It is recognized as one of, if not the top spot for surfing in Morocco. While originally a small fishing village, Taghazout made a new name for itself in the second half of the 20th century when its epic waves were discovered by the surfing community.
The Vibe of Taghazout:
Taghazout is a place for travelers who are not interested in standard all-inclusive packages and who love enjoying the romance of an authentic Moroccan coast.
The town retains a unique rustic charm blended with a relaxed surf, yoga, and backpacker vibe. This unique energy is infectious and often results in travelers extending their stay.
Since the 1950s, the village has evolved from a popular stop on the “Hippie Trails” to a modern surf hub, but its soul remains strong. Surfboards lean outside cafes, and the constant salty breeze dominates the atmosphere.
Recent developments include the construction of luxury hotel complexes (like Fairmont and Hyatt Regency) and the renovation of roads. A new 5 km pedestrian seaside promenade has also been completed, connecting Taghazout with the nearby village of Tamraght.
Where is Taghazout?
Taghazout is a small town situated on the beach in the southwest of Morocco.
It is located 19 km north of Agadir.
It is 5 km north of Tamraght and 70 km further down the coast from Imsouane.
It is approximately 160 km south of Essaouira and 275 km southwest of Marrakech.
Is Taghazout Worth Visiting If You Don't Surf?
Yes, Taghazout is absolutely worth visiting, even if you do not surf. You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to enjoy the unique energy that comes with a place that lives and breathes surf, yoga, and skate culture.
There are plenty of golden sand beaches for relaxing and sunbathing, vast open stretches for coastal walks, and numerous other activities available.
Taghazout vs. Tamraght vs. Imsouane (Choosing the right location):
The sources provide clear comparisons for choosing your location on the coast:
Taghazout:
This village is livelier, more compact, and a shorter walk to the main beaches and surf breaks. It’s ideal for social travelers and those who want a bit of nightlife. It has become home to more expensive boutique hotels and modern restaurants.
Tamraght:
This village is quieter, more spread out, and has more of an authentic local community feel. It is a popular destination for those looking for a little R&R, with more modern hostels and cafes.
Imsouane:
This spot is much smaller than Taghazout, much more remote, and offers a non-commercial atmosphere. Its famous Bay wave is ideal for longboarders and beginners seeking long, slow rides.
Getting To Taghazout:
The Closest Airport (Agadir/Al Massira)
The closest airport to Taghazout is Agadir-Al Massira (AGA). Agadir is about 193 kilometers south of Essaouira and 241 kilometers southwest of Marrakech. For much of the year, round-trip tickets from Europe to Agadir are often cheap.
Agadir to Taghazout:
The 30-minute journey from Agadir to Taghazout can be completed using a few methods:
Private Taxi/Transfer:
Chartering a private taxi is the easiest and most convenient option, taking about 40 minutes to an hour and costing approximately 300 DH (about €30) for the entire car.
Grande Taxi (Shared Taxi):
You can take a regular taxi to a Grande taxi stop in Agadir. Sharing a spot costs about 15DH, and the taxi will leave when full.
Local Bus:
The public ALSA L32 or L33 bus runs from Agadir’s Place Salam to Taghazout, costing only 7 dirhams. However, the bus might be packed, making a grande taxi more convenient, especially with luggage.
From Marrakech or Essaouira to Taghazout:
The major coach companies (CTM and Supratours) do not operate direct routes to Taghazout; they stop in Agadir.
Souk To Surf Transfers:
The Souk To Surf shuttle bus is the best value option for a direct transfer from Marrakech (€25, four hours) or Essaouira (€18, three hours). This comfortable, air-conditioned minibus is highly recommended.
Getting Around Taghazout:
Once you arrive, the town is small enough that you can reach anywhere on foot. It takes only about ten minutes to walk from one end of the village to the other.
Promenade:
The 5km paved Taghazout Bay Promenade connects the village to Tamraght, offering a pleasant walk, skate, or cycle with amazing views.
Local Transport:
For further excursions, local taxis or the L33 public bus are available from the taxi station outside Cafe Yoba.
Where to Stay?
Taghazout offers accommodation for every budget and preference, from affordable luxury to simple surf hostels. One key advantage is the ability to rent a room or apartment right on the shoreline or at least with an ocean view.
Accommodation Types:
Surf Camps & Hostels:
These are ideal for meeting other travelers, socializing, and taking surfing or yoga classes. Examples include Teddy Pirate, Hashpoint Surf Camp, and Amayoursurf Hostel. Surf camp packages often include accommodation, meals, surfing, and yoga classes.
Boutique Hotels & Guesthouses:
These offer a more atmospheric stay, such as World of Waves (WOW), Munga Guesthouse, and Amouage by Surf Maroc.
Luxury Resorts:
Further south in Taghazout Bay, you find new, large resorts like the Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Hyatt Regency Taghazout, and Radisson Blu Resort Taghazout Bay.
Options for Digital Nomads and Workation:
Taghazout is a great place for freelancers looking to work remotely.
Dedicated Spaces:
The area offers a number of coworking spaces. Sun Desk is highly recommended as a dedicated co-working and co-living place where guests can enjoy a wonderful terrace and food.
Cafes:
You can also work from several cafes, such as WOW cafe/surfhouse restaurant, which has a beautiful terrace and comfortable working indoor space.
Surfing in Taghazout:
Taghazout is Morocco’s “surfing mecca”. The location is famous for its diversity of waves, catering to enthusiasts of all levels.
Best Time to Visit for Surfing:
While you can surf all year round in Taghazout:
Winter (December/January):
This is considered the high season for experienced surfers, as the waves are at their best and biggest.
Shoulder Seasons (Sept-Nov or Feb-Apr):
These months offer a great balance of good, consistent waves and fewer people to share them with. The weather is still pleasant (around 25°C).
Summer:
The gentler summer swells offer much friendlier conditions for learning to surf.
Famous Breaks by Skill Level:
| Surf Level | Spots | Details |
| Beginner/All Levels | Panoramas, Devil’s Rock, Anza | Panoramas is the main break, great for beginners as it breaks onto sand. Devil’s Rock is located near the end of the promenade in Tamraght. |
| Intermediate/Advanced | Anchor Point, Hash Point, Killer Point, Mysteries, La Source, Boilers | Anchor Point is the most famous wave in Northern Africa, best on low-mid tides with optimal swell heights of 10-12ft. Hash Point is renowned for a wedgy right-hander. |
Essential Gear Warning: Rock Bottoms and Reef Safety
While the waves are world-class, many of Taghazout’s intermediate and advanced breaks are characterized by rock or reef bottoms.
Reef Boots are Non-Negotiable:
Breaks like Hash Point (rock and sand bottom), Anchor Point (rocky entry), Mysteries, and Boilers all require caution. To prevent cuts and injuries when entering or exiting the water over the tricky rocky ledges, Morocco Surf & Stay highly recommends packing and using reef boots (booties).
Booking Lessons and Packages
Taghazout is full of surfing schools, coaches, and regular courses for beginners. Many surf camps and hostels, like those offered by Morocco Surf & Stay, provide weekly packages that include accommodation, meals, surfing, and yoga classes.
Things to Do Beyond the Waves:
Yoga and Wellness:
Yoga is extremely popular in Taghazout, with many places offering yoga retreats and classes open to all vacationers.
Rooftop Classes:
Classes are often held on rooftops, particularly at sunrise and sunset, making for a beautiful setting.
Injury Prevention:
Stretching your muscles after a long surf day helps prevent injuries. Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa is known for its dreamlike ocean-view yoga room.
Skate Culture:
The fusion of surf and skate culture is evident in Taghazout. The Taghazout Skatepark, built for the local community by skaters from around the world, is located on a hill overlooking the ocean.
Sunset Viewing:
The view from the skatepark is wow. It is one of the best spots to catch the sunset.
Day Trip to Paradise Valley:
Paradise Valley, about 34 km inland from Taghazout, is a popular day trip destination.
The Oasis:
It’s famous for its natural pools formed by the Tamraght River and towering palm trees, creating an oasis-like setting in the High Atlas Mountains.
Activities:
Travelers can swim, jump from cliffs, and enjoy a free fish foot spa.
Planning Tip:
It is worth arriving before 9 am to avoid the crowds, as it becomes extremely popular with local Moroccan families by 10 am. If you don’t have a rental car, hiring a private taxi or joining an excursion is the simplest option.
Sandboarding at Timlalin Dunes (Small Sahara)
Located about 45 km north of Taghazout, the Taboga Dunes (also known as Timlalin Dunes) offer a spectacular experience where massive dunes have piled high, allowing for fantastic panoramic views.
Adventure:
You can try sandboarding on the dunes, which is popular here. The sunset tour provides a special end to the experience.
Seafood and Dining
Eating fresh seafood by the ocean is a must. Fishermen sail in every morning, bringing in the catch of the day, which is sold both on the beach and in local restaurants.
Local Favorites:
For traditional Moroccan food, Taghazout Tajine Palace offers many tagines. Cafe Tayoughte serves up some of the best local Moroccan cuisine, including the Berber omelette. Teapot Café is recommended for tasty brunch choices and healthy options like smoothie bowls and fish tacos, often catering to vegan and gluten-free diets.
Culture and Immersion
Blue Fishing Boats:
The traditional blue and white fishing boats are stored at the back of Taghazout Beach and make an iconic scene against the whitewashed buildings.
Boutiques and Art:
Taghazout’s charm includes its narrow lanes filled with creative shops selling custom-made shirts, local art, and surf gear. Look out for the colorful street art and surfer murals as you wander the town.
Practical Safety and Travel Tips:
Money Matters (ATMs and Cash)
Cash is king in Taghazout, as many shops prefer cash, and some restaurants that cater to European clientele may accept cards.
ATMs are Scarce:
There is currently only one ATM in the center of Taghazout, outside a car hire shop. This ATM charges a 50 dirham withdrawal fee and is known to run out of cash.
Actionable Tip:
It is highly recommended to withdraw enough Moroccan Dirhams in a larger city like Agadir, Essaouira, or Marrakech before arriving in Taghazout to avoid hassle and fees.
Health and Water Quality Expert Guide
Concerns about health and water quality are common, but recent infrastructure improvements have made the situation safer.
Tap Water Caution:
It is best not to drink the tap water in large quantities, as foreign travelers can have difficulty dealing with unfamiliar bacteria, even though the water is decontaminated. Bottled or filtered water is the safer option.
Seawater Safety:
There has been an ongoing issue with water quality, particularly at Taghazout Beach and Panoramas, due to past sewerage issues, making some travelers sick.
The Improvement:
The water quality has improved now that the town is connected to the main sewage plant in Tamraght. Most people swim and surf without issues today.
Expert Action Plan:
Contamination can still be a risk, especially after heavy rain when the water turns murky and brown. To ensure a clean surfing experience, Morocco Surf & Stay prioritizes daily surfari trips to breaks further from the village center—like Killer Point or more secluded beaches (Madraba beach, La Source). Traveling surf camps often facilitate access to consistently cleaner water, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
The Morocco Surf & Stay Edge:
While many hotels and hostels offer standard packages, Morocco Surf & Stay offers expertly guided all-inclusive packages designed to simplify the vacation and eliminate logistical friction.
All-Inclusive Ease:
Our surf camp packages bundle accommodation, quality food (including healthy and specialty options), transport to the best daily surf spots, lessons, and activities.
Unique Adventure Package:
For guests who are non-surfers or who want a break from the waves, we offer an Adventure Holiday Package. This package allows for cultural immersion and relaxation through bundled activities, including the sandboarding tour at Timlalin Dunes and guided trips to Paradise Valley.
Authentic Cultural Immersion:
We offer experiences like an authentic traditional cooking class hosted by locals in a nearby Amazigh village, which offers a unique and insightful cultural experience beyond the usual tourist path.
Ready to Catch Your Moroccan Wave?
Taghazout is a rapidly expanding destination that perfectly blends traditional Moroccan coast life with a laid-back, world-class surf environment. Whether you’re chasing the famous barrels of Anchor Point or seeking a week of yoga and sunshine, this village offers a memorable experience.
To learn more about our expertly guided packages, which handle all the logistics—from specialty dining and clean water surf trips to cultural excursions—check our availability today.
