10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Morocco | The Mediterranean Traveller

With 2500km of coastline, Morocco has plenty of gorgeous beaches – many of them little-known amongst visitors.

Many of these are on the western Atlantic coast – vast sand beaches battered by the elements and popular with surfers and windsurfers. Long and lonely, especially outside the summer.

But it also has a Mediterranean coastline mostly frequented by locals where you’ll find a diversity of beaches.

Here are 10 of the best beaches in Morocco:

Legzira Beach, Sifi Ifni

Legzira Beach is one of the most recognisable beaches in Morocco thanks to its gigantic red sandstone rock arch. There used to be two arches but one collapsed in 2016.

It’s still a magical place though, the colours and desolation and unusual rock formations where the desert meets the sea create a special atmosphere.

Located in south Morocco near the town of Sidi Ifni, not too many tourists make it this far so you won’t find many others on the beach. You’ll need a car or to take a taxi from Sidi Ifni. Legzira is around 4km and the arch is in the middle. There is a road to the section with the arch. Alternatively, there’s a car park up at the top of the beach where you’ll also find a surf school and some cafes.

Essaouira

The coastal city of Essaouira is one of the most well-known seaside spots in Morocco. Laid-back and charming, the old town and ramparts overlook its generous sandy beach.

There are some sections with sun loungers but Essaouira is not really a resort area as the winds are too strong for sunbathing. But you’ll probably come across some camels, horses, surfers, and kite surfers as well as many locals taking a stroll, playing games or having BBQs.

The sand is fine and a promenade runs alongside the beach.

Plage Quaemado

The beaches in the Hoceima area close to the Algerian border could be mistaken at first glance for a Spanish holiday resort.

Al Hoceima is on the Mediterranean coast and the scenery is quite different to the Atlantic Coast – steep cliffs, clear teal seas, and a beach packed with colourful umbrellas. The beach is a mix of golden sand and pebbles.

Most of the surrounding town is clifftop but there are several hotels right on the beach.

It’s popular with local families thanks to the watersports on offer and the lack of big waves.

Taghazout

Taghazout is a fishing village and surfer’s hangout on the Atlantic coast. The consistent waves, yoga classes, and boho atmosphere ensure a lively energy compared to other towns along the coast.

There’s a small beach next to the town which is a mix of sand and rocks, and a much longer stretch of sand beach to the south where most of the surf schools are based. It’s more of a surfing beach than a sunbathing beach but you will find some sun loungers.

Blue fishing boats are pulled up onto the beach during the day. It makes an atmospheric place for a stroll, especially at sunset.

Plage d’Agadir, Agadir

Agadir is the most well-known beach resort in Morocco and is especially popular with locals in the summer and internationals in the winter. Of all Morocca’s coastal resorts, it feels the most Western.

It’s a big modern resort with a wide and well-maintained golden beach at its centre.

A promenade runs alongside the beach with all sorts of street food and entertainment. There are plenty of facilities, including sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards, beach bars, buggies, and water sports activities.

Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Mirleft

Mirleft is a tranquil spot in the south, known for its expansive sands and dramatic sandstone cliffs topped with whitewashed houses.

It’s off the usual tourist radar but is a popular area for locals with second homes who visit in the summer for the cooling coastal breezes.

There are several beaches enclosed by cliffs, including Plage Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah (pictured). The beaches are a mix of golden sand, small lumps of rock, and larger rock formations.

Limited facilities are available, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful ambience. Mirleft Beach is accessible by car or taxi from the town of Mirleft.

Oualidia Beach, Oualidia

Oualidia is a peaceful coastal haven north of Essaouira renowned for its calm and shallow tidal lagoon.

The beach’s tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The tidal lagoon is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts a variety of bird species, especially during the migratory seasons.

There has been a spate of development recently and it’s now home to some of Morocco’s most upmarket beach resort hotels.

The soft golden sand of the shoreline is pristine. Careful not to be marooned when the tide goes out! It’s very popular with locals and super busy in the summer.

Sol Beach, Tangier

At the northern tip of Morocco, nearly touching Spain, is the port city of Tangier. There are plenty of beaches on both sides of the city.

Head west past Cap Spartel and you’ll reach Sol Beach, a large sandy beach with a lake behind it. It’s a popular summer hangout and has a big car park and a couple of restaurants. For more amenities there’s Kabana Beach Club just south at Achakkar.

The beach extends until you reach the famous Caves of Hercules and then continues on the other side past the airport. You’ll need a car or taxi to get here.

Tafedna

Beautiful Tafedna is for those who like big nature with their beaches.

There’s a sleepy fishing village at the top of the beach with a couple of cafes and shops and some nice places to stay, but the rest of the beach is gloriously untouched, with soft rolling dunes of fine red-gold sand and some pebbly area.

It’s particularly magical at sunset.

After the sun has gone down you can grab dinner at one of Tafedna’s seafood restaurants.

Tafedna is 65 kms south of Essaouira.

Restinga

They may not be well-known but beaches north of Tetouan are some of the nicest in the country.

Restinga is an east-facing beach on the Mediterranean coast and it has all the characteristics of a Mediterranean beach – that vibrant turquoise water, soft sands, and rows of sun loungers.

Restinga has a European feel and there are a few upmarket resort hotels, a shopping mall, and a golf course nearby. But also lots of down-to-earth eateries.

This stretch of coastline is popular with locals – expect to see lots of families playing in the shallow waters.

Read more:

Image credits:

Share this post:

X (Twitter)Facebook Pinterest