Morocco borders both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, making it a land of many must-visit, unique beaches.
If you are an ocean lover who loves spending vacation sunbathing in the warm sands and swimming in blue waters, then make sure your travel to Morocco takes you to the best beaches in the country.
When you think about Morocco, your mind may drift to Marrakech, vibrant medinas, and the Sahara desert—all of these spark wanderlust for travelers. However, some might not know that Morocco also has some of the world’s best beaches, which can make anyone’s travel to Morocco a memorable experience.
Morocco’s coastline is nearly 2,000 kilometers long and runs along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The many different beaches are attractions to locals, tourists, and water sport enthusiasts.
To escape the summer heat of Marrakech or Fez during your travel to Morocco, head to beaches located in even more enjoyable and laid back must-visit cities.
Read also: In Pictures: 10 Most Breathtaking Moroccan Beaches
Martil
Martil is a small resort town near Tetouan on the Mediterranean coast, 70 kilometers from Tangier. The city has some of the bluest waters on Morocco’s coast, and its white-sand beaches, stretching to a view of a high, green mountainous landscape, gives it a mesmerizing look.
Facing the beach is a relaxing, long, palm-lined promenade where you can find coffee and ice cream shops. Just like most cities in Morocco, the locals are friendly and welcoming and will make you feel at home.
During the day, the Martil beach offers many enjoyable activities, such as soccer, volleyball, surfing, and sunbathing. At night the beach’s atmosphere is festive. Visitors enjoy the quiet sunset and hang around the beach promenade or on coffee shop terraces.
The whole country loves the beach town. It is a destination for many Moroccans in summer, so it might be crowded during these hottest months. Usually, by the end of August, it gets less busy, and with the Mediterranean waters still warm, beach activities are plentiful.
Read also: Weather, Festivals, Holidays: The Best Time to Travel to Morocco
Asilah
The laidback town is located south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast. It is charming with its white painted walls, blue doors, annual cultural festivals, and the old medina that keeps the city’s atmosphere bright and festive throughout the year. Asilah also attracts visitors for its famed street art.
Just a couple kilometers south of the medina, you will find the beautiful and relaxing paradise beach where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the cool breeze while looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Locals aside, Asilah’s beach is considerably less busy in summer compared to others in Morocco. This makes it one of the best beaches in Morocco for anyone who wants to have a spot to themselves, away from the bustling cities and distanced a bit from other beach-goers.
To arrive at the beach, you can either take a taxi or make your journey a little more exciting by taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, called “caleche.” At the beach, locals also offer you horseback rides along the waterfront to explore its different landscapes.
Read also: Travel to Morocco: Your Guide to the Historic Imperial Cities
Legzira
Legzira beach has captured the attention of many people around the world because of its unique aesthetic. It is located between the towns of Mirleft and Sidi Ifni, about three hours south of Agadir.
Undeniably one of Morocco’s best beaches, it has a fascinating and majestic geological formation of red arches and sandstone cliffs. This makes the atmosphere magical, especially under a dazzling sunrise or sunset. All colors of the sky, the rocks, and water collide to paint the perfect image of nature.
During low tide, you will be able to explore around and under the magnificent thousand-year-old arch while enjoying the shore of the Atlantic. You can climb up the cliff for different views of the rocks and ocean, or you can just relax and take in the beautiful landscapes in front of you.
After a long day at Legzira Beach, you can head to the captivating and formerly Spanish outpost city of Sidi Ifni. It has one the most peaceful and laid back atmospheres of towns in the area, with Spanish art and modern murals decorating the city.
Read also: Travel to Morocco: 6 Tips on Cultural Etiquette
Essaouira
The historical city of Essaouira is an attraction for many tourists, travelers, and Moroccans. It is perfect for those looking to escape big cities and enjoy the vibrant medina, with its exotic vibe, and the long Atlantic beach.
American rock star Jimi Hendrix visited the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1969. One year later, the renowned Jamaican singer Bob Marley made a visit, which cemented the town as an attraction for hippies and artists.
The peaceful town is also a primary target for surfers, kite surfers, and windsurfers. They can engage in their water sports while enjoying the glimmering sands and the peaceful, relaxing, and airy atmosphere of the town.
Facing the beach are the many restaurants that serve seafood and grilled fish, as well as many other dishes that you can enjoy while taking in the ocean view. At the beach you can also take kite surfing lessons from local shredders or go on sunset tours on the long-stretching beach dunes.
Read also: The Hidden Gems of Essaouira’s Cafe Scene
Bouznika
Halfway between Rabat and Casablanca is the resort town Bouznika. The beach in Bouznika is one that should not be missed with its golden sand, covered with little seashells, and beautiful, blue, calm waters.
The peaceful beach town is one the 26 beaches in the country that is internationally certified with the “blue flag” for its environmental integrity and preservation. The beach also has a palace overlooking buildings where many restaurants and coffee shops are located, adding to the beach’s unique atmosphere and beauty.
Traveling to the imperial city of Rabat is a perfect opportunity to visit Bouznika, one of Morocco’s best beaches. Fishing boats meet to sell fresh fish such as sole, whiting, monkfish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs, or other shellfish. Weekends are popular times for the locals to take to the beach. For a more relaxing and cozy atmosphere, opt for a weekday visit.
Read also: Six Things You Should Know When Traveling to Morocco
Dragon beach, Dakhla
Dakhla is almost a heaven on earth, located in Western Sahara. The town has a mix of Amazigh (Berber) and Spanish influence that is visible in its culture, traditions, and architecture that remains from colonial times.
Dragon beach is a small island that stands out in the Atlantic ocean with clear blue waters and white dunes, giving it a perfect minimalistic aesthetic. It earned the name Dragon beach because it almost forms the shape of a dragon when seen from one side.
The beach island is a destination for water sport enthusiasts from all around the world. If you are lucky, you might visit the resort during its international annual Kitesurfing World Championship, which can be an exciting and fun experience.
At Dragon beach, you can either enjoy water sports as you watch the birds diving in the water to catch their meals, sometimes even getting a glimpse of a dolphin sticking its head out. You can also just relax on the dazzling warm sand and take in the beauty of nature.
To visit Dakhla you can either catch a plane from the Casablanca airport or travel by land, passing through the vast Sahara desert and many villages to observe unique cultures and beautiful scenery.
Read also: In Photos: Why You Should Go Surfing in Morocco
Morocco is the diverse land of old medinas, imperial cities, mountains, modern European-influenced cities, deserts, and a variation of beaches stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean.
Each coastal city in Morocco has a beach that is unique. This list will help you learn more about the best beaches in Morocco and allow you to set your targets easily for an unforgettable travel experience.
