A laid-back fishing village turned surf spot on Morocco's Atlantic coast, with consistent waves, beachfront cafes, and local fishermen bringing in daily catches.
Taghazout, a fishing village 19 kilometers north of Agadir, has eight surf breaks along its Atlantic coastline. You can watch fishermen sell their morning catch at the beach market, join a yoga class at one of the clifftop studios, or swim in the 3-meter-deep natural pools of Paradise Valley in the Atlas Mountains.
Getting to Taghazout
Take bus number 32 from Agadir to Taghazout, or drive 40 minutes along the coastal road. If you prefer taxis, head to the Grande taxi stop in Agadir where shared rides to Taghazout run every 30 minutes. A rental car will help you reach multiple surf spots and nearby swimming holes independently.
Surfing Spots Along the Coast
Eight main surf breaks line the coastline within walking distance of the village center. Start at Banana Point or Devil's Rock if you're learning - both spots have sandy bottoms and predictable waves. When you're ready for a challenge, paddle out to Anchor Point where right-hand waves stretch for 500 meters on big swell days. September through April brings the strongest and most consistent waves, with water temperatures staying around 20°C (68°F).
Paradise Valley Day Trip
Drive 45 minutes through the Atlas Mountains to reach Paradise Valley's rock pools. The road passes small villages before ending at a trailhead. A 20-minute hike leads to several swimming holes carved into limestone, some up to 5 meters deep depending on the season. Winter brings fuller pools after rainfall. You can eat grilled fish and drink mint tea at the small cafes along the riverside.
Digital Nomad Scene
Work from cafes and coworking spaces with views of the Atlantic. The local remote worker community meets every Thursday evening at different cafes to share skills and socialize. You'll find reliable internet in most cafes and restaurants throughout the village.
Local Fishing Culture
Walk down to the beach at sunrise to see fishermen push their blue wooden boats into the surf. About sixty boats fish these waters daily, bringing in sardines, mackerel, and sea bass. The morning fish market on the beach lets you buy directly from fishermen, and you can watch them mend their nets and clean their catch.
Recent Changes and Development
New hotels and apartments have risen along the shoreline since 2018. A 5-kilometer beachfront walkway now connects the village to Tamraght. The village center has expanded with surf shops, yoga studios, and cafes serving Moroccan and international food. Despite these changes, local fishermen still sell their catch at the morning market, and traditional cafes continue serving mint tea and tagines throughout the day.
