Capping Africa’s left shoulder, Morocco has the great fortune of being lined with stunning seashores alongside its 2200-mile shoreline.
On the Atlantic facet, windy climate makes for terrific browsing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, wrapped in a bow with incandescent sunsets that gentle the sky ablaze in crimson and orange. On the northeastern shoreline, play in heat Mediterranean water and celebration with dancing locals at seaside golf equipment and cafés serving “Berber whisky’ (Moroccan mint tea).
Whereas the nation is understood for its historical medinas, these eight seashores make the case that Morocco is simply as worthy for a solar journey.
1. Essaouira
Greatest for windsurfing and kitesurfing
Simply outdoors of Essaouira’s enchanting Unesco-recognized outdated city, this extensive, sandy metropolis seaside has lengthy been a hub for hippies and wanderers. You may play a recreation of seaside soccer or cut price for a camel trip right here, however sunbathing and swimming aren’t probably the most comfy actions – Essaouira is called the Wind Metropolis of Africa for a cause. As an alternative, embrace the bre climate by attempting your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Planning tip: The very best time to windsurf is between April and November. There are a number of locations to hire gear alongside the seaside and adjoining streets.
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2. Legzira
Greatest for pictures
North of the outdated Spanish port city of Sidi Ifni is Legzira, a quiet, golden-sand seaside with an impressive thousand-year-old sandstone archway. (There was once a second archway, nevertheless it collapsed in 2016 after years of abrasion.)
Surf the whipping waves, meander alongside the lengthy seaside and beneath the arch throughout low tide, or go paragliding at sundown – the skies listed here are pure magic when the solar goes down. Swimming isn’t advisable as a result of excessive winds.
3. Taghazout
Greatest for browsing
The Atlantic-coast city of Taghazout is perhaps small, nevertheless it’s huge on the world browsing map, particularly amongst backpackers and people studying to trip the waves.
The seaside itself is quiet and engaging for a soothing day beneath the solar, and there’s loads of inexpensive lodging if you would like an extended keep. Head to Satan’s Rock, jutting out from the southern tip of the seaside, to see locals jamming out on ouds and soak in western Morocco’s magical sunsets.
Detour: Traverse inland to Paradise Valley for cliff leaping into lime-green swimming pools and verdant walks between palm timber.
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4. Saïdia
Greatest for households
Stretching from the blocked border with Algeria on the northeastern tip of Morocco is Saïdia, a protracted white-sand seaside that springs to life from June to September. Well-liked with Moroccans dwelling in Europe on their summer time holidays, this Mediterranean seaside has loads of comfy white villas that may accommodate massive households and small motels for non permanent stays, in addition to the luxurious Iberostar Saïdia resort.
Alongside the seaside you will discover eating places serving fish, some with playgrounds for youths. Take a dip to chill off, or hire a jet ski or paddleboat from the marina to combine issues up. At night time, seaside golf equipment bump and shimmer for the celebration crowd.
5. Sfiha
Greatest views of Spanish islands
A ten-minute drive south of the Riffian metropolis Al Hoceima, Plage Sfiha curves alongside the shore. It is a well-liked seaside, with households lounging beneath umbrella seating and consuming at eating places in the course of the summer time, however its most outstanding side is the white-washed island simply off the coast: El Peñón de Alhucemas, a Spanish-controlled post-colonial relic.
Detour: Keep atop the hill overlooking Plage Sfiha at Casa Paca, a pleasant bed-and-breakfast run by the half-Spanish, half-Moroccan proprietor, Joaquin, and his spouse, Nabila. Dinners listed here are scrumptious. Open June to October.
6. M’Diq
Greatest for fish eating places
East of Unesco-acknowledged Tetouan on the Mediterranean Coast, M’Diq is a sizzling spot for Moroccans and sun-seekers from throughout the Center East. Its boardwalk is lined with mid-range motels, eating places and cafés, however one of the best eats are discovered at Lorizon, on a stilt platform out at sea.
Simply south of M’Diq, Cabo Negro is a extra upscale seaside resort; slightly additional south, Martil has a palm-tree-lined boardwalk and cafés that sprawl out onto the seaside.
Detour: Head to the hills behind the seashores to cruise in a 4×4 at Tetouan Quad Discovery and have a cultured lunch with a view at Lodge Mandy.
7. Oualidia
Greatest for lagoon swimming
A pure sand wall creates a stunning lagoon on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, good for swimming in calm water, cruising in a small boat, kayaking and paddleboarding, whereas out at sea, windswept waves make for nice browsing.
Situated about 120 miles from each Casablanca and Marrakesh, Oualidia is a enjoyable day journey from both metropolis. Remember to attempt one of many many fish eating places across the lagoon, and order oysters – in spite of everything, you are in Morocco’s oyster capital.
8. Achakar
Greatest seaside close to Tangier
Simply 20 minutes from Tangier however seemingly a world away, Achakar is the ultimate seaside on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, earlier than the ocean slips into the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea. The seaside is a large strip of sand, superb for sunbathing or taking a whirl on a camel.
Don’t miss the kitschy-yet-worth-it Grottes d’Hercule, the place the place the Roman god Hercules supposedly rested after ripping Europe aside from Africa. From there, you possibly can look out to sea from a gap that appears just like the map of Africa.
Detour: Above Achakar is Cap Spartel, a reserve that formally marks the unofficial confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There’s a lighthouse, a restaurant and epic views.
