27 Things to Do in Taghazout: Best Guide for 2023
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Looking for a Guide to Taghazout, Morocco?
Taghazout, Morocco is a small fishing village located on the country’s Atlantic coast. The town has become an international surf destination, boasting the best waves in Morocco. Taghazout also attracts visitors with its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and affordable accommodation and dining options.
Despite its small size, there are a lot of fun activities and attractions in Taghazout. I have been lucky enough to live in this laid-back village for long periods of time. In my experience, these are the best things to do in Taghazout.
27 Things to Do in Taghazout
This list is in no particular order, so there are awesome things to do from start to finish!
1. Get a Fresh-Squeezed Juice
You won’t have any shortage of vitamin C in Taghazout. You can find several stands around town with piles of oranges, grapefruit, and other options stacked to the heavens.
For just 15 dirhams, the vendor will drain the juice directly from the fruit, right before your eyes. It doesn’t get much more “fresh-squeezed” than that.
Many of the restaurants will offer juices for around the same price. However, you don’t get to watch them make it, so it’s not as fun.
2. Shop for Authentic Moroccan Goods
Are you in need of a rug? How about a clay pot? Or perhaps something made of brass?
Whatever you need, someone on the streets of Taghazout is selling it. I like shopping in Taghazout because the vendors are not nearly as aggressive as they are in the bigger Moroccan cities. Also, many of the goods in Taghazout are actually made in Morocco, whereas you’ll find a lot of Chinese knockoffs in cities like Marrakesh.
Keep in mind that bargaining is part of the culture in Morocco, and the sellers will start with a high price. You should never pay more than 40% of the initial offer.
3. Surf it up
There’s a reason the Africa Surfing Games were held in Taghazout. These waves are not only the best in Morocco, but some of the best in all of Africa.
There are several spots around that cater to surfers of varying degrees of ability. If you’ve never surfed before or need to sharpen your skills, no problem. There are plenty of surf houses in town that offer lessons.
Many of the hostels even have “all-inclusive” packages that include sleeping accommodations, meals, and surf lessons. Based on the prices I saw around town, these packages are very worth it.
4. Chill on the Beach
For those who just want to relax and catch some waves, there’s plenty of beach to go around. The chilled-out atmosphere of Taghazout makes these some of the best beaches in Morocco.
Due to water pollution, it is not recommended to swim in the water of the main beach in the center of Taghazout. This beach is mainly used for fishing anyway.
A better option would be to hit the beach just south of the village, in front of all the resorts. This is a huge stretch of sand with lots of space. Other nice beaches nearby include Madraba Beach, Plage Imourane, Banana Beach, and La Source.
5. Walk Along the Taghazout Bay Promenade
Also known as Taghazout Corniche, this recently-constructed boardwalk is a great way to explore the beach without getting sand in your shoes. The Taghazout Bay Promenade is 5 km long and connects the towns of Tamraght and Taghazout. Take a walk along this clean pavement as you’re sandwiched between the beautiful beach and the stunning resorts of Taghazout Bay.
6. Explore Nearby Villages
If Taghazout starts to feel small, there are a few other villages in the area that are worth exploring. The town of Tamraght is just 5 km away and is a little bit bigger than Taghazout. My favorite spot here is Adam’s Cafe, which offers a menu full of healthy food and live music.
Another popular village is Awrir, also known as Banana Village. This town brings its own unique vibe, but still captures the laid-back surf atmosphere the region is known for. It’s important to note that this is where you will find the nearest ATM to Taghazout.
7. Catch an Epic Sunset
Run a quick Google search for “sunset time Taghazout” to find out exactly when the sun will be going down. Then, secure your viewing spot on a beach, rooftop, or patio restaurant to see the colors unfold.
The sunsets in Taghazout are spectacular. There’s something magical about watching the sun disappear behind the endless ocean that will make you want to see it every night. A couple of must-see sunset spots are the small beach on the west end of town and the hill leading up to the skate park.
8. Indulge in Fresh Seafood
Before Taghazout was known as Northern Africa’s premier surf destination, it started out as a simple fishing village. The local fishermen will often sell their daily catches in the center of town. There’s usually a guy selling fresh oysters as well, if that’s your thing.
Many of the restaurants in Taghazout don’t serve seafood dishes as recurring menu items. The trick is to ask for the “poisson du jour,” or catch of the day, to score a made-to-order seafood plate.
9. Practice or Observe at the Skate Park
SkatePark Taghazout has become an iconic spot for tourists and locals alike. It has a welcoming vibe for anyone who wants to visit. It also has views for days.
There’s a skate shop located conveniently on-site for those who want to rent or buy a skateboard. The park also has a viewing section with seating for those who don’t want to risk getting injured. You can drive here, but I recommend walking up the hill from the village for a more active journey.
10. Eat Cheap Street Food (If You Dare)
Amazingly, Taghazout has yet to be spoiled by tourists driving up the cost of living. (Knock on wood.) There are several “fast-food” restaurants selling sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and more for less than 20 dirhams.
There are also plenty of street vendors selling all sorts of goodies like meat on a stick and chicken wings. The going rate for these snacks is 10 dirhams. Those with weak stomachs should be forewarned, the meat sold by these vendors often sits out unrefrigerated for long periods of time.
11. Rent a Bike, Scooter, or Longboard
A fun way to get around is by renting a set of wheels. There are a few places in the village where you can rent something for the day (or multiple days). A moped is a great option for traveling to other towns, and a bike is perfect to ride along the promenade.
Personally, I rented a longboard to relive my skater days. The guy I rented from started with a price of 100 dirhams, but I negotiated the price down to 50 dirhams for the day.
12. See the Desert Meet the Ocean at Timlalin Dunes
If you don’t feel like making the long drive to the large dunes in the eastern part of the country, you can experience a mini version just 27 miles up the coast. Similar to the dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, you can take part in fun activities such as sandboarding or camel rides on the Timlalin Dunes.
What you won’t find in the eastern part of the Sahara Desert is the ocean. This is where Timlalin has a leg up. As the sandy dunes meet the blue ocean it creates a breathtaking scene.
13. Fine Dining at Morimoto Taghazout Bay
Did you know that “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto recently opened a restaurant in Taghazout? This is a chance for foodies to taste the culinary creations of one of the most famous chefs in the world.
This is not going to be your cheapest dinner in Taghazout, but it’s worth it to experience the blend of Japanese and Western flavors prepared by the renowned chef. It’s also a nice change of pace if you want to mix it up from the cuisine in the village, which does not offer much variety.
14. Get Bendy with Rooftop Yoga
Much like surfing, yoga is another activity that you will see offered all over Taghazout. Surfing and yoga go hand in hand since the benefits of yoga translate well in the water.
There are certified yoga instructors at many of the surf houses in town. Most of the sessions are held on rooftops complete with breathtaking ocean views. The going rate for a one-off yoga class is 100-120 dirhams, or you can make it part of your surf package.
15. Check out the Oasis of Paradise Valley
At the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lies one of the most-visited destinations in the range, Paradise Valley. This area is known for its waterfalls and natural pools. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to explore this rocky oasis.
Paradise Valley is only about 21 miles away, so you can drive yourself or hire a round-trip taxi to make the journey for you. Popular activities in the area include swimming, cliff jumping, camping, and dining at one of the several restaurants.
16. Go on a Safari in Souss-Massa National Park
The Souss-Massa National Park is an ideal place to see wildlife in Morocco. Originally founded to help protect endangered species, the park is home to gazelle, ostriches, addax, and many types of birds. The park is rarely crowded, so it’s a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Taghazout.
To enter the park, you must purchase a tour. The walking tour is 70 dirhams and takes you through various animal enclosures. The driving tour is 120 dirhams and allows to see the vast landscapes of the park along with wildlife in its natural habitat.
👉 Rather than buying a tour at the park, I recommend booking a full tour through GetYourGuide. This tour includes more sights and traditional Berber lunch. Click here to book!
17. Get Stuff Done at a Coworking Space
There are now several coworking spaces to meet the needs of Taghazout’s growing digital nomad community. The WiFi in the village is not always fast or reliable, so the coworking spaces are your best bet when you need internet you can depend on. Like many of the activities in Taghazout, coworking spaces are often included if you choose to stay at their on-site hostel.
My personal favorite is Adventurekeys because it has the best weekly rates for non-guests such as myself and the views are out of this world. The only possible downside would be getting distracted by looking out the window too often. But the internet here is always reliable and there’s an attached common space to mingle with other nomads when you’re done working.
18. ATV Adventures on the Sand
If you’d like to experience a thrill outside of the water, you can hop on a quad bike. For a quick ride, you can rent a 4×4 vehicle on the large beach on the east side of town.
If you have more time to kill, there are also several tour companies that will take you to nearby sand dunes and secluded beaches. This is an exclusive way to see some views that most visitors to Taghazout will miss out on.
👉 My personal favorite is a dune buggy tour that takes you through rural Berber areas and pre-Saharan terrain. You can book this HERE.
19. Take a Road Trip
Taghazout is a great starting point for road trips to other destinations in Morocco. The roads in Morocco are mostly smooth, just watch out for the occasional pothole.
These are some of the trips I made while living in Taghazout:
Agadir
You likely flew into this coastal city on your way to Taghazout, but it has a lot to offer that’s worth the half-hour drive. The upscale area of Agadir Marina boasts a beautiful beach lined with a diverse selection of cafes and restaurants. You can also check out Souk El Had, which is Agadir’s huge market, for a chaotic taste of Moroccan culture.
Being the nearest city, Agadir is a nice resource for amenities you can’t find in Taghazout. I would often travel there to stock up on groceries from a real supermarket, or get cash from a trusted bank.
Marrakech
Also known as the Red City, Marrakech is the biggest tourist destination in Morocco, and for good reason. The city was once the country’s capital, and is still littered with palaces and historic buildings.
The drive from Taghazout takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, so I recommend spending a night or two in the city. There’s a lot to do and see in the Red City. The medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the neighborhood of Gueliz will make you feel like you’re in France.
Essaouira
This historic coastal city was Morocco’s main fishing port throughout the 20th century. The strong trade winds along Essaouira’s crescent beach make it a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Ouarzazate
Known as the Hollywood of Morocco, Ouarzazate is home to film studios where some of your favorite movies may have been made. For $8, I recommend taking a tour of Atlas Studios, where you can see actual sets from Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Gladiator, and many more.
The city itself is unique compared to most of Morocco. The layout is more similar to a European city, and the success of the film industry brings in revenue for premium infrastructure. You may even find yourself stumbling upon the set of a movie in the progress of being filmed like I did.
Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes
If you feel like taking an epic road trip, this one is well worth your time. Merzouga is the town at the foot of Erg Chebbi, the iconic rolling dunes that are often associated with Morocco. The drive to Merzouga is about 10 hours, so I recommend stopping for a night each way.
Once you’ve made it to Merzouga, there are over 200 luxury camps where you can stay overnight in the dunes. This drive is a great way to see different parts of the country.
I stayed at Sirocco Luxury Camp and it was an absolutely magical experience. These guys go above and beyond to make sure their guests are taken care of.
20. Camel or Horseback Ride on the Beach
A trip to Morocco is not complete without a ride on the back of a camel. Native people riding camels helped make Morocco the country it is today, and now you can ride off into the sunset on one of these majestic animals.
You will find numerous camels along the beaches of Taghazout that you can ride for a small fee. You can also opt for a horse if you’d prefer a ride with a little more pep.
21. Get a Hammam or Massage
Hammams are so important to Moroccan culture that it’s apparently a requirement to have one in every town. Taghazout is no different. These spa-like treatments involve an attendant scrubbing every inch of your body and making you cleaner than you’ve ever been.
My favorite spot for a hammam in Taghazout is called The Horizon in the center of town. The place offers classic hammams, different types of massages, and combinations of both.
22. Sip Moroccan Mint Tea at a Cafe on the Beach
My favorite drink in Morocco is the traditional mint tea. This sugary refreshment is served piping hot and poured from a handmade teapot. The server will surely pour it from a height of multiple feet, as is tradition.
There are several cafes along the beach that serve Moroccan mint tea at all hours of the day. Have a seat and sip a cup for a pick-me-up while you marvel at the waves coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.
23. Go Bar Hopping
“But wait, I was told it’s impossible to drink alcohol in Taghazout!” If you read that there’s no alcohol in Taghazout, the article is outdated, or the person who wrote it was either misinformed or has never actually been to Taghazout. There are several establishments that serve drinks just as any traditional bar in the United States would.
Of course, Taghazout is a Muslim village and you should be respectful of the locals who choose not to drink. You should try to not be visibly obnoxious around town.
Dfrost Almugar – BBB – Bohemian Berber Bar: This is a chill, laid-back spot for those who enjoy alcoholic beverages. BBB serves buckets of beers and cocktails at decent prices. Located right on the water, this bar is complete with amazing ocean views.
Dfrost Almugar – Kitchen Club Restaurant & Bar: Located in the Seaside Hotel, this bar is under the same ownership as BBB, but has a pretty different vibe. At night, the atmosphere turns quite clubby and features live music and DJs on the weekends.
Munga’s Kitchen: The service here is pretty slow, but it’s a convenient location to grab a drink when you’re in the village. I suggest going for happy hour or during the week when it’s less crowded.
World of Waves: With a huge patio overlooking the beach, these are some of the best views you can get with a drink in your hand. For wine drinkers, opt for glasses of wine rather than a bottle. It’s a better deal to get four glasses of wine than the overpriced bottle.
24. Eat a Traditional Moroccan Meal
There are some delicious restaurants in Taghazout that stick to their Moroccan roots when it comes to cooking. Tajine, couscous, and pastilla (skillet pie) are some staples I would recommend.
I became friendly with an employee in one of the T-shirt shops in town, and he invited me to eat a meal with his family. They were so excited to share their culture and chat with a foreigner. If you want a truly traditional Moroccan meal, this is another way to go about it.
25. Take a Hike or Walk Around Town
One of my favorite activities in Taghazout is simply walking around town and taking in the energy of the village. The combination of the chaotic Moroccan culture and easy-going surf vibes is a wonderful juxtaposition you need to witness to fully understand.
You can also do some hiking along the beaches or Taghazout Hill. For some of the best views, take the short hike to the top of the hill behind Panorama Point. On a clear day, you can see for miles down the coast of Morocco.
26. Appreciate Some Artwork
Taghazout even has something to offer art lovers. There’s a myriad of murals painted on the walls around the village. Venture down the less-frequented alleyways for some of the most interesting compositions.
If you look closely at the art pieces hanging in the surf houses, many of them are for sale! The bright watercolors utilized by the local artists really capture the personality of Taghazout. If you’d like a souvenir that’s authentic and looks better in your living room than a plush camel, this is something to consider.
27. Play Golf!
The temperate climate of Taghazout makes for ideal golfing conditions all year round. Opened in October 2014, Tazegzout Golf Course consists of 18 holes set in some of the most unique terrain golfers will ever experience. Just try not to get distracted by the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as it could affect your gameplay.
The course is located in Taghazout Bay Resort and is open to the public. The rate to play 9 holes is 450 dirhams in the low season and 550 dirhams in the high season. For 18 holes, the cost is 650 in the low season and 800 in the high season.
Visiting Taghazout: FAQs & Travel Tips
Find the answers to common questions regarding Taghazout below. I’ve also included some tips that I would have found useful during my first visit.
How many days do you need in Taghazout?
You can get the gist of Taghazout in a few days, but if you really want to take in the culture and fully enjoy everything it has to offer, I would recommend a week or longer. Many of the accommodations are equipped for long-term stays, with most offering discounted rates for weekly or monthly bookings.
What language is spoken in Taghazout?
Most of the people in Taghazout speak Moroccan Arabic, Berber (native language), French, and English. I’ve never had any issues speaking English in Taghazout. Most people you interact with in the local businesses speak enough English to get the job done.
Can you swim in Taghazout?
It is recommended that visitors do not swim on the main beach in the village of Taghazout. People have been known to get sick due to pollution in the water. Instead, go for a swim in the beaches outside the central part of town.
Can you drink alcohol in Taghazout, Morocco?
Yes! Contrary to what you may read on other websites, there are several bars, restaurants, and surf houses that serve alcohol in Taghazout. Since Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol by Muslims, you may not see many local people drinking alcohol, but visitors can certainly partake.
How do you dress in Taghazout?
You can dress how you would in any regular beach town. While you may see the local people in Taghazout dressing conservatively, they are used to seeing visitors walking around in their bathing suits. Just be smart and don’t sit down in a restaurant in a swimsuit.
Is Taghazout safe?
Taghazout is a small village and overall very safe. I’ve never felt unsafe walking around day or night in this village. There are always risks involved with international travel, so be smart just as you would anywhere else.
Taghazout, Morocco weather
The weather in Taghazout is mild and warm most of the year, with average temperatures in the 70s in most months. The hottest months are August and September, when the average high is 80 degrees. January is the coldest, with an average high of 69 degrees.
Taghazout, Morocco airport
Taghazout does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, which is about 1 hour away by car. There are also buses that run from Agadir to Taghazout.
Renting a car in Taghazout
I find it very worth it to rent a car while in Taghazout. It’s super cheap and gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful landscapes of Morocco. Book through Discover Cars to get the best rates and conveniently pick up your vehicle from Agadir Airport.
Parking in Taghazout
Parking is free all over Taghazout, but you will see parking mavens who will ask you for money after you park. You don’t need to pay these guys, but if you want to avoid the awkward conversation, just give them no more than 5 dirhams. They supposedly look after the cars to prevent break-ins, so maybe it’s not such a bad idea to pay them.
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Taghazout, Morocco
Whether you are coming to surf, work, relax, or anything else, you can enjoy your stay in Taghazout. Taghazout is one of the most unique places in Morocco. The vibe of this seaside village is difficult to capture anywhere else.
Hopefully, this list gives you plenty of ideas to fill your time. I love Taghazout and I hope you do too!