Taghazout Travel Guide: Everything you need to know before visiting this beautiful Moroccan surfing village!

Taghazout started out as a modest fishing village, where the locals were mainly concerned with the sea, but not with surfing, despite the perfect waves. That changed in the 1960s when American soldiers discovered this hidden gem in Morocco and were the first to carry their surfboards into the water. The French followed soon after, recognizing the power of the waves and naming famous surf spots such as Panorama and La Source . When the Australians made their way to Morocco in the 1970s, they brought their adventurous surf culture with them. They baptized legendary breaks such as Anchor Point, Killers and Boilers, names that still attract surfers from all over the world today.

But when did Moroccans themselves actually start surfing? That happened surprisingly late, only in the 70s, when the first local surfer, a cousin of a Mehdi , decided to brave the water, not with a boat, but on a surfboard. Since then, surfing has become an indispensable part of Morocco and the country has even produced talents who now compete in international competitions and even the Olympic Games.

Although surfing is centuries old (it has even been around since before Christ!), in Morocco it is not even 65 years old. But today it is deeply woven into the culture. Millions of surfers flock to this country every year, 1 in 10 tourists come here specifically to surf .

A well-known (from Taghazout) Moroccan surfer and friend of Mehdi once aptly compared it: "Morocco is to Europeans what Indonesia is to Western Australia and Mexico to America: cheap flights, good food, nice weather, friendly people and most importantly, perfect waves everywhere!"

The Magic of Taghazout

Taghazout is a fascinating mix of old and new, of tradition and surf vibes. You see it everywhere: the old fishermen who still go out to sea every day for their fresh catch, while tourists with their zinc-smeared faces enjoy a day of surfing while enjoying a tagine. This is not a surf village that only runs on tourism Taghazout is still real Morocco , but with a hip edge. Exactly how I like it. And because I live here almost part time now, I have of course collected the best insider tips for you!

To sleep:

The Surf Hostel: This is the hostel Mehdi's cousins . It is really one of the nicest hostels I have been to. The hostel is run by 3 cousins, an aunt and a lot more family (as it should be in Morocco). They organize (FREE!) couscous nights on Fridays. But the best thing about this hostel is the roof terrace, a place where people sunbathe during the day, play games, eat, but above all get in touch with different people from different backgrounds.

Surf shop:

Sunset Surfshop (next to Chez Titrite): Good reliable surf shop (from the first local who surfed in Taghazout). Soft tops 10 euros per day (including wetsuit) and hard/shortboards 12-15 euros per day (including wetsuit). Do your research on surf shops in Taghazout there are a few locals who will give you broken boards and then make you pay for the damage. Sunset Surfshop is a good surf shop in the middle of the village

Activities:

Sandboarding/Sanddunes: A little further from Taghazout are the most beautiful sand dunes you have ever seen. Here you can surf, have a campfire and enjoy the most beautiful sunset! Join On The Wayve and experience an amazing trip!
Fishing Trips: On The Wayve is the only one that offers fishing trips. You go out to sea with 2 (max 3) to catch fresh fish, squid and even octopus! Did you get a bite? Then you get a private cooking lesson on how to prepare this fish in the traditional Moroccan way. Then you can enjoy it yourself!
Day trip to Imsouane: An hour's drive from Taghazout lies the small fishing village of Imsouane. Here you have the longest right wave in Africa! Longboarders take note, you can indulge yourself here!
Paradise Valley: Discover the valley with beautiful rocks and beautiful water where you can sprint! It is really a mega beautiful place to go, with a bit of a good walk and something different than the beach :)
Walking tour Taghazout: Want to know more about the historical background of Taghazout. But also about the current things that are happening. Do the only walking tour in Taghazout. Local Mehdi tells you all the ins and outs of his home base!
Taghazout skatepark: Besides surfing, Taghazout is also known for skating. One of the most beautiful and fun skateparks is located on the mountain of Taghazout. A 10-minute climb/hike from the main road of the village you will find the skatepark. Especially fun at sunset, then the best skaters go all out, you see the most beautiful sunset and usually there is also a speaker (sometimes with a DJ) with different types of music! There are also locals walking around with tea and donuts, you don't need more. If you dare, you can also rent a skateboard for a song!
Souk in Agadir: In the city of Agadir you will see the real Moroccan life, walk through the souk where there are more than 1000 shops selling fresh products and Moroccan stuff. Tip: send us a message if you want to go to the souk. We can arrange a guide who will take you through this courtyard!

To eat:

Teapot: This is a really nice coffee shop where you can eat a delicious avocado toast for a song or a smoothie bowl and even a cappuccino with oat milk or matcha, not so Moroccan but very tasty. They also have remote workspaces upstairs!
Red Clay Cafe: The only fully vegan cafe in Taghazout. They have delicious (oat milk) coffee, breakfasts and especially pastries! Also a great place to study/work remotely.
Le Spot: This is the all-time favorite of locals and tourists who want to watch their money. Le Spot is always busy (especially in the evenings) with families and tourists. You can eat a pizza or fresh fish (7 euros) for next to nothing (4.5 euros), but they also have tacos, pastas and much more!
Tajine Palace (near the Mosque): For a real Moroccan tajine you have to go to Tajine Palace, here you can eat a complete tajine for 2.5 euros, fresh from the press. Also if you want a real Moroccan breakfast you can get an omelette with bread here for 1.5 euros. That's what we do it for!
At Titrite: This is really my favorite place to eat, you can really eat everything here and also a lot of good vega(n) options. Especially the fries are really not normal tasty, you have to taste them.
Seaside: If you want a bit more luxury, you can order a delicious snack platter or Middle Eastern mezze here. Plus delicious cocktails! You do pay Dutch prices... But you are immersed in luxury. And on Friday nights they always have parties here. You can also sleep well here. ( Dfrost is also from Seaside and also has a very nice bar (6 beers for 14 euros!) and good places to sleep)
Munga: Do you want good pizzas with good cheese and draft beer? Then you have to go to Munga! Here you can eat delicious Italian and burgers and also enjoy an alcoholic drink. Expect Dutch prices. You can also sleep very well here in beautifully decorated rooms!
World of Waves: Drink a beer, eat delicious food and sleep all with a sea view. Digital nomads take note! World of waves has very good remote workspaces and that with a sea view!

Hopefully I got you excited about this beautiful surf village! Maybe I'll see you walking around here soon! Check our website for trips and surf lessons/surf coaching!

Stay stoked!

@onthewayve

On The Wayve