Taghazout, Morocco: Your Ultimate Travel Guide (2025 Edition)
Last Updated on 21st July 2025 by Jessie
Planning a trip to Taghazout? This ultimate travel guide to Taghazout, Morocco shares everything you need to know—surf breaks, where to stay, what to do, and more.
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.
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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.
What to Expect in Taghazout
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.
See my suggested 5-day Taghazout travel itinerary.
How to Get to Taghazout
The closest airport to Taghazout is Al Massira, belonging to the neighbouring city of Agadir (24km away). However, the airport itself is 48km from Taghazout.
The next closest airport is Essaouira – 152km away, followed by Marrakech – 274km from Taghazout.
How to Get to Taghazout From Marrakech
Bus:
There is no direct bus route from Marrakech to Taghazout, but there are several buses from Marrakech to Agadir each day. The bus takes around 3 ½ hours to get to Agadir. The two main bus companies in Morocco are CTM and Supratours. You can buy a ticket online in advance, or in person directly from the bus station.
Bus ticket: €9 – €15
Shuttle or Private Taxi:
If you’re travelling with a group, or as a family with young kids, then it’s probably best to book a shuttle from Marrakech to Taghazout. If you’re travelling solo, or with a pal – the bus will be far cheaper.
Shuttle: €120 (entire car, not per person).
There are many companies offering private transfers from Marrakech to Taghazout. The prices will vary, but €100 – €120 is reasonable. Easy to book online.
How to Get to Taghazout From Essaouira
Bus:
When booking a ticket, you won’t find a route listed from Essaouira to Taghazout. However, you can catch the bus towards Agadir and request the bus driver to make a stop in Taghazout. Both CTM and Supratours bus companies offer this route and you can purchase a ticket either online or at the bus station.
Bus ticket: €7-12
Shuttle:
If you’re not too keen on the bus, then Souk to Surf offers regular shuttle services from Essaouira to Taghazout. It’s fairly cheap, super reliable and easy to book online.
Shuttle price: €18
See my ideal 10-day Taghazout to Essaouira travel itinerary.
How to Get to Taghazout From Agadir Airport
Taxi:
As the airport is located half an hour from the city centre, catching a taxi directly to Taghazout is your best option. There are numerous taxis waiting outside and the standard rate to Taghazout is 300dh for the entire car (about €30).
Private Transfer:
You can also pre-book a private driver in advance for ease and peace of mind.
I highly recommend Ayoub – he’s a Tamraght local so he’ll have no trouble finding your accommodation and will go out of his way to give you all the best tips and tricks for your stay. Contact Ayoub on Whatsapp: +212 654 727 623
Ayoub’s price: 300dh (€30)
See the full breakdown of transport options to Taghazout.
When to Visit Taghazout
In short, the winter months are best if you’re coming to Taghazout 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.
With that said, the sun shines almost all year round in Taghazout. So if you’re looking for a cheap, unique beach holiday destination then there’s no bad time to visit.
The summers are hot and dry with an average temperature of 31°. Whereas the winter days settle around an easy 20.5°, with the evenings dropping to an average of 12.5°. As long as the sun is in the sky, you can expect a comfortable day at the beach.
See the full breakdown of surf, weather and tourist seasons in Taghazout.
How Long to Stay
This really depends on how much of a surf/beach bunny you are, but I recommend a minimum of 3 days in Taghazout. Not because there is a huge amount to see and do in the village, but because the main appeal of Taghazout is the essence of the place, and I think you need that long to properly get a feel for it.
As for maximum days in Taghazout – you’ll have to let your heart be the judge on that one. For some, 5 days will be plenty. And for others, particularly those seeking a surf refuge over winter, you will be frantically looking up the visa requirements for Morocco to see how long you can extend your stay. (It’s 90 days, in case you’re wondering.)
What to Do in Taghazout
1. Surf
Or attempt to. Taghazout is a hub for surfers of all abilities. Whether you’re travelling to the surf coast to spend the winter months surfing your brains out, or you’re simply ready to spend a week splashing around in the shallows in sacrifice for those 3 seconds of glory when you finally manage to catch a wave on your feet – Taghazout welcomes you.
Check out the full list of surf breaks in the area.
If you’re travelling to Taghazout to begin your surfing journey, check out my top tips for learning to surf.
2. Eat a Berber Omelette on the Beachfront
Nothing says holiday on the Moroccan surf coast like starting your morning with a Berber omelette and pot of mint tea whilst watching the surf. It’s the Moroccan equivalent of an Açaí bowl in Uluwatu. But with far more of a protein punch to prepare you for a day in the waves.
See my list of the best cafes and restaurants in Taghazout.
3. Catch the Sunset at Taghazout Skatepark
Those who love to skate, and those who have a hard enough time navigating solid terrain as it is can both unite in this one. The Taghazout skatepark is a thing of beauty. Hence the plethora of reels and stories that circulate Instagram every day.
The skatey sits perched up on a hill above Taghazout, overlooking the vast expanse of Atlantic Ocean from Anchor Point to Anza. A patchwork of artwork by locals and travelling creatives covers the concrete, adding to the oh-so-tempting photo op as the muted pink and orange sunset hues settle over the park.
For more info on the Taghazout skatepark, as well as all parks in the area – check out this guide to skateboarding in Tamraght.
4. Take a Day Trip to Imsouane or Paradise Valley
If you’re hiring a car and have the time to spare, I highly recommend taking a long leisurely road trip up the surf coast, stopping in at all of the rural villages along the way. But if you’re a bit spooked by the prospect of driving on Moroccan roads (same), Taghazout can be the perfect base camp to set off on daily adventures.
Most surf camps will include day trips to Imsouane and Paradise Valley in their packages, or offer them as additional extras. Alternatively, it’s easy enough to navigate the trip to Paradise Valley on your own. As for Imsouane, the company Souk to Surf offers daily shuttles from Taghazout. But with the timing of departures, you’re probably going to want to make it an overnight sojourn, at least.
5. Get a Hammam
I fear hammams may not be for everyone, but I’m going to go ahead and preach their glory nonetheless. After days or weeks spent marinating in the surf and the desert sun, your lizard skin is going to be crying out for a little hammam-loving.
Hammams are not for the faint-hearted. So check out my words of wisdom to prepare you for your first hammam experience.
6. Drink Mint Tea on the Beach
I know I’ve hyped up Taghazout as a surf village, but there’s no obligation to get amongst the waves if that’s not your cup of tea. There is an obligation however to partake in a cup of freshly brewed Moroccan mint tea. Or three or four. Local vendors carrying hot furnaces parade the beaches of Taghazout every day selling cups of coffee and mint tea for 20 or 30dh (€2 or €3).
Alongside the troupe of other eager pedestrian salesmen putting in the hard yards. Expect to be offered an array of hot donuts and pastries, sweet and spiced nuts, icecreams, beach towels, handwoven jewellery and knock-off Prada sunnies. It’s Taghazout‘s iteration of a shopping centre; but better in every imaginable way.
For more hot tips, check out my full list of the top things to do in Taghazout.
Surf Breaks in Taghazout
PANORAMAS
Surf level: All levels.
Wave: Sandy bottom point and beach breaks.
Direction: Right hander point; lefts and rights on the beach break.
Panoramas is the main surf break in Taghazout, just an easy 5-minute walk down from the village. It’s a great surf spot for beginners because it breaks onto sand and serves up long, smooth rides. It’s also one of the easiest point breaks in the area, great for those who are ready to take the training wheels off and graduate to green waves. Be warned though that the currents can get pretty strong, so some solid paddling is required.
The point break works on low tide and the beach breaks on high tide. On bigger swells (i.e. 5ft+), Panoramas shapes up as a quality wave for shortboards.
HASH POINT
Surf level: Intermediate to advanced.
Wave: Point break with rock and sand bottom.
Direction: Right hander.
Paying homage to the early surf hippie pioneers of Taghazout Bay, Hash Point was the go-to spot for surfers who were too stoned to make the trek out to Anchor Point. It works on all tides. Hash Point offers a great wedgy right, but it’s also renowned as one of the riskier surf spots in Taghazout for scoring a case of Maroc belly.
ANCHOR POINT
Surf level: Intermediate to advanced.
Wave: Point break.
Direction: Right hander.
Anchor Point (known as Almadraba in Darija) is easily the most famous wave in Morocco, if not in Northern Africa – so expect company. It works best on low-mid tides and the optimum swell height is 10-12ft. In these ideal winter conditions, Anchor Point serves up speedy, hollow barrels. If you’re really lucky, the bigger swells can set you on one long ride all the way into Taghazout.
To access the break, you need to jump from the rocky cove and then paddle hard through the current – so it’s by no means suitable for beginners. If you’re not quite ready to tackle it yourself, it’s still one of the best surf spots around to watch. Anchor Point is about a 15-minute walk north of Taghazout village, so still easily accessible without a car.
MYSTERIES
Surf level: Intermediate to advanced.
Wave: Point break and beach break, with reef and sand bottom.
Direction: Right hander.
Mysteries and La Source are the lesser-celebrated neighbours of Anchor Point. Situated just 100m north on the next stretch of beach, the two breaks are great alternatives when Anchor Point is too crowded.
Of all the surf spots near Taghazout, Mysteries has one of the trickiest take-offs. Big swells cause the wave to whirlpool over the shallow reef. However, once you’re on, the wave isn’t too technical. It offers big, thick slabs that hold well in easterly offshores, and a nice wall of wave on the beach break. It works best on mid and high tides.
Check out the full guide to surf spots around Taghazout.
Where to Eat and Drink
CAFÉ TAYOUGHTE
Whenever I make the trek to Taghazout from Tamraght, I make a beeline to Café Tayoughte. It’s a quaint little eatery situated on the beach side of the village serving up some of the best local Moroccan cuisine in the region. There are about half a dozen tables overlooking the ocean, so you can watch the surf at Hash Point while you fill your belly. The small menu includes a traditional Moroccan breakfast (must-try), tagines of all varieties, omelettes and sandwiches. All bases covered.
Recommend: Berber omelette and Moroccan salad for 30dh (€3) – an absolute steal.
TEAPOT CAFÉ
Local Moroccan cuisine should always be your first port of call, but when you’re all tagined-out, Teapot Café is well worth a visit. They offer all the usual suspects of your favourite trendy spot back home: smoothie bowls, avocado toast, poke bowls and veggie burgers. Everything is super fresh and they have loads of vegan and gluten-free options.
All cafes and restaurants in Taghazout with a western tourist-focused menu will be a little more exy, but the food at Teapot Café gives a worthy bang for your buck. Located in the centre of the main street, it’s a super popular spot for travellers and has a good social atmosphere.
Recommend: Single Fin tacos for 70dh (€7) – easily the best fish tacos I’ve had in the Northern Hemisphere, ooof.
MSEMEN CART AT TAGHAZOUT TAJINE PALACE
Sitting at the top of the Moroccan must-try treaty list is msemen. Otherwise known as Moroccan crêpes, but more like Indian paratha or roti. They are super flaky, pan-fried layers of dough, served sweet or savoury with any variety of fillings. The best msemen in Taghazout can be sourced from the cart at the front of Taghazout Tajine Palace. The restaurant itself is probably great too, but I can only vouch for the msemen.
Recommend: Msemen with honey for 7dhs (€0.70).
See my full list of recommendations for cafes and restaurants in Taghazout.
Where to Stay
Best Hostel
Tazuri Surf House
Dorm room from €20/night.
Best Private Room
Riad Dar Sarah
Double room from €96/night.
Best Entire Apartment
Traditional Moroccan House
Two-bedroom apartment from €100/night.
More tips:
- Tamraght Travel Guide
- Imsouane Travel Guide
- Essaouira Travel Guide
- Mirleft Travel Guide
- 10-Day Moroccan Surf Itinerary
FAQs for Taghazout, Morocco
Are there ATMs in Taghazout?
Yes, there is one ATM on the main street in Taghazout.
Can you buy alcohol in Taghazout?
No, you can’t buy takeaway alcohol in Taghazout. However, there are many bars and restaurants that sell booze.
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.
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.
Is Taghazout good for beginner surfers?
Yes, Taghazout is one of the best surf destinations in Morocco for beginners. Spots like Panorama Beach and Crocos offer gentle, consistent waves that are ideal for learning. Many local surf camps and schools cater to first-timers with affordable packages, including lessons, board rentals, and accommodation.
What’s the difference between Taghazout and Imsouane?
Both towns are famous for surfing but offer different vibes:
– Taghazout is livelier, with more surf hostels, cafes, and coworking spaces. It’s better for social travelers and digital nomads.
– Imsouane is quieter and more remote, perfect for relaxed, long surf sessions. Its famous Bay wave is ideal for longboarders and beginners wanting long, slow rides.
If you’re looking for nightlife and community, choose Taghazout. For chilled-out surf and slow travel, Imsouane is your spot.
Is Taghazout safe for tourists?
Yes, Taghazout is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, including solo travellers. The village has a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and a strong surf community.
Petty theft is rare but can happen — as with anywhere, keep valuables secure and avoid leaving things unattended on the beach. Overall, it’s considered one of the safest surf towns in Morocco.
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.
See more tips on avoiding getting sick in Taghazout here.
Is the seawater in Taghazout safe to swim in?
Sometimes, but not always.
There’s been an ongoing issue with water quality at some of Taghazout’s main surf spots, especially around Panoramas and Banana Point. In the past, poor sewerage infrastructure meant occasional contamination, and stories of travellers getting sick after a surf session weren’t uncommon.
Things have improved in recent years thanks to better beach management and upgrades to the local sewerage system. These days, most people swim and surf without any issues, but it can still be a bit of a gamble, especially after heavy rain.
When the surf gets churned up during or after a storm, the water tends to turn murky and brown – a sign it’s best to wait a couple of days before jumping back in.
You can check current beach water quality reports on the official Moroccan beach monitoring tool here.
For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.
