Taghazout: Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling
Taghazout is a colourful little surf village in the Sous-Massa region of Morocco. Home to the world-renowned Anchor Point, Taghazout is a hub for surf tourism. Surf nomads have been making the pilgrimage to the desert waves since the 1960s and the hippie origins of the village remain.
Whilst the influence of western blow-ins is evident in the density of surf camps, boutique hotels and co-working spaces, the traditional elements of Taghazout as a rural Moroccan village remain. Together, the amalgamation of cultures blend to create a bustling atmosphere that is uniquely Taghazout.
There are a huge number of surf camps and white shanty apartments situated just above Taghazout Beach. The main strip is a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, so wherever you stay in Taghazout you’ll never be more than a 10-minute walk from the water.
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Moroccan Travel Essentials
- First and foremost, get travel insurance with SafetyWing. They’re super affordable and one of the few companies that let you buy insurance mid-trip.
- Book the dreamiest Moroccan abode on Booking.com. They’re my go-to for accomodation because you can save loooaads with their loyalty discounts.
- Or if you’re after the one-stop-shop, BookSurfCamps is the best place to find surf camp packages in Morocco.
- Find the best local tours with GetYourGuide. It’s the easiest way to visit places like Paradise Valley or Timlalin Dunes.
- Make sure you’re connected as soon as you get off the plane with Airalo’s Moroccan eSIM.
- Set up a Wise travel card to save on international transaction fees.
- And if you’re working online (or want to watch Netflix in your downtime) I highly recommend getting set up with a SurfShark VPN.
And you’re sorted.
How to get to Taghazout?
The closest airport to Taghazout is Al Massira, belonging to the neighbouring city of Agadir (14km away). From Agadir airport you can catch a taxi to Taghazout. The standard price is 300dh (about €30) for the whole car.
Alternatively, you can fly to Marrakech or Essaouira. Both of which offer regular and reliable bus routes to Taghazout.
Check out this post for a full breakdown of the travel routes to Taghazout; including transport options and pricing.
When is the best time to visit Taghazout?
It’s pretty much beach weather all year round in Taghazout, so no matter when you visit – you’re going to have a good time.
In short, the winter months are best if you’re coming to Morocco in search of world-class waves. Whereas, if you’re a beginner, then the gentler summer and shoulder season swells offer much friendlier conditions for learning to surf.
This post breaks down the seasons in Tamraght/Taghazout; detailing the weather patterns, surf conditions and peak tourism months, to help make your travel planning a little breezier.
Or check out this month-by-month breakdown for the best times to surf in Morocco.
What visa do I need for Morocco?
Citizens from most countries are eligible to stay in Morocco for 90 days without a visa.
This includes Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and countries within the UK and Europe, among others. See the full list of countries exempt from an entry visa.
If you wish to stay in Morocco for more than 90 days, you must leave the country and have your passport stamped upon exit. There is no waiting period required before returning; so, you can potentially leave Morocco and return on the same day, providing you a further 90 days.
Read this detailed guide to visas for Morocco.
What currency does Morocco use?
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (DH).
10dh roughly equates to €1 (10.81dh = €1.00), so for quick maths, just drop a zero.
Some tourism businesses will accept euros (e.g. when paying the city taxes at a hostel). But it’s best to always have some dirhams on hand.
What language do they speak in Morocco?
The two official languages of Morocco are Darija (otherwise known as Moroccan Arabic), and Amazigh (or Berber).
Most Moroccans can also understand classical Arabic. At least half of the population can speak French, and in the north of Morocco, Spanish is widely spoken. English is growing in popularity, particularly among young Moroccans.
Learn the most useful Darija phrases for your travels here.
Can I surf in Taghazout?
Absolutely. Taghazout and the surrounding coastline have an abundance of surf breaks, providing waves for surfers of every level. From notorious right-handers like Anchor Point, north of Taghazout; to consistent beach breaks like Anza, south of Tamraght.
There are at least three surf breaks within walking distance of Taghazout village. K17, Panoramas and Hash Point. At least three more if you’re a keen stroller. If you’ve got a car, you’re spoilt for choice.
For adept surfers, the best time of the year to get waves is between October and March. For beginners, the summer months and shoulder seasons offer friendlier waves for learning.
Taghazout – and the central surf coast region – are centred around surf tourism. So whether you already shred, or you’re keen to give surfing a go – Taghazout is a dream destination for a surf adventure.
Check out the full list of surf spots near Taghazout.
Can I buy alcohol in Taghazout?
There are a handful of bars and restaurants in Taghazout that serve alcohol. However, you cannot buy takeaway alcohol in the village.
Check out the complete list of nightlife and bars in Taghazout.
You can buy takeaway alcohol at Carrefour in Agadir, as well as a few liquor stores. Agadir is just a 30-minute drive from Taghazout. See taxi prices here.
Can I drink the tap water in Taghazout?
It’s best not to.
The tap water in Morocco is decontaminated and most locals drink it with no problems. However, our foreigner guts can have a harder time dealing with the unfamiliar bacteria.
The water is safe to wash and brush your teeth with. But it’s best to avoid drinking large quantities of it.
Bottled water is available everywhere, but I advise bringing your own filtered water bottle. Morocco’s got enough on its plate with rubbish as it is, we don’t want to add to the problem.
I recommend the LifeStraw Go Series – Water Filter Bottle. You can fill it straight from any tap and it filters out all bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, etc. Ideal for Moroccan travel. Your arms will thank me when you don’t have to lug 5L water bottles up the hill to your accommodation each day.
See more tips on avoiding getting sick in Taghazout here.
Will the seawater in Taghazout make me sick?
Potentially.
Over the years there has been an issue with sewerage flowing into the ocean near popular surf spots like Banana Point and Panoramas. There are loads of stories of travellers getting a crook belly after surfing.
In recent years efforts to reroute the sewerage and clean up the beaches have improved the rates of people falling ill. Now it’s a matter of hit and miss; most of the time you can swim at the beaches around Taghazout with no problems.
However, it’s still best to avoid swimming/surfing after storms and heavy rainfall. The water becomes noticeably murkier as it all gets stirred up into a big brown mess. It’s advised to give the ocean a few days to settle before surfing.
The Moroccan Government has an online tool you can use to check the current water quality status of most beaches. Check it out here.
Find more tips on avoiding getting sick in Taghazout here.
What should I wear in Taghazout?
Whilst coastal areas of Morocco generally have a pretty laidback vibe, it’s still important to keep in mind that Morocco is an Islamic country. Moroccans living in rural villages (including Tamraght and Taghazout) tend to be more devout, and more conservative than those living in the cities.
As a tourist, you’re not expected to cover up from head to toe. But it pays to show a little respect and cultural awareness. Shorts and T-shirts around the village are fine, but walking around with no shirt is a bit off. Likewise, bathers on the beach are acceptable, but tanning topless is pretty ignorant.
See more tips on respecting culture while travelling Morocco’s surf coast.
Can I buy a SIM card in Taghazout?
Yes. You can purchase a SIM card at one of the local mini markets or electronic stores. Often they also hand out free SIM cards in the Agadir airport arrivals hall (these are completely legit).
Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM in advance for ease and convenience.
See everything you need to know about SIM cards, including data prices and how to recharge.
Should I stay in Taghazout or Tamraght?
As a top-line answer, Taghazout is busier, more compact and a shorter walk to the beach. Tamraght is quieter, more spread out, and has more of an authentic local community feel. Read my full comparison of Tamraght vs Taghazout.
The two surf villages are only a 10-minute drive apart, so it’s entirely possible to stay in one village and split your time between the two.
See all transport options for travelling between the villages.
How to get from Taghazout to Tamraght?
You can get to Tamraght from Taghazout via bus or taxi. It’s a 15-minute ride by car.
Bus lines L32 and L33 leave from the centre of Taghazout every 20-30 minutes. The fare is 7.5dh (€0.75).
You can also take a taxi from the main road. Private taxis will charge 50-100dh (€5-10) for the whole car. Collective taxis will charge 5dh (€0.50) per person.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling up to it, you can walk from Tamraght to Taghazout along the corniche (boardwalk). It’s a super nice walk alongside the beach and takes about an hour.
See the complete guide to travelling between Taghazout and Tamraght.
Are there ATMs in Taghazout?
There is one ATM in the centre of the village. There is a transaction fee of 50dh (€5). You can find ATMs with smaller fees in Agadir.
Cash is king in Morocco. Most shops, cafes and restaurants in Taghazout don’t accept eftpos, so it’s best to keep cash on you at all times. This will come in super handy when you’re sitting at the beach and need a couple of dirhams for a mint tea or a donut.
Hot tip: Always choose to be charged in the local currency when withdrawing from an ATM. Being offered to pay in your own currency is a sneaky trick banks use to get a few extra dollars/euro/pounds out of you.
See the complete Taghazout travel guide for where to stay, where to stay and what to do.
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