Beach holidays in Morocco
Morocco
Morocco is rapidly emerging as an alternative beach destination to the traditional ones such as Spain and Greece. All along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast there are seaside resorts that are very popular with Moroccan families on holiday in the summer and some of them are also very popular with international tourists. Some places further south are also suitable for a beach holiday in autumn.
Morocco’s best-known seaside resort is Agadir. A cosmopolitan city along the Atlantic coast where you will find the largest selection of hotels and beaches (the coastline is a good 10 km long!). It is perfect for those who want a beach holiday with all the comforts. For families and for those who want a glamorous experience. For a more traditional atmosphere. The must-see seaside town in Morocco is Essaouira, famous for its open-air grilled fish restaurants and incessant wind. Still little known to Italian tourists, but rapidly growing, is Taaghazout, a surfer’s paradise along the Atlantic coast.
If you don’t like surfing, you can relax with walks on the beach or yoga classes. If you prefer a calmer sea to the strong currents and waves of the ocean, use Tangier as a base for a beach holiday. It’s a dynamic city with many cultural attractions; the city’s beach is perfect for a bit of relaxation and from here you can easily travel to other, more fascinating locations.
Is it safe to go to the beach in Morocco?
There is no need to worry about safety as Morocco is now a modern and officially secular country. As far as clothing is concerned, you can dress in the tourist cities as you would in any European seaside resort, and this applies to both men and women: yes to bikinis, then. However, if the idea of wearing a bikini on public beaches makes you feel uncomfortable. You can opt for private beaches, which are generally frequented by an international clientele. If you are visiting a traditional fishing village. Remember that shorts and tank tops are considered underwear and it is therefore offensive to walk around dressed like this. Adapt to local customs by covering your legs and shoulders and you won’t have any problems.
Some beaches in Morocco
Taghazout Beach – Agadir
Agadir is one of Morocco’s most famous seaside resorts. Mainly due to its enormous beaches that stretch for several kilometres. If you want to stay away from the hordes of tourists who come to bask on the beach in the heart of the city. It is best to head for Taghazout beach, which is about half an hour from Agadir. Quieter and more authentic, this long stretch of sand allows you to lay out your towel without disturbing that of your neighbour. Surfing enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. In Taghazout, take the opportunity to discover the picturesque fishing village and enjoy delicious grilled sardines while admiring the ocean.
Legzira Beach – Sidi Ifni
Considered one of the most beautiful Moroccan beaches. Legzira beach undoubtedly seduces lovers of relaxation with its magnificent golden sand surrounded by majestic cliffs hit by the waves. But it is when the sun dips into the ocean that the beach reveals its most beautiful colours. The ochre-red arches carved into the rock face take on a pinkish hue that shimmers under the last rays of the day. A natural spectacle that will remain one of your most beautiful memories of Morocco. Legzira will also delight surfers, thanks to its unique waves.
Tours of Morocco
In Morocco, trains and buses are a good way to travel between the main cities. They are modern, efficient and affordable. If you want to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the country, such as the Dades Gorge or some of the traditional villages at the edge of the desert, you will need to hire a car. An itinerary by car in Morocco is a fascinating experience within everyone’s reach. Keep in mind that the distances are very long and you will often find yourself driving along winding mountain roads and in some cases even dirt tracks that will slow you down. For this reason, it is advisable to have 4 days for a classic Moroccan itinerary that touches on the main cities, the mountains and the desert.
A two-week itinerary allows you to easily visit all the most interesting places in the country and also allow time for relaxing or adrenaline-pumping activities. The advantage of having a private car is that you can tailor an itinerary to suit your tastes and interests, to be driven at your own pace. And the best option to travel around Morocco is to travel with a local Moroccan agency. I recommend you to choose “Morocco Tour Operator” agency it is one of the best travel agencies in Morocco.
Where is Morocco located?
Morocco is the westernmost state in North Africa. It lies opposite Spain, from which it is separated by a narrow arm of the sea (the Strait of Gibraltar, a name associated with literary myths and legends). It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and by Mauritania to the south and Algeria to the east. Time zone Morocco is in the same time zone as London, i.e. one hour behind Italy (two hours less when daylight saving time is in force in Italy).
Dialling code
The international dialling code for Morocco is +212. To call a Moroccan number from Italy, it is necessary to dial the prefix 00212 before the recipient’s number and not dial 0 of the area code. To call from Morocco to Italy you need to add 0039 to the Italian number; also in this case, if you are calling a fixed number, the 0 of the area code must be removed.
Flag
The flag of Morocco is red with a green pentagram star in the centre. The pentagram is a symbol of wisdom, peace, health and life. While the green is a reference to Islam, the country’s most popular religion.
Currency
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, officially abbreviated to MAD but often referred to on websites and in guidebooks as Dh or Dhr. One dirham is equivalent to approximately 0.09 euros, but of course, this figure is only indicative as exchange rates can vary over time. There are 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirham banknotes, ½, 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirham coins and 2, 4, 10 and 20 santimat coins (the “cents” of the dirham).