If you are coming to Morocco and looking to add on some time at the beach, we have some recommendations for you.
Morocco is known for its amazing cities like Fes and Marrakech and the Sahara desert, but there are also plenty of beautiful beaches to be explored! Some of these beach towns are much smaller than the normal tourist sites that people visit, so you’ll get to experience a different side of Morocco.
Morocco gets plenty of sunshine each year, so it’s a great place to come for the beach! White sand, clear water and lots of interesting activities attract many tourists to these beaches and coastal towns every season.
Some of these beaches are a little more developed for tourism with resorts and hotels and others are more remote.
The beaches in the country should be a top pick for tourists visiting Morocco for the first time. Not only will a coastal town trip add lots of fun to your vacation, but it will also be refreshing to experience a more slow-paced version of Morocco!
The top 5 beach towns to visit in Morocco are:
1. Essaouira
Essaouira is a fortified fishing town west of Marrakech. It is about 2.5 to 3 hours away from Marrakech, which makes it easy to reach! It is also much more developed for tourism than other beach towns. Therefore, most of the international tourist population ends up visiting this small and historic town to experience some fun and sun at the beach.
Essaouira has a humble and quiet appearance that reflects its historic past. In sharp contrast to this quietness are bustling streets that dot the town in several places. Here you’ll see woodwork, art, freshly small artifacts, and stalls of fresh fish!
If you are looking to mainly be lounging on the beach, Essaouira may not be the place for you because it is quite windy. However, Essaouira is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing because of this, so you could try some of these sports!
Most of our travelers say that they were happy for the time in Essaouira just because the pace felt different than Fes or Marrakech. The medina feels more manageable for your personal exploration.
Check out our guide: 8 Things To Do In Essaouira!
2. Agadir
Unlike many of the other smaller beach towns, Agadir is one of the biggest and most developed coastal cities in Morocco. Agadir is south of Essaouira by about 3 hours, so it will add on driving time to stay at this beach. However, if you are looking for a nice hotel resort and a true relaxing beach experience, this is the place for you!
Feel at home with a downtown that is lined with modern cafes, casinos, restaurants, modern shopping outlets and some fun filled activities at the seaside!
3. Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima is in the north of Morocco. It lies on the Mediterranean beach of Morocco. This beach town is one of the most famous tourist destinations in all of Morocco because of the abundance of private and isolated beaches along with a scenic view of the Rif Mountains. It’s also known for being one of the safest and cleanest cities in Morocco! You’ll find yourself instantly at peace in this town where mountains meet the sea.
The center of Al Hoceima is a replica of the Colonial times, with stone buildings and colonial inspired architecture. You’ll enjoy exploring the small town by foot when you aren’t at the beach.
During your stay, make sure you visit Plage Asfiha, a golden sand beach that is across from the beautiful little island Peñón de Alhucemas. Take an evening stroll here or hike up the Rif Mountains for a spectacular view of the Al Hoceima coastline.
4. Asilah
Asilah is a small beach town located in Northern Morocco along the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The blue and white walls of this town gives it a serene feeling similar to the blue town of Chefchaouen. The ramparts and city walls of Asilah are beautifully preserved, remaining fully intact.
It’s historical and quaint in a way that draws you in. You’ll feel like getting lost in your own little world as you wander the streets. This charm is one of the reasons that Asilah has become a popular favorite among foreign travelers. Because of this, it has also earned a reputation as a refuge for artists.
While two of its larger neighbor cities, Tangier and Tetouan, are far busier, you’ll find peace and quiet on these beaches. Asilah also has some of the best spots to view the sunset, the kind that can take your breath away!
5. Safi
Another fishing port, Safi, lies on the western side of Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. This beach town is one of the smaller ones in Morocco and doesn’t get as many international tourists. The beach is only a short walk from the main medina. There are plenty of interesting stalls to browse! Safi is home to some of the best craftspeople in Morocco. You’ll get to see beautifully curved vases, plates, and other pottery items.
The best beach in this town is the Paradise Beach where you can have fun in the water, take a camel ride or even play games like soccer and netball.
Are you looking for an above-average beach vacation? Try Morocco!
We recommend combining one of these beach towns with some other cities or destinations in Morocco to fully experience the culture! For example, if you’d like to tour the north of Morocco, you could visit Al Hoecima or Asilah. If you are interested in the south of Morocco, you could add on some time in Essaouira or Agadir. We would love to help you design the perfect itinerary so that you can get the most out of your trip to Morocco!