Morocco: Surfing on the Moroccan west coast in Tamraght

Morocco has something magical about it, and the west coast is no exception. For us, it's one of our favorite travel destinations, especially because of the combination of surfing, delicious food, and authentic cultural experiences. Whether you are an experienced surfer or stepping on a board for the first time, the coastal towns of Tamraght and Taghazout offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. In this blog, we take you on a tour of the best surf spots, places to stay, culinary tips, and sights in the area. This way, you will be fully prepared for your own trip to this beautiful part of Morocco.

What should you know before you go?

Traveling through Morocco is an unforgettable experience, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you leave.

• It is useful to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. This way, you can stay connected and navigate without relying on WiFi, which is limited in some places. There are several stands offering SIM cards in the arrivals hall. The price is exactly the same. There were two of us, so we bought one SIM card so that the other person could use the hotspot.

  
  

• Upon arrival at the airport, we also recommend withdrawing dirhams (the local currency) from an ATM. Many places accept cash payments. In our experience, there are few to no ATMs outside of major cities such as Marrakesh. Even in Marrakesh itself, many ATMs did not accept Maestro cards, or did not have enough cash available.

  
  

• If, like us, you plan to drive from Marrakech to the west coast, keep in mind that you will encounter few to no places to eat along the way. Make sure you eat something in Marrakech or bring snacks with you.

  
  

• We always rent our car from Majdoline Rent A Car in Marrakesh. They offer well-maintained cars at an affordable price. After making your reservation, the car will be waiting for you in the airport parking lot. You pay in cash on the spot (so make sure you have cash with you) and you will be given the keys. You can return the car in the center of Marrakesh or at the airport, for example.

Best time to visit the west coast of Morocco

According to the guidebooks, the best time to visit the west coast of Morocco is from September to November and from March to May. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings. However, we often choose to go in January. It started with the search for a sunny winter destination, and for us Dutch, an average temperature of 18 degrees during the day is perfect. Especially under the Moroccan sun, which feels warm even in January, you can really enjoy yourself. For those who want to escape the winter cold, January is a surprisingly good choice for a visit to Tamraght and Taghazout.

Surfing in Tamraght

Just a 3.5-hour drive from Marrakesh lies the quiet village of Tamraght. Although slightly less well-known than nearby Taghazout, both villages are absolute surfing hotspots. Tamraght is a perfect destination for both novice and experienced surfers. One of the most popular surf spots in the area is Banana Point, known for its long, rolling waves that are perfect for both longboarders and shortboarders. For beginners, there are several surf schools that offer lessons and surf equipment rentals, so you can hit the water without any worries.

In addition to Banana Point, there are other spots such as Devil's Rock. This is a favorite spot for us, as we like to rent our surfboards and wetsuits from Devil's Rock Surf School & Shop. Here, you can safely leave your personal belongings and relax on the beach chairs between surfing sessions.

Where to stay in Tamraght?

In Tamraght, we love staying at the beautiful Riad Dar Haven. This guesthouse, with a courtyard pool and rooms in typical Moroccan style, is within walking distance of the beach. It offers the perfect combination of tranquility and comfort. We parked our car easily (and for free) in the public parking lot near the Riad.

Where to eat in Tamraght?

Although Tamraght is a small, quiet village, it still has a number of hidden gems when it comes to food.

• Chez Brahim is highly recommended for fresh fish dishes. Here you can enjoy the catch of the day, prepared in a simple but authentic way. The restaurant is located on the beach. We like to have lunch here after a morning of surfing.

  
  

• Le Petit Kawa is the perfect place to eat a traditional Omelette Bèrbere. This is a savory omelet filled with local herbs and spices. Order a fresh smoothie to go with it. The banana, avocado, and orange smoothie, for example, is very tasty.

  
  

• U Wood Love is a pizzeria we discovered in 2024. They had just opened at the time. Here, they make authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a wood-fired oven. A tasty change from traditional Moroccan food.

What to do in the Tamraght area?

Tamraght itself is a quiet village, but definitely worth a stroll through. In January, everything is in full bloom. There are also plenty of (well-cared-for) cats that will demand your attention. In addition to surfing and relaxing in Tamraght itself, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for excursions and adventures.

Bab Taghzout in Aourir

Aourir, also known as Banana Village, is a village next to Tamraght. Along the main road is a small souk (market) called Bab Taghzout. Here you will find handmade products such as colorful carpets, pottery, jewelry, and leather bags. We picked out a small tagine and a tea light holder here. Prices are often lower than in the tourist souks in Marrakesh or Agadir, for example.

Paradise Valley

For nature lovers, a visit to Paradise Valley is highly recommended. This oasis, located in the Atlas Mountains, is about a half-hour drive from Tamraght. The area is surrounded by palm trees and impressive cliffs. We definitely recommend starting the hiking trail from a quieter spot, away from the tourist crowds. Instead of the usual spot where the tour buses stop, drive further up the mountain. After a short drive, you will reach a smaller, lesser-known parking lot. From this location, the hiking trail begins, leading you through a much quieter and more authentic part of Paradise Valley.

We found the hiking trail to Paradise Valley more beautiful than the “attraction” itself. The route runs through the mountains between the cacti. It takes about an hour to reach the valley. Make sure you have enough water, because there is hardly any shade on the route and it quickly gets hot while walking. In the valley itself, it is a lot less relaxing to walk, as you have to share the paths with lots of groups of day tourists.

If you are in this area, we recommend stopping by Café Restaurant Le Panoramic. Here we ate one of the most delicious Kefta (minced lamb) tagines in Morocco. Made by lovely people who are very passionate about making this dish. When we were there, they also sold homemade honey, so if you have room in your suitcase, you can take some with you, or at least try some.

Visit the well-known surfing spot Taghazout

Taghazout, just a few minutes' drive from Tamraght, is undoubtedly one of Morocco's most famous surfing destinations. In recent years, this former fishing village has grown into an international hotspot for surfers of all levels. The atmosphere in Taghazout is relaxed and bohemian, with countless surf schools, yoga studios, and trendy cafés along the coast. We love to eat at the Windy Bay restaurant, where you can find unique variations on traditional dishes. For example, we had octopus from the tagine.

Souk El Had in Agadir

Agadir is home to one of the largest markets on the African continent: Souk El Had. This lively market is a real experience and the perfect place to soak up the local culture. Spread across hundreds of stalls, you can find everything from traditional clothing and handmade carpets to colorful spices and fresh produce such as olives, dates, and herbs.

It is an ideal place to buy local crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and leather bags, which are often made on site. Don't forget to haggle, because bargaining is part of the experience! In addition to the products, the atmosphere of the souk is an adventure in itself, with the smells of freshly baked bread and traditional dishes greeting you everywhere you go.

In conclusion

Morocco's west coast has something to offer everyone, whether you come for the waves, the local food, or the enchanting landscapes. Tamraght and Taghazout have surprised us time and again with their relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, and impressive surfing experiences. And although it's tempting to just enjoy the sun, sea, and surf here, it's definitely worth exploring the surrounding area as well.