Beach holidays

Introduction

As we have already discovered, the Moroccan coastline is several thousand kilometres long and comprises a short Mediterranean coast in the north of the country and a much longer Atlantic one in the east. The combination of two seas and a lengthy, well-developed shoreline brings enormous variety to Morocco’s beach culture.

On the Atlantic coast, most beaches are long strips of fine sand. The most popular beaches are naturally found next to towns, but there are hundreds of others in unspoilt places where nature has remained intact. All offer great bathing or water sports possibilities.

The beaches on the craggier coastline of the Mediterranean, between Tangiers and Al Hoceima, tend to be more intimate with calmer waters. On the Mediterranean coast you can explore scores of traditional fishing villages set in beautiful natural landscapes, and relax on beaches that offer a gentle, peaceful alternative to town and city life.

Blue Flag beaches

Blue Flag began recognizing Europe’s cleanest beaches in 1987, and went global in 2001. To be awarded the Blue Flag, a beach must fulfil 29 criteria covering environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management and safety; and services.

The Blue Flag means you can be assured not just cleanliness, but safety in and out of the water and excellent facilities.

Four of Morocco’s beaches currently have a Blue Flag.

• Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
  
• Doukkala-Abda
  
• Casablanca
  
• Tanger-Tétouan

Major resorts on the Atlantic coast

Agadir

Morocco’s premier family and beach holiday resort (see right) lies on the South Atlantic coast. With a full 3,600m of fine sand to play on, relax on and explore, you’re guaranteed a day full of activity. Renowned for its lively, friendly atmosphere, Agadir beach is within easy reach of the restaurants, shops and hotels of Agadir town.

Essaouira

Essaouira’s white sand beaches stretch for ten kilometres from the old town to the dunes of Cape Sim. Parts of the beach area are sheltered by islands, while others are more exposed to the wind and waves, making it a great all-round destination. There is an exceptional view over the ramparts and the island of Mogador.

Out and about on the Atlantic coast

Asilah Beach

This north Atlantic beach stretches for five kilometers and is close to one of the prettiest medinas in Morocco. It has become something of a Moroccan Saint-Tropez, and during peak season draws a large and friendly crowd. Asilah itself, with its walls covered in colourful frescoes, and its narrow streets lined with studios and galleries, will delight lovers of art and architecture.  

Ain Diab Beach

Among the most elegant beaches on the Atlantic coast, and located in a chic suburb of Casablanca, 3km-long Ain Diab offers all the characteristics of a fashionable resort. Despite its many hotels and their swimming pools, it has won the Blue Flag label for cleanliness. Cleaned daily, it is perfect for swimming and walks along the sand.

Mirleft Beach

Flanked by golden cliffs, the one kilometre long beach at Mirleft – a small town at the mouth of the Salgmade oued – is lent a touch of exoticism by the minaret of the local mosque, visible from the sand. A small inn on the beach offers refreshments, putting the finishing touch to a clean and charming beach.

Watersport hotspots on the Atlantic coast

The north-east trade wind blows from late March to mid-September on the Atlantic coast, making it ideal for both wind sports like windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing as well as wave activities like surfing. The hot weather and great wave conditions are also popular with jet- and water-skiers. Whatever your preference, you’ll find Morocco’s Atlantic coast has few rivals when it comes to enjoying yourself in the water.

Dakhla

Set between the ocean and the desert, the Dakhla lagoon is a rugged, impressive and surprisingly little-known spot that benefits from strong southerly winds. Its conditions make it perfect for surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing alike, while nature-lovers will be thrilled by its landscape of dunes and its wildlife. Dolphins are often seen in the lagoon.

Aourir beach

This long, beautiful beach is 17km from the nearest town, making it quiet and unspoiled. Jet ski enthusiasts benefit from a specially marked out channel that allows them to set off from the beach in safety.

Tifnit beach

This 1km long beach on the south Atlantic coast has a peaceful atmosphere and is especially popular with surfers. It’s reasonably remote, so hire a car or jump on one of the local buses.

Sidi Ifni Beach

200km due south of Agadir on the Atlantic coast is the delightful port of Sidi Ifni. Set at the bottom of an old flight of Spanish steps, its 5km-long beach is calm on weekdays, but is very popular at the weekend. Its excellent wave conditions attract surfers of all levels.

Major resorts on the Mediterranean coast

Al Hoceima

Al Hoceima stands on a clifftop overlooking a bay fringed with fine sandy beaches. The surrounding country is rich in animal life, including several species of dolphin that have been recorded in its deep blue waters. Flamingos, woodpeckers and many other birds occupy the area along the coast.

Tangier

Tangier’s location on the Strait of Gibraltar means it offers access to great beaches on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts. Explore Tangier’s local coastline, characterised by intimate beaches, cliffs and secret caves, or head a few kilometres out of town to large, popular and well-maintained locations like Malabata on the Mediterranean or Achakar on the Atlantic.

Saïdia

Saïdia’s clear blue seas and 18km of sandy beaches have earned it the nickname “the blue pearl” of the Mediterranean. Eucalyptus and mimosa grow in the surrounding area, and to the west of the town is a superb natural bird sanctuary at the mouth of the Moulouya.

Tétouan

Nestling at the foot of the Rif chain, Tetouan is just a few miles from the coast. The town has an inimitable atmosphere thanks to its dual Hispano-Moorish character, reflected in houses with whitewashed walls or covered in ceramics and restaurants that serve tapas alongside tajines. The town has a very busy medina, which is now on the Unesco world heritage list.

Out and about on the Mediterranean coast

Three Forks Cape

North of Melilla is Three Forks Cape, where enormous blocks of jet-black anthracite (the hardest form coal) rear up from magnificent turquoise waters. The area looks out over a series of small beaches.

Camel and pigeon grottos

These are incomparably beautiful spots near the Zegzel gorges. Camel grotto takes its name from a camel-shaped stalagmite, while pigeon grotto is an important world-renowned prehistoric site.

Cape Spartel

12km northwest of Tangier is Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The area is covered in cork-oaks and rock-roses, and leads to the Grottoes of Hercules, huge caves carved out by the sea.

Nature on the coast

Morocco’s coastal areas have a great deal to offer lovers of the natural world, whether it’s an abundance of marine life or fantastic dunes and rock formations. Dolphins, flamingos and woodpeckers are among the species that visit the country’s unique coastal areas.

Perhaps the most famous spot for wildlife is the park at the mouth of the Souss and Massa oueds – next to Agadir – which provides an ideal ecosystem for flamingos, cranes and bald ibises. Its equivalent on the Mediterranean coast is the magnificent natural reserve at the mouth of the Moulaya, another paradise for birds.

Off the coast of Essaouira lie the Iles Purpaires, yet another bird sanctuary that is home to thousands of falcons and gulls. Ask local fishermen about transport to the island.

Now try answering the following questions. Good luck!

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For more information or to request promotional material for your agency, contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

205 Regent Street
London
W1R 7DE

Tel: 0207 437 0073 / 74 or 0207 734 8172
Email:mnto@morocco-tourism.org.uk
Website: www.visitmorocco.org