Morocco's Best Beaches — Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout
· 26.07.2026
Morocco has 3,500 km of coastline — Atlantic (west) and Mediterranean (north). Atlantic water is COLDER (16-22°C due to Canary Cold Current), Mediterranean warmer (18-25°C). 8 beaches + specialty of each below.
**Atlantic (west)**
**1. Essaouira** — most famous, UNESCO medina + 8 km sand + 300 days wind/year → kite/windsurf mecca. Not for classic sunbathing (wind, cold water). Best Jun-Sep.
**2. Agadir** — modern resort city, 10 km sand, warmer than Essaouira (no Alizés), year-round season. Family, all-inclusive hotels. Lacks medina character.
**3. Taghazout** — 20 min from Agadir, surf village, 10 breaks (Anchor Point, Killer Point). Main season Oct-Mar (big waves), summer for beginners. Nomad vibe.
**4. Sidi Ifni** — further south, former Spanish enclave, less touristy climate, sand + cliffs.
**5. Legzira (Sidi Ifni)** — famous stone arches (one collapsed 2016, one remains). Photo mecca at sunset.
**Mediterranean (north)**
**6. Al Hoceima** — national park + coves, warm water 25°C in summer. Fewer tourists, authentic.
**7. Cabo Negro (near Tétouan)** — Spanish-Moroccan vibe, quiet beaches, resort.
**8. Cala Iris** — wild coves near Al Hoceima, 4WD access, for adventure.
**Practical**
• **Women alone**: bikini OK in Agadir/Taghazout (touristy), more modest in Essaouira/Al Hoceima
• **Lifeguards**: only summer (Jun-Sep) and only main beaches
• **Atlantic currents**: strong, watch drift
• **Rental**: umbrella 30 MAD/day, chair 40 MAD, kite/surf lesson 400-600 MAD/2h
• **Kite/surf shops**: ION Club (Essaouira), Explora Watersports (Essaouira), Paradis Plage (Taghazout)