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Whether you’re a surfer, sunbather, or someone simply seeking a relaxed beach town vibe, Morocco’s trendy surf town of Taghazout is worth visiting. In this full Taghazout travel guide, I’ve covered absolutely everything you need to plan an epic trip!
As soon as we arrived in Taghazout, we knew we’d found a place that was right up our street!
A well-known surf town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the energy in Taghazout is infectious. The traditional fishing village’s rustic charm is mixed with a relaxed surf, yoga, and backpacker vibe – the type that blends days into weeks and results in many travellers extending their stay!
Some might say that increased developments and the newer, more boujee crowd coming for boutique hotel stays or day trips from Agadir are tainting this but I don’t think so. My impression is that the Taghazout’s soul remains strong and it’s without a doubt our favourite town on Morocco’s coast!
I believe this special town is well worth adding to your Morocco itinerary, so I’ve put together this complete Taghazout travel guide with all the information you need to plan an amazing trip!
Where Is Taghazout?
Taghazout is a small town situated right on the beach in the southwest of Morocco, 25km north of the larger Agadir.
From other popular surf towns, it’s 70km further down the coast from Imsouane and just 5km north of Tamraght.
And in relation to other Moroccan hot spots, Taghazout is 160km south of Essaouira, 275km southwest of Marrakech, and around 500km south of Casablanca and Rabat.
I’ve pinned Taghazout on the map below so you can get a visual idea of its location in Morocco.
About Taghazout
Originally a small fishing village, Taghazout made a new name for itself in the second half of the 20th Century when the epic Atlantic Ocean waves of Morocco’s west coast were discovered by the surfing community.
Word spread, and in the decades since, surfers have been flocking here in the elusive search for the perfect wave and as a result, the village began to grow. Up popped more of the white washed surf houses, hotels, and restaurants that tightly loom over the fringe of the main beach.
Development has only continued and the town’s dusty streets have expanded up into the hill behind it. There are now also boutique-style stays mixed in with the surf hostels, brunch cafes alongside the traditional tagine restaurants, and a boujee crowd joining the laidback and salty-haired surfers.
However, this is still nothing like the sprawling beach resort developments in Agadir and the surf, yoga, and skate culture still dominates the vibe in Taghazout. This is evident from the sheer number of surf shops we passed as we wandered through the narrow alleys and the crowd of people who make their way up to the skate park for sunset!
Note: You may hear the name Taghazout Bay in your Taghazout research and assume they are one of the same thing. However, to avoid confusion, Taghazout Bay is actually a completely separate modern development of 5 star resorts, golf courses, and villas, built behind the vast bay that connects the villages of Taghazout and Tamraght.
Is Taghazout Worth Visiting If You Don’t Surf?
An immediate question we pondered when Taghazout first came onto our radar was would it be worth visiting if we weren’t top surfers making the most of the world-renowned waves?
Well, we decided to visit anyway to see for ourselves and my opinion is whether you’re a surfer or not, Taghazout is absolutely worth visiting!
You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to enjoy the unique vibe that comes with somewhere that lives and breathes surf, yoga, and skate culture. And we are prime examples of this!
We may have only tried surfing a handful of times in our lives (and consider ourselves sunbathers more than surfers), but we absolutely love surf towns and the energy they have. We can never get enough of the relaxed yet upbeat and good vibes!
As well as the famous surf breaks, there are beginner-friendly spots in Taghazout too so even with our limited experience, we were still able to get another taste of the sport!
There are also plenty of beaches in Taghazout with sun loungers and parasols to rent, camels and horses to ride, and vast open stretches for those who enjoy a long coastal walk.
So, even if you have no intention of even looking at a surfboard, Taghazout is a tremendous place for a beach holiday!
Next Read: Best Things To Do In Agadir
How To Get To Taghazout
Unlike many popular spots in Morocco, getting to Taghazout isn’t as easy as taking one of the well-known coach companies (CTM and Supratours) as they don’t operate routes to Taghazout.
However, it’s still pretty straightforward and you have a few options such as the Souk To Surf shuttle bus and private transfers to make the journey here. Direct transport to Taghazout is available from Agadir, Marrakech, Essaouira, and other surf towns on the coast.
The closest airport to Taghazout is in Agadir. Therefore, if you’re coming from abroad, then I’d recommend flying into Agadir and travelling up the coast from there.
Looking for a direct transfer from Agadir Airport to Taghazout?
Book transport online and get to Taghazout quickly and easily after landing in Agadir!
Agadir To Taghazout
The best way to make the 30 minute journey to Taghazout from Agadir is by catching a grand taxi from Place Salam. These shared taxis leave when full and cost 10 MAD per person. You can pay for extra seats if you want to get going but normally there are others heading that way.
Alternatively, you can travel from Agadir to Taghazout by bus. The public ALSA L32 and L33 buses leave regularly from Place Salam costing only 5.5 MAD per person – both travel through Taghazout. However, the bus might be cheaper but they always seemed to be packed, which makes a grand taxi more convenient if you have big luggage.
The easiest, but most expensive option is to book a private car. This is best if you’d like hotel pick up and drop off as well as to choose your departure time.
Reserve Your Private Car From Agadir In Advance
Marrakech To Taghazout
The best value for money option to travel to Taghazout from Marrakech is to take the Souk To Surf shuttle bus. A seat on this comfortable and air-conditioned minibus costs 25 euros and it takes just over four hours. There are two daily departures at 10:00 and 15:25 during the surf season but this reduces to every other day in the summer.
Another option is to take a CTM bus to Agadir and then a grand taxi or public bus along the coast to Taghazout from there. This comes out slightly cheaper but in my option isn’t worth the extra time or Agadir transfer.
The most comfortable direct option is to book a private car online.
Related Post: How To Get From Marrakech To Agadir
Essaouira To Taghazout
Again, the Souk To Surf bus is the best way to get from Essaouira to Taghazout. It departs at 09:30 and 14:40 daily for 18 euros and the journey takes just over three hours.
As we didn’t know about Souk To Surf on our first trip, we actually took a CTM bus to Agadir then doubled back along the coast from there. However, we took the Souk To Surf minibus the second time and definitely recommend it!
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option you could look into either grand taxi or local bus to Tamri and then take the L33 bus to Taghazout from here.
Or if comfort and flexibility are most important, you can book a private car online.
Reserve Here: Private Car From Essaouira
Where To Stay
When choosing accommodation in Taghazout, I’d recommend staying in the town itself as it’s the most convenient location and within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and shops. Whether you choose to be on the beachfront or the back of town which spills up the hill, you’re within easy access to everywhere.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay a few kilometres north behind Madraba Beach or further south in Taghazout Bay. Around Madraba Beach is best for a quieter stay but Taghazout Bay is where you’ll find the luxury resorts like Hyatt Regency Taghazout and Fairmont Taghazout Bay.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap hostel, a surf camp package, or a boutique hotel, I’ve included my top picks for each budget below.
- Surf Coast Morocco (Surf Camp Package): Ideal for beginners and intermediates, this 8 day surf and yoga camp will take you to the best waves around Taghazout! The spacious panoramic rooftop is the heart of the surfhouse, where everyone gathers to socialise at sunset and enjoy balanced and healthy meals.
- Teddy Pirate ($): Located on the shore of Taghazout beach, you couldn’t get any closer to the waves if you tried! Stay in the best dorm room we’ve ever experienced with breathtaking ocean views and feel at home in their large lounge and rooftop terrace. Join daily yoga and surf lessons while learning from skilled instructors in small groups that allow you to really improve your skills.
- L’Auberge Taghazout ($$): With a prime location overlooking Taghazout Beach, L’Auberge features stylish rooms with sea views, and if you fancy eating breakfast on the terrace while listening to the waves, then this could be the place for you.
- Munga Guesthouse Taghazout ($$$): This boutique beachfront bed and breakfast has a rooftop and pool area overlooking Taghazout Beach. Decorated in an opulent African safari theme, complete with zebra prints, and there are also options to choose a wellness package and take part in daily yoga classes on the rooftop.
- Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout ($$$$): An all-inclusive 5-star resort with world-class service, Riu Palace Tikida is one of the finest luxury resorts in Taghazout. A 20 minute walk from town, the resort is on the beachfront of Taghazout Bay and has nine swimming pools and four restaurants, so if you want to enjoy Taghazout in ultimate luxury, then this is the place!
> Browse More Taghazout Hotels On Booking.com!
Note: Many hotels and apartments don’t have air conditioning due to a combination of riad-style buildings and the year-round sea breeze. We visited in June and August and surprisingly didn’t need AC even at night!
Things To Do In Taghazout
There are plenty of things to do besides surfing and sunbathing in Taghazout, so don’t worry about being bored!
Note: Horse and camel riding is offered all along the coast, including in Taghazout, but it’s not something I’m going to recommend. The animals we saw did look healthy and well-cared for but animal tourism is always a controversial topic so I’d suggest researching and making your own judgement.
Go Surfing
Taghazout is one of, if not the top spot for surfing in Morocco. People have been travelling from all over the world to surf in Taghazout since Morocco’s Atlantic surf scene was discovered in the 1960s.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that you’ll see surfing at the top of nearly every things to do in Taghazout list!
There are numerous surf breaks in the area for experienced surfers to check out. Some of the most famous Taghazout surf spots include:
- Anchor point
- Killer Point
- Hash Point
- Boilers
- La Source
- Banana Point
I won’t pretend to be an expert though, so for more in-depth details on each of the breaks, check out this Taghazout Surf Guide.
As I mentioned, Taghazout is also an ideal place to take a beginner surf lesson with suitable waves generally found at the Panorama, Devil’s Rock, and Anza surf breaks. Often it depends on the conditions of the day and the latter is where we ended up when Lucy joined a lesson during our stay at Teddy Pirate.
Or maybe you fancy the full experience of a surf camp which is a great option to get fully immersed and make fast progress!
While you can surf all year in Taghazout, the most popular time is during the winter months as this is when the waves are at their best. Even if you’re not a surfer yourself, head along to Anchor Point to watch those with the skills to take on huge barrels!
You might even catch a competition if you’re here in the winter too. Since Taghazout hosted Africa’s first professional surf competition in 2022, it’s been a regular on the World Surf League, as well as being featured on the World Bodyboard Tour.
Relax And Explore The Beaches
Whether you want to kick back on a sun lounger or take long coastal walks, the golden sand beaches of Taghazout provide!
Most have loungers and parasols to rent for 20 MAD e,ach and much like the beaches of other Atlantic coast towns like Imsouane and Essaouira, there’s quite a difference between high and low tide.
For a fun beach day, you don’t have to go far with the lively Taghazout Beach just a short stroll down from the centre of town. It’s a great mid-sized bay with an upbeat beach holiday atmosphere and normally a football match or two going on!
For a quieter alternative though, Bumjak Beach is a 10 minute walk to the north. Here you’ll find a cosier bay that’s less crowded than Taghazout Beach.
If you head south of town you’ll soon find the vast Taghazout Bay that stretches all the way along to Tamraght in the distance. This is a perfect beach for a long walk and the further south you get, there will be hardly a soul to share it with.
No matter which beach you choose though, you’ll never be far from a vendor selling doughnuts and mint tea!
Read the full guide: Best Beaches In Taghazout
Join The Spectators At Taghazout Skatepark
Surf and skate culture often go hand in hand, and it’s no different in Taghazout.
There’s a strong skate community here and you have to take a wander up to Taghazout Skatepark at some point during your trip.
Head up an hour or two before sunset to watch the experienced skaters whizz around and put on a real show. We even saw a rollerblader doing backflips!
There’s also a skate shop here selling merchandise and t-shirts, and they offer lessons too which you can enquire about online. It’s a great place if you fancy having a go yourself!
To get here from town, simply head north along the main road until you find an entrance to the big hill opposite Anwal Morocco Restaurant. This trail leads up to the skatepark and it’ll take you only 10-15 minutes from the centre of town.
Sandboard Down The Timlalin Dunes
With surfboards to ride the swell, skateboards to whizz along land, why not complete the trio by sandboarding down the mighty dunes of Timlalin?
Located about an hour north of Taghazout, the best way to visit is on one of the daily tours departing from town. If you’re staying in a hostel or surf camp, they may organise trips for guests or I’d recommend joining the highly rated Get Your Guide tour we did which you can book online here.
After our minivan parked up, we first made our way through a small rocky canyon and then eventually out onto the ridge of the epic dunes that look out over the Atlantic coast. The scene is just majestic!
We had an absolute blast riding down the soft golden sand slope, although, I realised that hastily hiking back up the dune in excitement gets tiring quickly!
Definitely go for the sunset tour as sitting on our boards along the ridge while watching the sun drop below the ocean was a special way to end the experience! There was a great atmosphere with several groups, music playing, and all-round good vibes!
Book The Exact Sandboarding Tour We Did – Don’t Miss Out!
Wander Along The Promenade
A great addition to Taghazout is the 5km long paved promenade which was built a few years ago.
Also known as Taghazout Corniche, this wide and beautifully manicured walkway actually runs all the way to neighbouring Tamraght, connecting the two towns.
With amazing views over the vast Taghazout Bay below, the promenade is mostly flat and makes for a pleasant walk, skate, rollerblade, or cycle.
On the promenade you can expect little shade, periodic beach access and public toilets, lots of benches to take rests, kilometre posts to track your distance, and a few luxury resorts that you’ll pass along the way.
The whole 5km to Tamraght may be a bit far, especially if the weather is hot and sunny, but you can always make your way around halfway along where you’ll find a couple of modern cafes and a large Taghazout sign.
This is what we did and we enjoyed a couple of flat whites in Espresso Lab – which reminded us of Dubai with its modern and minimalist architecture and design. Oh and with its prices too!
Visit Paradise Valley
Arguably, the most popular day trip from Taghazout is to Paradise Valley in the High Atlas Mountains, about an hour inland of the coast.
What makes this place special are the natural pools that form in the valley and the hundreds of towering palm trees that create an oasis-like setting. Coming here is all about relaxing, swimming, cliff jumping for those brave enough, and having your feet nibbled in the ‘fish spa’.
I have to give a word of warning though, that the time of year and recent rainfall have a big impact on what you’ll find in Paradise Valley. We visited in September, after a very dry summer, and were warned that the canyon was almost completely dried up with just two refreshingly cool pools to enjoy.
We still wanted to see it for ourselves though and were still able to enjoy a dip and appreciate the gorgeous palm tree-laden setting. The landscapes really are fantastic here! Paradise is a strong and sensationalised word, but the valley did feel like a kind of oasis paradise, in it’s own rustic way.
Visiting Paradise Valley independently is possible if you have a car, but we didn’t so we opted to join this tour, which we can definitely recommend for a half-day trip!
Book The Same Unforgettable Paradise Valley Half-Day Trip
Take In A Sunset At Anchor Point
Located 2km north of Taghazout, Anchor Point is not just one of Africa’s most famous surf spots, but also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Taghazout.
There are definitely nicer beaches to relax on during the day, but there’s no denying it’s a special place to watch the sun go down and the sky light up in a fiery blaze! Especially at the northern point of the adjacent Madraba Beach, which is where we enjoyed a beach walk on the firm sand during the peacefulness of golden hour.
We made the journey here from Taghazout on foot by following the pavement until Bumjak Beach and then hugging the side of the road to Anchor Point from there. This took us 30 minutes from the centre of town.
There’s also a car park behind the beach if you have your own wheels, or you can take the L33 bus. For the bus, Google Maps conveniently provides times.
Join A Yoga Class
As with surf lessons and camps, there are also many yoga classes and retreats that you can join in Taghazout.
It really is a vibey place to stretch as there are many rooftop and seafront studios which make for a beautiful setting.
The most common types are vinyasa and yin yoga with sunrise and sunset the most popular times but each place has its own timetable.
Yoga is signposted around town outside hostels, hotels, and studios so a class isn’t difficult to find! However, you can also book yoga classes and retreats online.
Although the most famous yoga spot in Taghazout is the Amouage Hotel – run by Surf Maroc – for its high-end seafront facilities!
Join A Traditional Cooking Class With Rabab
I’ll be honest, cooking classes aren’t normally my thing and you don’t normally catch me recommending one.
However, when we had the opportunity to join an authentic traditional cooking class in a local Amazigh village while staying at Teddy Pirate, we thought why not? It was the perfect chance to try the experience!
Hosted by Rabab, who we had already met in Teddy Pirate and is absolutely lovely, we knew we were in good hands before we even made the short trip inland to the village.
After arriving, we sat together and enjoyed a mint tea before Rabab, with the help of a couple of local women, led our class where we prepared and cooked tagine and Moroccan bread. Then came my favourite part of tucking into our freshly made dishes as a meal together while swapping stories and learning more about the Amazigh culture which is so prominent and historic in this region of Morocco.
We had a laugh and a joke as shall we say, some people were better than others, but Rabab’s bubbly personality made it such a wholesome experience that we thoroughly enjoyed!
There were other options for cooking classes in Taghazout, but the fact that Rabab takes you out to a local village makes it an even more authentic and insightful cultural experience! One that shouldn’t be missed!
Her online Tripadvisor reviews speak for themselves and that’s where you can book your class in advance.
Reserve Your Cooking Class With Rabab – You’ll Love It
Photograph The Iconic Blue Fishing Boats
As I mentioned, Taghazout fishing in Taghazout is still in operation today and fishermen head out in the morning in their classic blue trawlers to get their catch.
These blue and white open-hull boats have been built in this traditional shape for centuries and are impressively hand-powered by oars. Tuna, sardines, bream, mackerel, prawns and octopus are caught off the coast here.
These traditional blue fishing boats are stored not in a harbour like in Essaouira, but rather at the back of Taghazout Beach. So if you’re at the beach at the right time you’ll see them being lifted in or out of the water by a tractor.
When the blue boats are docked at the back of the beach it makes an iconic scene with the looming whitewash building backdrop. There are many paintings of this classic scene, including a large canvas in our Airbnb’s living room!
Browse For Taghazout Merchandise
One thing I was looking forward to on our visit was having a browse in the surf shops. I love surf merch and always pick up a t-shirt when in a surf town.
As we wandered around Taghazout, it was nice to find lots of local surf schools and stores selling their own merch rather than big international stores like Billabong and Ripcurl. With unique Taghazout logos and designs, we found everything from T-shirts, hoodies, rash vests, hats, accessories and more.
I did manage to control myself though and just picked up one t-shirt and some stickers for my laptop on each of our visits!
As well as the small independent stores dotted around the narrow streets, there’s also the fancier Surf Maroc shop in the northern end of town to browse in.
End The Day With A Sunset Cocktail
One of our favourite evenings in Taghazout was when we sat back in Dfrost Almugar Bohemian Berber Bar with a cocktail in hand and watched the sunset.
They have a couple of rooftop locations in the northern end of town but we opted for their small waterfront terrace which had such a peaceful vibe and a wonderful view over the ocean.
There are a couple of places that overlook the main beach, including Windy Bay and World Of Waves, but we definitely recommend Dfrost Almugar Bohemian Berber Bar!
Look Out For Colourful Street Art And Murals
As much as Taghazout is filled with the classic white building and blue shutter style that’s common on the coast, the town is also decorated with lots of street art.
And Taghazout’s prevalent surf theme continues into the art.
As you wander around town you’ll not only spot colourful artwork but also stunning surfer murals. These include the famous Ramzi Boukhiam – a Moroccan Olympic surfer.
Best Time To Visit Taghazout
The weather in Taghazout stays fairly consistent year-round with mild winters and summer temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. So, the best time to visit depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
The winter months (especially December and January) are considered the high season, with experienced surfers visiting in droves to make the most of the best waves. Expect especially big crowds over the Christmas and New Year holidays!
However, September to November and February to April offer a great balance between crowds, weather, and surf. These months still offer up good waves but with fewer people to share them with. You’ll also avoid the Moroccan school summer holidays which we found out is a hectic and noisy time in Taghazout!
Something worth bearing in mind is that it’s common in the peak summer months of July and August for overcast and hazy weather, especially in the mornings. This is caused by the big difference in temperature between the cold water and the hot air, and caught us off guard when we visited in August.
How To Get Around Taghazout
The town is small enough that you can reach anywhere by foot. So you don’t need to worry about having a car or navigating transport once you arrive.
You can even reach spots further afield like Anchor Point and Taghazout Bay within 20-30 minutes of walking.
However, if you want to venture a bit further, you can take the public bus or shared yellow taxis to nearby towns from the taxi station outside Cafe Yoba.
Where To Eat
Considering the small size of the town, we were pleasantly surprised at the mix of restaurants available.
From boujee beachfront brunch vibes, to traditional Moroccan street food, tagines, and Berber omelettes, there are a variety of options for all budgets – although prices were 5-10 MAD more per dish compared to Essaouira and Marrakech.
Some of our favourite restaurants were Taghazout Tajine Palace for its no frills, cheap and cheerful local dishes and Teapot Cafe for its tasty brunch choices – the pancake stack was delicious!
Dar Josephine, Le Spot, and Chez Titrite are some popular dinner spots and if you have a sweet tooth like me, make sure to have a dessert (I highly recommend the chocolate fondant) overlooking the beach at World of Waves!
Coffee In Taghazout
Coffee lovers will be pleased to know that you have a couple of options for good espresso coffee in Taghazout. But this won’t come as a surprise if you’ve travelled elsewhere in Morocco, as you’ll know espresso is something you’ll never struggle to find!
There aren’t the speciality coffee shops that we were spoiled with in nearby Tamraght, but our favourites were Teapot Cafe and World Of Waves. They had the best tasting coffee in our opinion!
We also loved The Wedge, a hidden gem cafe we’re glad we stumbled across. Their outdoor floor seating overlooking the water has the perfect chilled vibe and is the perfect place to unwind.
If you fancy picking up a takeaway to enjoy down at the beach, then Lea Coffee is also an option. This small but cute coffee cart serves some strong espresso!
ATMs
There is currently one ATM in Taghazout outside a car hire shop in the centre of town (opposite the grand taxis). This has a 50 MAD withdrawal fee and is known to run out of cash.
As cash is king, I’d recommend withdrawing enough money in Marrakech, Essaouira, or Agadir to save yourself any potential hassle.
There are also a couple of ATMs now in nearby Tamraght too if you’re really stuck and the closest ATM without a withdrawal fee is the Al Barid one in Aourir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taghazout Expensive?
Taghazout is slightly more expensive than the likes of Marrakech and Fes but it can still be visited on a budget with affordable food and accommodation options available.Â
How Many Days Do You Need In Taghazout?
You see all there is to see in Taghazout in two to three days but you could easily stay longer and join a surf camp or yoga retreat, or explore the nearby towns and areas.Â
Is It Safe To Swim In Taghazout?
It is much safer to swim in Taghazout now that the town is connected to the main sewage plant in Tamraght and pollutants don’t flow down into the sea. However, you still need to be careful of surfers riding waves into shore.Â
To Finish
So there you have it, a complete guide to the magical town of Taghazout.
I hope this helps you make the most out of your stay and that you love the place as much as I do!
Pin It For Later!
More Morocco Travel Guides
Heading elsewhere in Morocco? Find more detailed travel guides filled with helpful information and inspiration for your trip below.
- Best Beaches in Taghazout
- Complete Guide To Tamraght
- Essential Imsouane Travel Guide
- Best Agadir Day Trips And Tours
- Ultimate Guide To Taroudant: Morocco’s ‘Little Marrakech’
- How To Visit Taroudant From Agadir
- How To Get From Marrakech To Agadir
- Crocoparc Agadir: Everything You Need To Know For Visiting
- Best Beaches in Essaouira
Thanks, this is great! I’m gonna go there this july and august with my wife and kids ages 5 and 2. What do you think about airconditioning in the apartment? Must or no?
Cheers
Hi Lukas,
I’m glad you found the article helpful!
We were also wondering about air conditioning before our visit in June so we booked with air con just to be safe. However, we never actually used it during our time in the coastal towns. So, from our experience it isn’t needed because of the coastal wind but it might be worth having just incase, especially as you’re travelling with your kids.
I hope this helps.
Sam
Thanks again, this is really helpful!
Great info, thanks! I am looking more forward to my trip after reading all this 😀
Hi Satu,
Great to hear and I hope you have a great time!
Sam