Morocco is blessed with two very different coastlines. The Atlantic Ocean brings long sandy beaches, surf towns, and dramatic cliffs. The Mediterranean coast offers calm coves, family resorts, and warmer summer water.
This guide highlights the 15 best beaches in Morocco, with practical details on when to go, how to reach them, and what each beach is best for. You will also find a map, safety notes, and tips that most travel sites don’t cover.
If you are planning a Morocco trip, this list will help you choose whether you want surf, swimming, or quiet seaside relaxation.
Quick list: Top 15 best beaches in morocco
- Essaouira – Atlantic – wind sports and sunsets
- Imsouane – Atlantic – longest right-hander surf wave
- Taghazout – Atlantic – surf town atmosphere
- Oualidia Lagoon – Atlantic – calm waters and oysters
- Agadir – Atlantic – wide city beach with full services
- Legzira – Atlantic – red arches and photo spots
- Mirleft – Atlantic – peaceful with dramatic cliffs
- Dakhla – Atlantic – world-class kitesurf lagoon
- Asilah and Sidi Mghait – Atlantic – quiet coves near art town
- El Jadida – Atlantic – Deauville Plage, family facilities
- Sidi Kaouki – Atlantic – wild and less crowded
- Saïdia – Mediterranean – 14 km sandy arc
- Al Hoceima (Sfiha, Quemado) – Mediterranean – crystal clear waters
- M’diq and Tamuda Bay – Mediterranean – family resorts
- Martil – Mediterranean – relaxed beach near Tetouan
Interactive map of morocco’s beaches
You can create and embed a Google My Maps layer showing these beaches. Mark the Atlantic beaches in one color and the Mediterranean beaches in another. Add driving times from Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes. This helps readers see how to plan their routes.
How we selected these beaches
The beaches below were chosen based on water safety, swimming or surfing conditions, facilities and access, cleanliness, family friendliness, and overall beauty. We also considered how easy it is for travelers to reach each place without a car.
Atlantic coast beaches
Essaouira
Essaouira is a windy Atlantic town famous for its long sandy beach and fishing harbor. The trade winds make it perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Swimming can be rough on windy days, so it is better for water sports and sunsets. Stay inside the medina for charm and walk down to the beach in minutes.
Best months: April to October
Nearest airport: Essaouira-Mogador (30 minutes)
Taghazout
Taghazout is a laid-back surf village north of Agadir. It is best known for Anchor Point, one of Morocco’s most famous surf breaks. Surf schools, cafés, and yoga retreats line the coast. There are calmer beaches nearby for learners and families.
Best months: October to April for surf, summer for swimming
Nearest airport: Agadir (45 minutes)
Imsouane
Imsouane has the longest rideable wave in Morocco, known as La Bay. Surfers can ride for hundreds of meters. The town is small, peaceful, and becoming popular with travelers looking for a surf escape.
Best months: October to March
Nearest airport: Agadir (2 hours drive)
Oualidia Lagoon
Oualidia is a calm lagoon with safe swimming, kayaking, and bird watching. It is a favorite for families with children. The town is also famous for fresh oysters.
Best months: May to September
Nearest airport: Casablanca (2.5 hours drive)
Agadir
Agadir is Morocco’s largest resort beach. The wide sandy bay is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and lined with hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs. It is popular with families and those who want facilities close at hand.
Best months: All year, but warmest June to September
Nearest airport: Agadir (30 minutes)
Legzira
Legzira near Sidi Ifni is known for its natural red rock arches that plunge into the Atlantic. It is popular with photographers and those who enjoy dramatic scenery. The arches are best seen at low tide. Facilities are limited compared to Agadir or Essaouira.
Best months: March to October
Nearest airport: Agadir (3.5 hours drive)
Mirleft
Mirleft is a small coastal town south of Agadir with a series of peaceful beaches under steep cliffs. It is quieter than Agadir or Essaouira, making it ideal for travelers who want calm surroundings.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Agadir (2.5 hours drive)
Dakhla
Dakhla is a remote Atlantic peninsula famous for its lagoon and constant wind, making it one of the best kitesurf destinations in the world. The water is flat and shallow, ideal for both beginners and advanced riders.
Best months: October to April for kitesurfing
Nearest airport: Dakhla (20 minutes)
Asilah and Sidi Mghait
Asilah is an art town on the Atlantic north of Rabat. The beaches nearby, including Sidi Mghait, are wide and less crowded. Travelers can combine beach time with exploring Asilah’s painted medina.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Tangier (45 minutes)
El Jadida
El Jadida is a coastal city south of Casablanca with Deauville Plage, a family-friendly beach with summer lifeguards and services. The Portuguese cistern and fortress nearby make the visit more interesting.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Casablanca (1.5 hours drive)
Sidi Kaouki
Sidi Kaouki is a wild stretch of beach near Essaouira. It is less crowded and has strong waves, making it good for surfers and travelers who like quiet places.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Essaouira (30 minutes)
Mediterranean coast beaches
Saïdia
Saïdia is known as the Blue Pearl of the Mediterranean. It stretches for 14 km and has warm summer water. Resorts and hotels line the beach, making it one of the most developed Mediterranean spots in Morocco.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Oujda (45 minutes)
Al Hoceima (Sfiha and Quemado)
Al Hoceima National Park has some of Morocco’s most beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Sfiha and Quemado are known for their clear turquoise water and surrounding cliffs. They are smaller and more intimate compared to Saïdia.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Al Hoceima (20 minutes)
M’diq and Tamuda Bay
M’diq and nearby Tamuda Bay are modern resort areas on the Mediterranean close to Tetouan. Calm waters and full services make them perfect for families.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Tangier (1.5 hours drive)
Martil
Martil is a relaxed seaside town near Tetouan. It is popular with local families in summer and has an easygoing vibe.
Best months: June to September
Nearest airport: Tangier (1.5 hours drive)
Best time to visit morocco’s beaches
March to May: mild weather on the Atlantic, water still cool, but surf is good.
June to August: The Mediterranean is perfect for swimming. Atlantic is windier, best for kitesurfing.
September to October: both coasts offer good conditions, warm water, and fewer crowds.
November to February: cooler, but the best surf season on the Atlantic.
Read more about the best time to visit Morocco
Swimming safety and etiquette
Many Atlantic beaches have strong currents. Swim only in lifeguarded zones during summer. Watch local flags for safety information. On the Mediterranean, waters are calmer, but be aware of occasional jellyfish in July and August. Respect local customs by dressing modestly near towns, and always clean up after yourself.
How to get there without a car
From Marrakech: Essaouira (3 hours bus), Agadir (3.5 hours bus), Oualidia (3 hours by shared taxi).
From Casablanca: El Jadida (1.5 hours train), Oualidia (2.5 hours by taxi).
From Tangier: Asilah (1 hour train), M’diq (1.5 hours drive), Martil (2 hours drive).
From Fes: Saïdia (5 hours bus), Al Hoceima (6 hours bus).
If you prefer not to manage public transport on your own, we organize private transfers and guided tours that cover many of these beaches, starting from Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier, or Fes.
Beach comparison table
| Beach | Coast | Best for | Calm water | Lifeguards | Nearest airport | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essaouira | Atlantic | Kitesurf, sunsets | No | Yes (summer) | Essaouira | Moderate |
| Taghazout | Atlantic | Surf town | No | Seasonal | Agadir | Good |
| Imsouane | Atlantic | Long surf wave | No | Limited | Agadir | Basic |
| Oualidia | Atlantic | Families, oysters | Yes | Seasonal | Casablanca | Good |
| Agadir | Atlantic | Resorts, families | Yes | Yes | Agadir | Excellent |
| Legzira | Atlantic | Photography | No | No | Agadir | Limited |
| Mirleft | Atlantic | Quiet, cliffs | No | No | Agadir | Limited |
| Dakhla | Atlantic | Kitesurf | Yes | No | Dakhla | Good |
| Asilah | Atlantic | Quiet coves | Yes | Seasonal | Tangier | Moderate |
| El Jadida | Atlantic | Families | Yes | Yes | Casablanca | Good |
| Sidi Kaouki | Atlantic | Wild surf | No | Limited | Essaouira | Basic |
| Saïdia | Mediterranean | Resorts | Yes | Yes | Oujda | Excellent |
| Al Hoceima | Mediterranean | Clear water | Yes | Yes | Al Hoceima | Good |
| M’diq | Mediterranean | Families | Yes | Yes | Tangier | Excellent |
| Martil | Mediterranean | Relaxed vibe | Yes | Yes | Tangier | Moderate |
Where to stay by beach type
Surf towns: Taghazout, Imsouane, Sidi Kaouki
Family resorts: Agadir, Saïdia, M’diq
Quiet coves: Mirleft, Asilah, Al Hoceima
Luxury options: Tamuda Bay, Dakhla
We also help travelers book trusted riads, boutique hotels, and seaside resorts as part of our Morocco tours, ensuring comfort and quality near the beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oualidia Lagoon on the Atlantic and Saïdia on the Mediterranean are the best choices.
Yes, but winds are strong, and it is more popular for kitesurfing than swimming.
Al Hoceima in the Mediterranean is known for crystal clear turquoise water.
For swimming, June to September. For surfing, October to March.
Not always. Many beaches like Essaouira, Agadir, El Jadida, and Asilah are reachable by bus or train.
Tours to Morocco’s Best Beaches
Exploring Morocco’s coastline is even more enjoyable with a guided trip. As a licensed Moroccan travel agency, we arrange private and group tours that include many of these beaches. From surfing in Taghazout and Imsouane to relaxing in Oualidia or swimming in Saïdia, our tours can be tailor-made to combine beach time with mountains, cultural cities, and the Sahara desert.
Whether you want a short beach getaway or a longer itinerary, we provide local drivers, comfortable accommodations, and authentic experiences along the coast.
Contact us to plan your Morocco beach tour and enjoy the Atlantic and Mediterranean with local experts.
