Once a sleepy fishing village north of Agadir, Taghazout has become Morocco's surf capital. Reliable Atlantic point breaks, laid-back yoga retreats, argan groves and golden beaches make it a relaxed base on the Souss-Massa coast.
The best of Taghazout
Surfing at Anchor Point
Surf. Taghazout's most famous wave, Anchor Point is a long right-hand point break that peels over rock on bigger winter swells. Named after the old anchor factory above the bay, it is best suited to experienced surfers.
Hash Point
Surf. Right in front of the village, Hash Point is a rocky right-hander that works on a range of swells. Its central location makes it one of the easiest breaks to reach on foot from Taghazout's cafes.
Panorama Beach Break
Surf. Panorama, named for the viewpoint and cafes above it, offers gentler peaks that suit beginners and intermediates. The sandy-bottom waves on the edge of the village are a popular spot for surf-school sessions.
Surf Lessons
Surf. Numerous surf camps and schools line the coast between Taghazout and Tamraght, offering board hire and instruction for all levels. The consistent Atlantic swell and warm water make this one of the best places in Morocco to learn.
Yoga Retreats
Wellness. Taghazout pairs naturally with yoga, and many camps combine surf with daily rooftop or clifftop classes. The relaxed village atmosphere and ocean views have made surf-and-yoga retreats a signature of the area.
Taghazout Beach
Beach. The village's main beach is a curve of sand framed by colourful boats and seafront cafes. When the surf is small it is a calm spot to swim, sunbathe and watch the fishing fleet come and go.
Paradise Valley
Day trip. A short drive inland into the High Atlas foothills, Paradise Valley is a palm-lined gorge with natural rock pools fed by the Tamraght river. The turquoise pools are a refreshing place to swim and cliff-jump away from the coast.
Banana Beach, Tamraght
Beach. Just south of Taghazout near Tamraght, this wide sandy beach takes its name from the banana plantations behind it. The mellow beach-break waves and open sand make it popular with surf schools and families.
Argan Co-operatives
Culture. The Souss region is the heartland of the argan tree, and women's co-operatives around Taghazout and Aourir demonstrate the traditional process of cracking nuts and pressing argan oil for cooking and cosmetics.
Sunset at the Marina
Leisure. Marina d'Agadir, a short drive south, offers waterfront restaurants and moored yachts that catch the evening light. Closer to home, Taghazout's seafront and clifftop cafes are equally fine spots to watch the Atlantic sun go down.
Imsouane Fishing Village
Day trip. About an hour north, Imsouane is a working fishing village famed among surfers for The Bay, one of the longest right-hand waves in Morocco. Its harbour grills serve fresh-caught fish straight off the boats.
Camel Ride on the Beach
Experience. Camel owners offer rides along the sands around Taghazout, Tamraght and the wider Agadir coast. A walk at sunset is a gentle way to take in the dunes, beaches and ocean horizon.
Aourir Banana Village
Culture. Nicknamed the banana village for its roadside stalls of locally grown fruit, Aourir sits between Taghazout and Agadir. Its weekly souk and banana sellers make it an easy, characterful stop along the coast road.