouane also offers easy hikes with breathtaking views of the coastline. Unwind sundowners or sunset yoga sessions in the tranquil surrounds of Imsouane after a day of surfing and discovery. With a small village vibe, lights are usually out early and keen surfers are looking to wake up early for sunrise session.
7. Sidi Ifni
The city of Sidi Ifni is around 170 kms south of Agadir city. With beautiful beaches and tranquil vibes, its Legzira beach is a quiet but very scenic surf spot famous for its stunning arches and also offers gentle waves perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for a relax-max holiday with some adventure, be sure to include Sidi Ifni on your travel map.
8. Dakhla
Located 1200 kms south of Agadir on Morocco's western coast, Dakhla is a remarkable destination renowned for watersports in the lagoon. With warm temperatures, shallow waters and consistently windy conditions, Dakhla is considered as a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The best time to visit Dakhla is from around May to October, with October being the ideal month to go kitesurfing. July to August can be hot and dry. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Water temperatures peak around 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F) in summer.
With its diverse coastline and welcoming culture, Morocco is an ideal destination for active holidays. No matter which part of the west coast you visit, each destination provides a unique experience that combines sports and adventure with cultural immersion and relaxation. If you’re not sure where to travel next, Morocco is the place to see.
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