Last updated on May 20, 2026
Just north of Agadir in Morocco, the coastline begins to feel a little wilder, a little more creative, and a lot more laid-back. This is where you’ll find Taghazout and Tamraght, two former fishing villages that have quietly evolved into some of Morocco’s most popular surf hubs. I, like many others, first caught sight of the towns on Instagram and instantly added them to our Morocco itinerary for something a little different to the main tourist spots.
While many people come to Agadir for an easy resort-style break, if you’re looking for something with a bit more personality and less polish, this stretch of coast is a good option. But don’t go there expecting a hidden gem: both towns are squarely on the tourist map, especially Taghazout.
Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Taghazout and Tamraght, and how to get the most out of your trip there.
Also see our guides to how to plan a family holiday in Morocco, a 14-day Morocco road trip itinerary, things to do with kids in Morocco, and the most special places to stay.
What’s the difference between Tamraght and Taghazout?
Taghazout is the bigger and more established of the two. It’s no longer a secret and there’s a lively buzz, plenty of surf schools, and an increasing number of larger hotels and resorts popping up along the coast. It still has charm, but it’s definitely on the well-trodden path. It’s a good choice if you want to be able to wander between cafés, shops, restaurants and the beach.
Tamraght, just a few minutes down the road, is more low-key and underdeveloped. It’s spread out and slightly set back from the sea, with a growing collection of surf houses, yoga spots and design-led cafés. It has a creative, up-and-coming feel, the kind of place where you stumble across a beautifully styled coffee shop next to a dusty building site. This will appeal to some and repel others. It’s also on a hill, so you need to be comfortable with uphill treks and walking along rougher roads. We had a car, which made things easier.
Which is better for families: Tamraght or Taghazout?
Taghazout is arguably better for families because it’s so compact and walkable. Tamraght is more difficult, especially if you don’t have a car, plus it has a younger feel, more orientated towards surfers in their 20s and 30s.
However, the experience really comes down to where you stay. A well-chosen surf house or villa in either place can work beautifully with kids, but some properties in both towns are geared more towards people in their twenties and surfers. Because the surf is unpredictable, I’d ideally choose somewhere with a heated pool and/or playground. I’ve shared some options in the ‘where to stay’ section.
For families, I’d keep expectations realistic. This isn’t a place packed with attractions. It’s more about beach, surf, food, sunsets and slow days.
Why visit Taghazout and Tamraght instead of Agadir?
Agadir is the easier, more resort-style choice with bigger hotels, a long beach promenade, and more infrastructure. But if you’re looking for somewhere with more character, Taghazout and Tamraght are more interesting.
They’re scruffier, saltier and less polished, but that’s also their charm. This is where you come for surf culture, independent cafés, sunset walks, rooftop breakfasts and a more local-feeling beach break. It’s not the place for seamless pavements and slick resort life, but if you want something different to a standard fly-and-flop, it’s a great choice.
Things to know before you go
- Tamraght is hilly and not very buggy-friendly.
- Roads and pavements can be rough, especially away from the main areas.
- It can be windy, especially on the coast in the afternoons. We had a full storm while there in April where it was unsafe to be outside.
- The beaches aren’t always pristine – this isn’t a polished resort destination and there’s a big litter problem.
- Taxis are useful, even for short distances.
- Some surf houses are more geared towards younger travellers than families, so check the vibe before booking.
- The sea can be rough depending on conditions, so always take advice before swimming or surfing with kids.
- After heavy rain, some people advise avoiding the sea for a couple of days due to water quality concerns that can cause sickness.
Things to do in Taghazout and Tamraght
Life in both towns revolves around the ocean, but there are also ways to mix things up when the surf is down or you fancy something different. Here are some of the best things to do in Taghazout and Tamraght.
Take a surf lesson
The main draw for most visitors to Tamraght and Taghazout is surfing. This stretch of coast is famous for it, with a mix of beginner waves alongside more advanced breaks like Boilers and Tamri.
There are tons of surf schools and houses where you can make a full holiday of it (more on that in the accommodation section).
The surf schools will take you to whichever beach suits the conditions that day (often Crocos or Panoramas for beginners). We tried a session with Easy Surf Morocco, whose teachers are great with kids.
If you’re travelling as a family, it’s worth asking about smaller group sizes or private lessons, as sometimes little ones can benefit from the extra attention.
Hang out at Taghazout skatepark
One of the coolest spots in the area is the skatepark in Taghazout, perched above the ocean with sweeping coastal views. It’s easily one of the most scenic skateparks you’ll come across.
Even if you don’t skate, it’s worth stopping by. Come late afternoon when the light softens and people gather to watch the sunset.
If you’re interested in learning to skate, there are local instructors in both Tamraght and Taghazout. You can find out more on the Taghazout Skatepark site.
Do a day trip to Paradise Valley
A popular excursion in the area, especially on days without waves, is a trip to Paradise Valley. It’s a series of natural pools set within a palm-filled canyon in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, about 45 minutes from Tamraght.
It’s a beautiful spot for swimming and short hikes, but the conditions need to be right. After rain, the water can turn brown and the paths become slippery, and in peak times it can get very busy.
It’s also not the easiest with younger kids as there’s uneven terrain and some scrambling involved. Most people suggest it’s better suited to children around 8+. We didn’t go because it was too stormy while we were there, plus we felt it was too risky with our 5-year-old.
There are lots of guided tours to Paradise Valley, starting in both Tamraght and Taghazout.
Go shopping in the markets
Shopping is a must in Morocco, and the experience in Tamraght/Taghazout is a relaxing alternative to the huge souks of Marrakesh. We found it to be a nice introduction to Moroccan shopping.
Bab Taghazout, near Tamraght, is a good starting point. It’s a small handicraft market with ceramics, textiles and homewares, plus a little cafe too.
On Tuesdays, there’s a community market in Tamraght, or you can go into Agadir to experience a bigger souk. Our kids loved the little market, searching for Moroccan treasures.
Beyond that, you’ll also find many trendy boutiques in both Tamraght and Taghazout. I loved the homewares and clothing in Daydream Tamraght. But my favourite souvenir is the mug I got with my coffee from a little van in the market.
Walk the boardwalk
For something simple, the coastal promenade between Tamraght and Taghazout is a lovely way to get between the two villages.
It’s roughly 5km, mostly flat, and ideal for a stroll, scooter ride or sunset wander. You’ll pass beaches, cafés and surf spots, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the coastline. It takes around 45 minutes to walk.
Have a hammam
A visit to a hammam is one of the quintessential Moroccan experiences, and there are options ranging from very local bathhouses to more spa-like settings.
Traditionally, hammams are public bathhouses where locals go for a weekly scrub and soak. These are simple, communal and very authentic, but can feel a bit full-on if it’s your first time. Most travellers opt for a private hammam instead, which keeps the same ritual but in a more comfortable, spa-like setting. Illel Spa in Taghazout and Tamraght Spa House are popular options.
Try a yoga class
Surf and yoga tend to go hand-in-hand here, and lots of surf houses and hotels run rooftop yoga sessions, including Easy Surf where we stayed. Even if you’re not staying somewhere that includes it, there are drop-in classes around Taghazout and Tamraght. Teaspot and Ocean Tribe are good options.
Visit the Rainbow Village
Just north of Taghazout, the ‘Rainbow Village’ is a little cluster of homes on the coast, all painted in joyful blocks of colour. It’s almost entirely residential with no restaurants or cafes, but worth a stop for the experience and photos. The kids loved spotting their favourite colours, and there’s a little playground on the beach too.
The Rainbow Village (officially called Aghroud) is a short drive from Taghazout (around 15 minutes) or around 45 from Agadir.
Go sandboarding at Timlalin Dunes
For something completely different from the beach, head north to the Timlalin Dunes, where golden sand dunes roll down towards the ocean. It’s far from the expanse of the Sahara, but a good taste of the desert vibe if you’re low on time.
You can try sandboarding here, which is great fun, and do-able even with little kids (our 5 year old loves it!). I was worried at first as the dunes look super steep, but it’s easy to control your speed, and if anything, it’s hard to go fast.
You can also ride ATVs and camels through the dunes, and the setting alone is worth the trip, especially around sunset when the light over the dunes and ocean is at its best.
The dunes are around 90 mins from Tamraght, so work well as a day trip, often combined with a visit to Imsouane.
Do a day trip to Agadir
Agadir is only around 30 minutes away and makes for an easy half-day trip if you want a change of pace.
Much of it had to be rebuilt following the earthquake of 1960, so it’s more modern than places like Marrakech and Essaouira, but there’s still a souk to explore, plus an attractive marina and long, wide beach. You can also take a taxi up to the Kasbah for panoramic views over the coastline.
Go to Danialand waterpark
If you’re travelling with kids and want an easy win, Danialand (just outside Agadir) is a waterpark with loads of slides for all ages.
It’s designed as a full family day out, with 16 pools, 14 waterslides, giant pools, and areas aimed at both children and adults.
It’s a good one to keep up your sleeve if you want a break from the beach, especially on a windy day or when the sea feels too rough for swimming.
Ride the cable car
There’s a cable car experience in Agadir, which runs up to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella. It’s the only cable car in Morocco and gives you sweeping views over the city, coastline and surrounding mountains. The ride takes around 10 minutes and feels like an attraction in its own right, rather than just a way to get from A to B.
Visit Crocoparc
Crocoparc is another easy outing, especially with younger kids. It’s home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles, along with landscaped gardens and shaded walkways.
It’s well maintained and easy to navigate, and while it’s not a full-day attraction, it’s a fun and low-effort option to break up your time on the coast.
Visit Imsouane
While we really enjoyed our time in Tamraght and Taghazout, it’s worth saying that Imsouane – about an hour further north – stole our hearts a little more. It’s quieter, more picturesque, and has a slower, more untouched feel. It’s about an hour north of Taghazout, so you could feasibly do it as a day trip. If it’s just
Places to eat and drink in Tamraght and Taghazout
Food in Tamraght and Taghazout is a mixture of traditional Moroccan and classic surfer fare –lots of smoothie bowls, good coffee, and casual places where sandy feet are welcome.
In Tamraght, there’s a surprisingly strong café scene. You’ll find thoughtfully designed spaces like Hey Yallah, Daydream Home Goods, and Nour – all great for coffee stops or a slow breakfast. But don’t overlook the simpler options either. Some of our favourite moments were grabbing coffee from tiny pop-up setups in the back of people’s cars. Often they sell handmade mugs too, which make for a lovely souvenir.
For something more substantial, Let’s Be Café is a go-to for colourful breakfasts and nourishing lunches. If you’re with kids, Play Surf House and U Wood Love both have easy, crowd-pleasing menus in a relaxed setting. U Wood Live does pizza delivery, which we found handy with the kids.
Over in Taghazout, the waterfront comes into its own in the evenings. Head down for sunset and pick a spot overlooking the ocean. We liked Wow Surf House for its easy vibe and sea views.
Alongside the trendy cafés, make sure to try some of the simple local staples too – msemen with honey (my favourite!), Berber omelette, tagine, and mint tea on the beach.
Where to stay in Taghazout and Tamraght
There’s a big range of accommodation to choose from in Tamraght and Taghazout, from barefoot surf houses to polished resorts.
Here are a few options we recommend.
Paradis Plage
If you’re after something more refined, Paradis Plage is one of the most stylish resort options in the area, with a calm, design-led feel that works well for families who want a bit of comfort alongside the surf scene. It’s fairly expensive, but worth it if you have the budget and would like an easy option.
Private rentals and Airbnbs
There are some great Airbnbs in Tamraght and Taghazout that have the benefit of things like private pool sand kitchens, which are ideal for families. I like the look of these ones…
- Modern duplex with private pool in Tamraght
- Stylish modern apartment with pool in Taghazout Bay
- Apartment in Taghazout Bay with playground, games and pool
- Oceanfront home at famous surf spot, Anchor Point
Surf houses
For something with more local character, consider a surf house. These often come with a more relaxed, communal atmosphere and can be a great way to meet people. It’s worth checking the vibe and latest reviews, as most lean more towards solo travellers and couples than families. We stayed at Easy Surf Morocco, which had a nice big family room and lovely staff, but we were the only people with kids. Paradise Surf also comes highly recommended.
Family surf retreats
There are also some groups that offer specific family retreats where they hire a villa and tailor the retreat to families. These don’t have the same flexibility as the permanent surf houses, but if your dates align, this would be an ideal way to do a family surf trip. We love the look of Kin Morrow.
How long do you need in Taghazout and Tamraght?
I’d say two or three nights is enough in Tamraght/Taghazout if you’re adding it to a wider Morocco itinerary. That gives you time for a surf lesson, a sunset at the skatepark, a slow café morning and a wander between the two towns.
If you’re here mainly to surf, you could easily stay longer. But if you’re travelling with kids and want more variety, I’d combine it with Essaouira, Marrakech or Imsouane rather than spending your whole trip here.
Would I recommend Taghazout and Tamraght?
Yes, but not to everyone. If you want a polished beach resort, go to Agadir. If you want a quieter, more soulful surf village, I preferred Imsouane. But if you want an easy-to-reach surf coast stop with good cafés, beach life, sunsets and a bit of creative energy, Taghazout and Tamraght are well worth adding to a Morocco itinerary.