Why Morocco’s Surf Coast is the Perfect Family Holiday Destination

Last Updated on 23rd July 2025 by Jessie

Looking for the perfect family holiday in Morocco? Morocco’s surf coast offers laid-back towns, kid-friendly beaches, and outdoor fun for all ages.

When considering easy, breezy, child-friendly holiday destinations, Morocco probably isn’t the first to mind. But I’m here to make the argument that it should be.

Over the winter in Tamraght, I saw a handful of young families trotting down to the beach at Devil’s Rock every day, toddlers in tow. Mum parked up in the sand, Dad heading out into the surf – and vice versa. And I just thought, these guys have got it sorted. Sun, surf, snacks on delivery, and babies in the sand; why are so many families opting for holiday resort package deals when Moroccan beaches provide the all-inclusive experience for free? More people need to be swayed on this.

So without further ado, let me present my case for why Morocco’s surf coast is the perfect spot for your next family holiday, your honour.

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Reasons Morocco’s Surf Coast Should be Your Next Family Holiday Destination

1. It’s safer than you think.

I’m not encouraging parents to set their toddlers loose in the medinas of Marrakech or Fes. But the rural villages of Morocco’s surf coast are a different story. The atmosphere is calm, the people are kind, and crime rates are low.

People look out for one another in the villages, as with most small communities anywhere. The lower the population density, the less invisible you become – in a good way. You humanise one another, you know your neighbours, if you notice a stranger struggling, you help them out. It’s the perfect environment for inquisitive littluns.

Plus, there’s hardly any traffic in the surf villages. Foot falcons are the most common mode of transport in Taghazout, Tamraght and Imsouane. A blessing when stray children are involved.

Your biggest safety concern would be the odd case of Maroc belly, and even that can be avoided.

Check out my top tips for staying healthy.

2. Beaches are the ideal playground.

Granted, you must always keep an eye on kids around water – but the beaches themselves are the perfect place for kids to play.

First of all, they’re free (bar a few dirhams for the doughnut man doing his rounds). There’s plenty to keep kids entertained – you don’t need an iPad when there’s camels and horses and ponies with pink hair parading the beach.

And it’s enjoyable for adults too. I don’t know how many parents yearn to sit in a colourful, plastic play centre, but kicking back on a Moroccan beach while your kids build sandcastles? I could get around that. 

3. It’s cheap.

As a lean-pocketed, budget backpacker, I simply can’t imagine having to fork out for dinner for four at a restaurant. I recently saw a 6-year-old in Croatia take a few bites of his €25 plate of pasta before calling it quits, and it broke my (broke) heart.

But in Morocco, dining out is doable on any budget. You can get a chicken sandwich and chips for 25dh (€2.50) (à la Timam du Chef in Tamraght) or a msemen for 10dh (€1). So you can enjoy the luxury of a holiday without cooking whilst the bank remains unbroken. (But pleaaase, still avoid food waste). 

Accommodation is equally affordable. You can rent an entire three-bedroom apartment for €60 a night. Forget the big chain-hotels when you can opt for an entire house where the kids can run around free-rein for a week or two. I’ve listed my top picks for holiday rentals in Tamraght, but the entire surf coast is your oyster. 

4. It’s a mandatory chill-out location.

Life is inherently relaxed on Morocco’s surf coast. Things are stripped back, life is a little simpler, and the world moves a little more slowly. Whenever I return to Morocco from abroad, I immediately feel my nervous system mellow out. 

And if you’re relaxed, your kids will be too. There’s definitely some science behind that, but you’ll just have to take my word for it. Relaxation via osmosis. I may not be a parent, but I’m an expert vacationer, and I know that maxo relaxo is the ultimate goal.

5. The younger you are, the easier it is to surf.

If I could go back in time and give my child self one piece of advice, it would be to commit to learning to surf while you’re still young. Go hard before all of the adult fears and insecurities set in.

Some (but not all) of the surf camps welcome children and families. Nothing like some family bonding over your mutual kookness.

See my top recommendations for surf camps in Tamraght.

With that said, no matter your age, Morocco is a great place to learn to surf. There’s loads of beach breaks, the waves are gentle and the villages are littered with board rental stores. If you do feel the calling to commence your surf career in Morocco,

Check out my top tips for beginners.

See this month-by-month breakdown of the best times to surf in Morocco.

6. It’s an incredible learning experience.

I’m a huge proponent for exposing children (and people of all ages) to communities, places, cultures and ideas that are different to their own. We should all take a step outside of our bubble from time to time.

It promotes curiosity, expands social perspectives, and teaches cross-cultural communication skills. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone increases resilience. I’m aware that travel is a luxury and a privilege, but what a world it would be if we all had the opportunity to experience these lessons of life.

A vacation that includes extracurricular learning? That’s parent of the year material.

Thank you, your honour. I rest my case.

Now that I’ve convinced you, check out my village guides to help you decide on the perfect spot for your next family vacation.

And then see all the nitty gritty Moroccan travel info to get planning.

More tips:

• How to Rent an Apartment Long-Term in Morocco
• Best Surf Camps in Imsouane
• Best Budget Accommodation in Mirleft
• Essaouira Travel Guide
• Best SIM Card for Morocco

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.