Ever thought of surfing in Morocco? We visited Taghazout to find out what all the fuss is about
A visit to Morocco’s premier surf location
Background
Located close to the major city of Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, sits the town of Taghazout. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has grown in prominence over recent years to become Morocco’s number 1 surf destination, and a magnet for visitors from around the World. The area around Taghazout boasts consistently sunny weather all year around, different wave breaks to suit all standards of surfer and, most importantly, friendly good vibes throughout. For more details for the best places to surf, check out this great Taghazout surf guide. Whether a pro surfer, complete beginner, or beach chair spectator, it’s a town well worth visiting.
Taghazout Beach with Children
Descending a flight of stairs at the edge of town, then across a few rocks, brings you to a long, sandy beach. This approach makes reaching the sand with a pushchair a little challenging but once there it is a great beach for children. There is plenty of space to play on the sand and, despite the waves in the sea, the shallows are gently sloping and calm enough for children to enter the water. Like at many other beaches in Morocco, there is also the added bonus of short camel rides available for the kids (or adults!) if desired.
Several vendors patrol the beach with large pots of mint tea or trays of cakes and snacks, a welcome addition for any surfers returning to the beach, or if needed to satisfy hungry children.
Taghazout Surf
The surf industry in Morocco is still in its relative infancy. Always known internationally in surfing circles for good weather and consistent waves rolling in off the Atlantic, it was only in the early 2000s that Taghazout became a mainstream surf holiday destination with the formation of Surf Maroc. Started by 2 friends with a few surfboards and wetsuits for hire, the brand has grown over the years and remains at the forefront of surf tourism. Now boasting 4 waterfront guesthouses specialising in highly rated surfing and yoga holidays, it also owns a surf shop offering clothing and equipment for sale, surf hire and lessons.
The success of Surf Maroc has spawned many other copycat outfits, with the town high street now lined with surf shops and guesthouses. I couldn’t pass through town without giving it a try so hired myself a board and wetsuit for the afternoon. The major outlets wanted around €20 for 24 hours hire (not an unreasonable amount) but I was short of time so found a small local place on the high street that rented me a beginner board and suit for just a couple of hours, for less than €10.
The beach in town offers a dependable, if unspectacular, beach break that was fine for my beginner needs. I really enjoyed my time out in the water, sharing the waves with plenty of other beginners so I never felt out of place. Along the coast all around town there are a selection of other well recognised surfing locations, some offering more challenging conditions for those more experienced. Taking a lesson or guide is the best way to truly discover what the area has to offer. Failing that, a drive around looking for others is a good way to go. A congregation of vans parked up by a cove or cliff top is usually an indication of that place offering up good conditions.
Where to Eat in Taghazout
All along the main street through town there are numerous places to eat, some connected to guesthouses, some small independents, all mostly catering to the tastes of foreign visitors. Expect to see plenty of burgers and pizzas on offer. Being a town famed for surf and yoga, expect to also see plenty of vegetarian, vegan and health food offerings. We enjoyed tasty and freshly cooked burgers at the family friendly Chez Titrite restaurant.
For something more authentic, the walk to the beach takes you past a row of local cafe restaurants. Seafood tagines and low cost sardines cooked over hot coals can be eaten at plastic roadside tables, perfect for sitting back and watching the steady stream of people with surfboards heading to the beach.
For the best dining view in town, head to Panorama restaurant. Enjoying an elevated position with outside wooden deck protruding out over the beach, the restaurant has unobstructed vistas out to sea. It offers a varied menu, with Moroccan and seafood specialities.
Top places to Stay in Taghazout
There are no shortages of places to stay in Taghazout to suit all budgets. In the main town centre, most will also offer packages to include surf and/or yoga lessons as required. Some will offer discounts for long term stays. Higher end hotel options are situated on the road out of town towards Agadir.
Recommended: The original surf and yoga guesthouse operator and still arguably the best, is Surf Maroc. It has highly rated rooms for hire at its guesthouse, specialising in organised and bespoke surf and yoga holidays. Rooms include breakfast and come at very competitive prices.
Budget: A great option for those on a budget is Dar Surf Hostel. Newly built and situated on a small hill above the town centre, the guesthouse has well appointed rooms and a great roof terrace to enjoy panoramic views down to the sea. Surf and yoga lessons can be organised from here.
Good for Kids: Oceana Surf Camp is a friendly and well appointed guesthouse on the edge of town. Although mainly specialising in group surf holidays, it has private apartments as well as rooms to rent, with the added bonus of an outdoor pool positioned with views out to sea; perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.
High End: Currently the best high end option in town is the Hyatt Place hotel. It is a large, international hotel boasting a range of rooms and suites, as well as gym and several swimming pools. One of these pools is even heated (essential for winter use). Throw in a kids club in high season, and you’ll see this also presents a great option for a place to stay with children, if your budget allows.
Camping: A little out of town on the road north is Camping Atlantica Beach, our favourite family campsite in Morocco. It is a modern site boasting a beachfront location, modern facilities, swimming pool and nearby water park. At weekends it also opens a separate area of bouncy castle inflatables that were a real hit with our children when we visited.
Getting to Taghazout
The nearby city of Agadir is home to an international airport, albeit with limited routes. Marrakesh airport, offering flight routes to locations worldwide, is also easily reached from Taghazout. Most guesthouses will offer transfer services to and from these airports if desired.
If driving, Taghazout sits just off the main N1 coastal road and is easily reached if coming from either the north or south. The road is of a good standard throughout and offers some great views and nothing to fear for foreign motorists. If, like we were, you are touring the country by road, Taghazout should definitely be high on your itinerary.
Don’t Delay…
Taghazout is a brilliant place to visit. The influx of international guests arriving for the well established surf and yoga tourist industry give the place a feel that is pretty unique, even for Morocco. We visited in winter when the place felt quiet but not empty, very friendly and super laid back. By all accounts this mood extends all year around, although in high season the town strains to cope with the arrival of ever increasing numbers of domestic tourists.
All along the road south to Agadir there are new luxury hotels and apartments being constructed at a feverish pace, including many of the best known international hotel chains. Tourism is clearly big business now and very much here to stay. It remains to be seen if the infrastructure in the town can cope with this future increase in visitor numbers, and whether this ambition for growth can be successfully balanced against retaining the current small-town charm. I hope so. Either way, don’t leave it too long to visit. Blink and it may have changed forever.
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Fabulous blog post and photos! makes me want to go surfing somewhere warm! Marisa x
Not gonna lie, I had never even heard of Taghazout before! But you’ve completely sold me on it! I’d want to try surfing there!
I love reading about unique places! The beach looks amazing and I’m trying to mentally transport there now!!!
Such a great detailed post! Love all your pictures
I loved Morocco, but I have never heard of Taghazout. It looks amazing and that beach is gorgeous! Added to my travel list 🙂