Updated March 2024
We have included links which may contain an affiliate link and if you decide to purchase or book any accommodation through these links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you from the sale.
MOROCCO TRAVEL INFO
LANGUAGES | ARABIC, BERBER (Many also speak Spanish and French due to historical colonial rule)
CURRENCY | MOROCCAN DIRHAM (MAD)
POPULATION | 37 million people
INTERESTING FACT | Morocco is home to the largest desert in the world, the Sahara desert.
When you think of Morocco, you may think of colourful handcrafts, busy streets and delicious food. But did you know Morocco also boasts a spectacular coastline dotted with picturesque villages and beaches that are a traveller’s dream?
Escape the busy souks of the city and chill by the coast in Taghazout, the perfect place to soak up the sun and ride the Atlantic Ocean waves. This sleepy fishing village is a surfer’s paradise with the ultimate chilled atmosphere, ideal for anyone on the search for a destination that has both beautiful beaches and adventure.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay not far from Agadir, Taghazout is a fantastic option with plenty of beautiful boutique hotels such as Amouage, Munga Guesthouse and World of Waves you can enjoy staying right on the oceanfront close to great surf.
If you decide to stay in Taghazout, this is a great base for exploring the Moroccan coastline and recently visited the magical village of Imsouane, the laid-back fishing village which is home to Africa’s longest wave.
We both visited Morocco for the first time back in 2011, where we slept in the Sahara desert overnight and climbed Mount Toubkal. Returning to this beautiful country was always on our list and it did not disappoint!
Where is Taghazout?
The popular village of Taghazout is located on the south west coast of Morocco, 19 km north of Agadir, one of the most visited cities in the south of the country. The village is set in the foothills of the High Atlas mountain range, connected to the Atlantic ocean.
What is Taghazout known for?
The small town of Taghazout is at heart a traditional fishing village where blue boats line the beach. Each morning the fishermen make their way out to the ocean to catch fish that is sold fresh later that day. The colour scheme of the blue and white fishing boats continues to spread onto the houses in the village.
Taghazout is a popular place for surfers and offers a generous number of surfing spots, from Anchors Point for the more advanced to Taghazout Bay which is ideal for beginners. Surfing in Taghazout is an unforgettable experience, with beautiful sandy beaches and perfect waves making this a popular surf spot in Morocco and the world.
How to get to Taghazout?
The closest airport is Agadir Al-Massira International Airport which is an hour's drive to Taghazout. We took a taxi which cost 300 dirhams (£24/€27/$29) and is a fixed price without room for negotiation.
There are options for car rental which will cost around 125-150 dirhams (£10-12/€11-14/$12-15) per day which is a great idea if you want to explore more of the coast at your own pace, or you have limited time to rely on public transport.
There are shuttle buses that run from the Agadir airport to Taghazout, Souk to Surf run routes in the area and it’s worth checking online whether these routes are running.
ALSA City Agadir runs regular buses from Agadir City to Taghazout via Line 32 and Line 33 which takes an hour. They also run a daily airport shuttle service from Monday to Sunday which serves most of the city centre of Agadir.
Some hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services and in most cases, this is an additional cost.
How to get around Taghazout?
Taghazout village is easily accessible by foot, beaches are within a few minutes walk depending on where you’re staying. If you’re staying in Taghazout village you will be relatively close to shops, beaches and local amenities. If you’re staying at a hotel resort along Taghazout Bay, this is a bit further from the main village. There are options to hire a bike, scooter or car from the main street in Taghazout. If you don’t have a hire car, there are taxis stationed throughout the day on the main street in front of Cafe Yoba that take to you to nearby sites including Paradise Valley, Imsouane or the Timlalin dunes. There are also options to book tours with local guides to show you some of the best things to do in the area.
What to take with you whilst visiting Taghazout?
Many will come to surf some of the best waves in Africa where a surfboard is a must to try them out for yourself! Don’t worry about bringing your own, there are plenty of surf shops to hire a surfboard from for the day, 80 dihrams (£6/€7/$8) for half day rental. You’ll find local shops that sell fruit, vegetables and local crafts in Taghazout. There is also a pharmacy and surf shops that sell towels, mementos and zinc sun cream.
Most places accept card, however it is worth carrying cash for taxis and places that do not accept it. When you arrive at the airport there are currency exchange bureaus and ATMs and you’ll find ATMs in Agadir. However, there are none in Taghazout, the nearest ATM is in Aourir. We use a travel card called Revolut which is really easy to use and does not charge you for using it abroad.
When is the best time to visit Taghazout?
The surf season runs from September till April with the most popular months for waves are November and December. If you’re not a surfer and just looking for some winter sun then you’ll find warm temperatures year-round, with temperatures averaging 26°C throughout the year and there is little rain due to it’s semi-arid climate. The best times to visit is from January to July and from September to December for the best weather. We visited in January and enjoyed the warmer winter sun where we could sunbathe on the beach in comparison to the snowy UK weather at the time which makes it a great winter getaway!
Is Taghazout worth visiting?
Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s definitely worth visiting Taghazout village if you’re looking for a relaxing, chilled place to enjoy sunshine and scenic ocean views. This is the perfect, low key, under the radar destination that is a much quieter alternative to the nearby popular cities such as Agadir, Marrakech and Essaouira. Couple the relaxing charm of a fishing village with delicious Moroccan cuisine, it's the perfect recipe for a relaxing getaway.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Taghazout?
It is recommended to drink bottled water when visiting most places in Morocco including Taghazout. Most cities will treat their water, however whilst visiting Morocco it is recommended to drink bottled water, as there is still a possibility of getting sick from drinking tap water. You may find some hotels will offer filtered water to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
There was also a recognised sewage problem in Taghazout which has now been repaired and is connected to a treatment plant. Good hygiene is important to avoid getting ill, so remember if you pet any stray dogs or cats, to wash your hands thoroughly after. We carried antibacterial hand gel with us that we would use before we ate or stroked a cute stray kitty!
What should I wear?
If you are visiting in the winter like we did, it’s still worth bringing a jumper as it does get cold in the evenings. Some days can be a bit cooler when there is a wind chill. When visiting Morocco, you’ll notice that it is acceptable to wear shorts and t-shirts. Swimwear such as swimming costumes and bikinis are also worn on the beaches, however it’s recommended that you cover when walking around towns and cities.
What are the visa requirements for Morocco?
As a UK citizen, you are not required to have a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist. You are entitled to a maximum of 90 days to stay in the country and you must have a valid passport. Before you arrive you must print and complete a passenger health form (check gov.uk for current advice) to be handed in when you land in Morocco. The passenger health forms are provided when you arrive, however we’d recommend doing it beforehand to save you time. This will make the airport process a bit quicker when arriving.
What are the best things to see and do in Taghazout?
Chill on the beach
You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the many beautiful golden sandy beaches! Spend a lazy day on the beach with your favourite book or just watch the surfers catching waves. Choose from Taghazout Bay, a beginners surfer paradise with long rolling waves and local traders serving mint tea, or Taghazout beach which is within the village where you can take a dip to cool down from the sun and close to restaurants. Finally, there’s Madraba beach, a quieter alternative with incredible sunset views.
Explore Surf and local craft shops
As a surfers paradise, you’ll find a number of small surf shops dotted across the village. One of the most curated is Surf Maroc, a company that offers surf lessons, yoga lessons and sells surfing gear and clothing.
Go on aN adventurE
There are many day trip adventures from Taghazout including; Paradise valley a sheltered oasis, set within a palm covered valley where you’ll find beautiful natural pools surrounded by mountains. This little slice of paradise is home to waterfalls, mountain gorges and pristine natural pools. Here you can explore this natural paradise for the day, admire the pools and picturesque nearby villages.
Imsouane is a nearby village known as a hidden gem in Morocco, with one of the longest waves to surf in the world. If you looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush then try sand boarding in the Sahara desert and stay the night in a nomad camp! Read more about our experience staying in the Sahara desert overnight.
Surf the waves
There’s plenty to do if you’re not a surfer but even if you don’t surf this is a great place to learn. As one of Africa’s best surf destinations, the waves in Taghazout are great for both beginners and more advanced surfers. You’ll find plenty of shops to hire a board for the day or you can join a group lesson with a surf instructor. Many of the surf hostels and guesthouses offer surf packages including Amouage which includes food, transport and a great way to meet other like-minded travellers!
Explore the streets
When we visited there was construction along the streets as there’s a lot of investment going towards the improvement of the infrastructure of this ever increasingly popular surf village. Whilst exploring the streets you’ll meet friendly stray cats, beautiful plants, and local crafts. You might spot some street art inspired by the surf culture this fishing village is know for.
Where to eat in Taghazout?
Windy Bay
This was one of the best places we found to eat in Taghazout, not the cheapest but there are affordable options on the menu. The suspended straw lampshades and cacti set the chilled atmosphere at this relaxed, beachfront spot serving beautifully presented food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved having breakfast here, our favourites include the smoothie bowl and the avocado brunch costs 85 dihrams (8€/£7/$9). They also have a co-working space where they offer daily, weekly and monthly rates where you can work with a view of the ocean!
Restaurant Le spot
This restaurant has a massive menu selection and is located on the main street of Taghazout village with a choice of tagines, pizza, burgers, Lebanon wraps all at affordable prices 40-60 dihrams (€4-6/£3-5/$4-6). The owner was really friendly and service was great.
Restaurant Florida
We ate here on our first night, Restaurant Florida is a small place but popular! The menu includes burgers, wraps, Moroccan dishes and is located on the main high street with affordable prices. We would recommend the kefta tagine and margherita pizza. A great place to watch the world go by whilst eating a hearty meal.
World of Waves
This restaurant is right next to Windy Bay and slightly more affordable if you’re on a tighter budget but still want the beachfront views. Enjoy a continental breakfast for 50 dihrams (£4/€4.50/$5), they also serve toasties, burgers, tagines, and fresh fish. Also part of a surf house, World of waves offers digital nomads the use of their beachfront space at an additional cost.
Where to stay in Taghazout?
There are different types of accommodation in Taghazout to suit a variety of travellers. There are self-catering apartments that include space to do your own cooking with the option of an ocean view. There is also a selection of boutique hotels and guesthouses in Taghazout Village and larger resort hotels along Taghazout Bay.
Surf hostels are also a popular option that can offer backpackers and solo and couple travellers an affordable budget option. This accommodation will usually have a communal area and either shared or private bathrooms depending on the hostel and your budget.
One of the best places to stay in Taghazout is somewhere with a rooftop, where you can admire the views from above and of course, check the surf conditions. We stayed in Golven Surf which is a roof house hostel in Taghazout with some of the best views to watch sunrise and sunset.
An option some surf houses offer is a minimum of 7 night packages that are tailored to your interest whether it’s improving your surfing, yoga retreats or being surrounded by other women who surf. It could be a great option if you plan to stay for a longer period and get to meet people as a solo traveller.
Budget £
Amayour surf hostel
Amayour Surf Hostel is located right next to the beach with a roof terrace and kitchen facilities. Options to have a double room with a shared bathroom from £31 per night.
GOLVEN surf hostel
We stayed at GOLVEN Surf for 3 nights, as it is located right in Taghazout village close to the main street with a beautiful rooftop terrace to watch sunrise and sunset. Golven Surf is an affordable roof house hostel in Tagazout with a communal cooking area to cook food and rooms vary from private rooms to dormitory rooms including private bathrooms from £21 per night.
Mid range ££
L’Auberge Taghazout
A beachfront hotel with a shared lounge, rooftop terrace and restaurant. L’Auberge offers yoga classes with a view of the ocean, there is Wi-Fi and is located in the centre of the village. Prices for rooms range from £70-£98 per night and all come with a private bathroom.
World of Waves
Opened in 2016, the World of Waves is a boutique hotel that offers seven rooms all with breathtaking sea views and are each decorated beautifully. There is a rooftop terrace and the hotel offers surf lessons and yoga classes.
Breakfast is included in the price with rooms starting at £91 per night for a double room, not including a service charge. A minimum of two nights is required to book a room at World of Waves. Book a room online at World of Waves for your incredible ocean-side getaway.
Teddy Pirate Coliving
The price is £48 for two nights in a dormitory, £65 per night for a triple room and for a King suite, it would cost £116 per night. Breakfast is available at an additional cost. Located right on the beachfront Teddy Pirate has a shared lounge, and terrace with sea views.
Luxury £££
Fairmont Taghazout
A five-star resort located on Taghazout Bay, Fairmont was recently selected on Conde Nast Travellers Hot List for 2022. Prices for rooms start from £147 per night and breakfast is included in the price. The complex includes restaurants, bars, a fitness centre and swimming pools.
Amouage
A beautiful boutique hotel located in Taghazout village on the beachfront with a spa, rooftop yoga garden, bar and infinity pool. Amouage offers surf and yoga experiences and also has a villa, surf shop, yoga retreat and surf school. Prices start from £763 for the week of accommodation only, and £109 a night for bed and breakfast.
Amouage also offers surf coaching which is available for a minimum of 4 nights for their surf packages. These packages include airport transfer, meals and daily transport to the best waves. Contact Amouage directly if you’d like to stay for a shorter amount of time. Taghazout villa is a self-catering accommodation with views across to Anchor Point where rooms start from £189.
Munga guesthouse
A boutique hotel, only a few hundred metres away from the beach, Munga Guesthouse offers beautifully decorated rooms. There is a restaurant, rooftop pool, relaxing terraces and prices start from £114 per night, 3 nights minimum are required to stay. Book your stay at Munga Guesthouse for an unforgettable and unique experience in Taghazout. We’d recommend staying in the Driftwood and Africa rooms, read all about our experience staying at Munga Guesthouse in our detailed guide.
