10 Best Beaches in Morocco

Saïdia is one of the most popular and longest beaches of Morocco, offering an impressive 14 km of white fine sand and a generous sun shining all year round. Its crystal-clear, turquoise-blue waters have earned the title, the ‘blue pearl’, making it ideal for snorkelling and other water activities.

In addition to swimming or just relaxing on the beach, you can also enjoy a more active holiday. Take your pick from various water sports or explore the natural bird preserve that surrounds the area. If you’re into music, visit Saïdia in August during the traditional music festival, with lots of folk musicians showing their skills.

Dalia is a beautiful beach located in the north, and famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear, peaceful waters. At just 1 km long and 60 metres wide, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a small beach with a local atmosphere. If you want to enjoy the shore before it gets too crowded, the best time to visit is early morning or during off-peak seasons, as Dalia has risen in popularity with travellers lately.

You can relax, sunbathe and enjoy the sea, while observing the fishermen from the neighbouring fishing village heading out to sea on their blue wooden boats. Or bring your binoculars with you and observe the ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar.

With red sandstone cliffs against a blue sea, there is a tangible magic about Legzira beach. You almost feel like you’re on a mystical desert island. An iconic, naturally formed stone arch reaches out into the ocean to create an amazing view, especially during sunset when the last rays of sun make the red sandstone glow. The arch is only accessible when the tide is low, so make sure to plan ahead.

Situated in a remote location in southern Morocco, this beach doesn’t get too crowded and is the perfect gateway to admire nature’s beauty. The strong tides make swimming inadvisable, but the beach is loved by sunbathers, sunset chasers and sports enthusiasts such as paragliders and surfers.

With its glorious year-round sunshine and the impressive 12 km stretch of white-golden sand, the Agadir beach in southwest Morocco is a paradise for every beach enthusiast. The shore is surrounded by the warmth of the Atlantic Ocean, and the natural curve of the coastline makes the waters calm for swimming. 

This urban oasis is popular with locals and visitors alike. You’ll see families enjoying a day out, football players having a good time with friends and joggers getting in their workout. You might even spot camels taking a walk on this gorgeous beach. When the tummies start to rumble, just walk across the promenade for snacks, street food or a hearty meal. 

Located in the middle of Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, the wide, sandy Essaouira beach is a breath of fresh air during a hot summer’s day. The beach tends to be on the windy side all year round, making it a great place for surfing and kitesurfing, but not so much for swimming.

Due to its long stretch, this beach is rarely crowded, so it’s the perfect spot for long meditative strolls. The fresh breeze and the relaxed, cosy atmosphere will make you want to walk along the beach forever. When you’re feeling peckish, there are many small cafe-bars and seafood restaurants to choose from along the 5-km-long beach promenade.

Nicknamed ‘Morocco’s best-kept secret’, Oualidia might be well-known among locals, but is very much a hidden gem for visitors. It makes for a perfect coastal escape, especially during off-peak season. Protected by the lagoon, the shallow waters are ideal for swimming as the waters are warmer and calmer than the open sea. The picturesque, sandy cove is also a hotspot for bird watching. If you’re lucky, you can even see flamingos.

Oualidia is a small fishing village a few hours’ drive away from Marrakech, and the centre of oyster production in Morocco. Be sure to sample these oysters and other seafood at the beachside restaurants, or try some delicious grilled fish, cooked by local fishermen right on the beach.

The Martil beach is located by the Mediterranean Sea about an hour’s drive away from one of the largest cities in Morocco, Tangier, making it a popular destination among locals. The beach is happily situated next to bright green mountains, who are home to many restaurants and cafes that offer you a breath-taking, panoramic view of the coast. 

The scenic beach is an 8-km-long strip of sand famed for its crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect beach holiday. The smooth and shallow descent into the sea also makes it safe for children to splash about and have fun. Don’t forget to take pictures of the views while you’re here.

Achakar beach is located about 20 km from Tangier, which makes it both easily accessible and popular among locals and visitors. With its fine, sandy beach and turquoise water, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. Get here early for a prime sunning spot, as it can get crowded during the summer season.

It’s last beach on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline before the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re into Greek mythology, be sure to check out the Caves of Hercules, an archaeological cave complex said to be where Hercules rested after completing his 11th labour. Spot cave markings in the shape of eyes and where Berber people cut stone wheels from the walls.

The aptly named Paradise Beach is located 7 km to the south of the old, fortified town of Asilah, and it’s one of the largest beaches in Morocco. Sprawled beneath the cliffs, it’s not the easiest to find as the route is quite steep. However, once you get there, you’re rewarded with a utopia of beautiful golden sand and crashing waves, making this a great place for surfing and bodyboarding.

In the summer months, this beach is extremely popular, but during off-peak season it’s practically deserted, making it a romantic getaway for couples. Find a spot under one of the pretty thatched umbrellas and while away the sunny hours with your loved ones.

With its gorgeous mountain scenery, golden sand and clear, incredibly deep-turquoise-coloured waters, Plage de M'Diq beach leaves little to be desired. Located on the Mediterranean coast 14 km north of Tétouan and looking like it was plucked from a promotional postcard, this beach is just made for relaxing days of swimming and sunbathing.

As the beach is located in a thriving urban area, it has a lively atmosphere with many cafes and bars to choose from, all of them serving up fresh seafood and unforgettable views. The easy location and great landscape make this the perfect beach to soak up the sun and unwind.