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Taghazout

Taghazout, Morocco: The Complete Guide for Surfers and Travellers

Everything you need to know about Taghazout: where it is, how to get there, the surf spots, when to go, where to stay, what to do and what it costs.

By Mouad Updated 7 min read

Surf camp friends in wetsuits laughing on the beach before a lesson

In short: Taghazout is a small fishing village on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 20 km north of Agadir, and the best-known surf destination in the country. It has waves all year, world-class right-hand point breaks, gentle beginner beaches nearby, sunshine most of the year and an international airport within an hour.

Fishing boats on the beach below Taghazout village
Fishing boats on the beach below Taghazout village

This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip: where Taghazout is, how to get there, the surf, the seasons, where to stay, what to do when you are not in the water, and the practical details such as money and safety.

Where is Taghazout?

Taghazout sits on the coast road (the N1) north of Agadir, in the Souss-Massa region of southern Morocco. The village is built on a low headland above the beach, with whitewashed and colourful houses, fishing boats pulled up on the sand and surf shops along the main street.

When people say “Taghazout” they often mean the whole Taghazout Bay: the coast from Aourir (also called Banana Village, after its banana plantations) through Tamraght to Taghazout and the points further north. The villages are a few minutes apart by car and each has its own character. Between Taghazout and Tamraght there is also a large modern resort area called Taghazout Bay, with international hotels, a golf course and a seafront promenade.

How to get to Taghazout

The nearest airport is Agadir Al Massira (AGA), which has direct flights from many European airports. From the airport, the drive to Taghazout takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic through Agadir.

  • Airport transfer: the easiest option. Most surf camps include it or offer it as an extra.
  • Taxi: official taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree the price before you set off.
  • Bus: local buses run along the coast road between Agadir, Aourir, Tamraght and Taghazout. They are cheap but slow if you have luggage and boards.

Step-by-step details are in our guide on how to get from Agadir airport to Taghazout.

Looking for a surf camp near Agadir? See our surf camp just north of Agadir.

The surf in Taghazout

Taghazout is famous for its right-hand point breaks: waves that wrap around a rocky headland and peel along it for long rides. They work best on the bigger swells of autumn and winter and are for experienced surfers. South of the village, sandy beach breaks offer much gentler waves for beginners and improvers.

Spot Type Level
Anchor Point Long right-hand point, Morocco’s most famous wave Experienced
Hash Point Soft right-hand point in front of the village Beginners on small days, improvers
Panoramas Peaky point and reef just south of the village Intermediate
Devil’s Rock and Crocro Sandy beach breaks below Tamraght Beginners
Banana Point Mellow right-hand point near Aourir Improvers and longboarders
K11 Sandy beach break in Aourir Beginners

See every spot on our surf spots map. If you are learning, take lessons with a local school: the instructors know which beach works on which day, and the points are crowded and unforgiving for beginners.

Surf lesson in the white water near Taghazout
Surf lesson in the white water near Taghazout

Learning to surf? Take a look at our surf camp in Taghazout for beginners.

When to go

You can surf in Taghazout all year:

  • October to April: the most consistent swells. This is the season for the points. Days are mild and sunny; evenings can be cool.
  • May to September: smaller, more manageable waves, warmer weather and warmer water. The best time for beginners, and the busiest time with summer holidaymakers from Morocco and Europe.

The water is cool all year because of the Atlantic current, so you will wear a wetsuit even in summer. Month-by-month details are in our guide to the best time to surf in Morocco.

Where to stay

You have three main choices:

  • Surf camps and surf houses: the most popular choice. Your room, meals, lessons, equipment and transfers in one price, and a ready-made group of people to surf with. Read how to choose a surf camp in Taghazout.
  • Hostels and guesthouses: cheaper, independent, good if you already surf and want to organise your own days.
  • Resort hotels: the Taghazout Bay resort area has large international hotels with pools and spas, further from the village atmosphere.

Also think about which village suits you: Taghazout is the liveliest, Tamraght is quieter, and Aourir is a local town closest to the airport and the beginner beaches. Our own surf house is in Aourir.

Discover our surf camp in Morocco, in Taghazout.

Things to do in Taghazout (besides surfing)

  • Paradise Valley: a palm-filled gorge with natural rock pools in the foothills of the Atlas, about an hour’s drive inland. A classic day trip.
  • Agadir: the souk El Had, one of the biggest markets in Morocco, the long beach promenade and the views from the old kasbah on the hill (Agadir Oufella).
  • Yoga: many surf houses offer sunrise or sunset yoga, a good balance to long days of paddling.
  • Imsouane: a fishing village further north with one of the longest waves in Morocco, a popular day or overnight trip.
  • Sunsets: the coast faces west, so every evening ends with the sun dropping into the Atlantic.

Food

Expect tagines, couscous (traditionally on Fridays), grilled fish fresh from the boats, Moroccan salads, fresh bread and mint tea. Taghazout also has plenty of cafés serving smoothies, pancakes and international food for surfers. Argan oil, produced in the region, appears in salads and amlou, a spread of argan oil, almonds and honey.

Places we recommend for a meal or a drink in Taghazout:

  • World of Waves (WOW), which also serves alcohol
  • Imi Bay restaurant
  • SeaSide, which also serves alcohol
  • Amouage, which also serves alcohol
  • Munga Bar

Read our guide to where to eat in Taghazout.

Money, phones and practical tips

  • Currency: the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cash is still king in small shops, cafés and taxis; there are cash machines in Taghazout and many more in Agadir.
  • SIM cards: local SIM cards with data are cheap and available at the airport and in town.
  • Dress: Morocco is a Muslim country. Swimwear is normal on the beach; in the village and town, cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
  • Language: Arabic, Tamazight (Berber) and French are spoken; in Taghazout, most people working with surfers also speak English.

What things cost in Taghazout (2027)

Typical prices in Moroccan dirhams (MAD). 1 € is roughly 10 to 11 MAD, so check the current rate before you travel. These are ranges, not fixed prices.

  • Taxi from Agadir airport: 200 to 300 MAD (about 20 to 28 €).
  • Surfboard rental (full day): soft-top boards cost about 100 MAD for the board alone or 150 MAD with a wetsuit. Hardtop boards cost about 150 MAD for the board alone or 200 MAD with a wetsuit. Look for shops that rent by the whole day.
  • Meals: 30 to 100 MAD (about 3 to 9 €) in everyday restaurants. Fancier places charge 200 to 300 MAD and more.
  • Hammam: a local hammam costs about 20 MAD to enter, and about 70 MAD for an attendant to scrub you. Private, spa-style hammams start at about 350 MAD.

See what a week really costs in our guide to surf camp prices in Morocco.

Is Taghazout safe?

Taghazout is generally a relaxed and friendly place, used to visitors from all over the world. Take the usual precautions: keep an eye on your belongings on the beach, use official taxis and agree the price first, and in the water respect your level. The points are for experienced surfers; beginners should stay on the beach breaks with an instructor.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Taghazout from Agadir?

About 20 km north of Agadir city, roughly 30 minutes by car. From Agadir airport, allow 45 minutes to an hour.

Is Taghazout good for beginners?

Yes, with the right spot. Beginners learn on the sandy beach breaks south of the village, such as Devil’s Rock, Crocro and K11, rather than on the famous points.

Do I need a wetsuit in Taghazout?

Yes. The Atlantic stays cool all year: a thinner wetsuit in summer and a thicker one in winter.

What is the difference between Taghazout and Taghazout Bay?

Taghazout is the village. Taghazout Bay is used both for the whole bay (Aourir, Tamraght and Taghazout) and for the modern resort area with hotels and a golf course between the villages.

Planning a surf trip? Our surf camp packages include lessons, the surf house and meals, from €225 for 3 days, with the airport pick-up in most packages.

Mouad

Mouad runs Surf Camp Morocco in Taghazout and writes about surfing, the bay and travelling in Morocco.

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