Morocco’s extensive coastline on the Atlantic and Mediterranean offers something for every traveler: windsurfing in ocean breezes, relaxing on sandy beaches, and seafood feasts by the sea. This insider guide covers family-friendly shores, surf hotspots, and cultural port towns. Each section includes activities, dining, lodging, and travel tips.
Essaouira
Essaouira (ancient Mogador) is a charming walled port on the Atlantic. Its white-washed medina (a UNESCO site) faces miles of sandy beach and constant trade winds.
Beaches & Sports: The wind makes Essaouira a world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing spot. Families enjoy the broad, shallow beach just outside the ramparts, while solo travelers can take surf lessons or pony rides along the shore. Nearby, the Argan forests with wild goats on trees are a fun detour.
Where to eat: Essaouira is famous for fresh seafood – try a platter of grilled sardines or octopus at a beachfront café. Don’t miss the morning fish market; many restaurants will cook your catch on-site.
Where to stay: Luxury travelers stay in riads like L’Heure Bleue; mid-range options include Riad Mimouna or Heure Bleue Palace; budget surfers sleep in hostels near the Skala (beach). Insider tip: The annual Gnawa music festival (June) brings nightly street concerts in the square.
Sample itinerary (Essaouira): Day 1: Explore the old city ramparts, Skala de la Ville and fish market. Lunch of fresh catch by the port, then shop local crafts in the souks. Sunset stroll on the broad beach. Day 2: Morning surf or windsurf lesson on Essaouira’s windy beach, afternoon visit to an argan coop or coastal castle.
Tangier
Tangier sits at the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Its medina and Kasbah reflect Portuguese and Spanish legacies.
Beaches & Sights: To the north is the lively Plage Municipale (sand and cafes), and further west, Achakkar Beach (blue-flag, good swimming). Families can enjoy a cable-car ride up Jebel Kebir for panoramic views. Culture: Visit the Kasbah Museum and the Grand Socco market, and take a walk along the boulevard to the Caves of Hercules at Cape Spartel.
Where to eat: Tangier is famous for seafood; try pastilla de fruits de mer (seafood pie) or borek pastries with mint tea.
Where to stay: Historic hotels like El Minzah or Grand Hotel Villa de France (in the medina) cater to luxury; mid-range and budget hotels and hostels are scattered through the Ville Nouvelle. Travel tip: Tangier’s sunny climate is mild (even in summer) due to breezes; visit the panoramic Café Hafa at sunset.
Sample itinerary (Tangier): Day 1: Morning walk in the Kasbah and old medina, with lunch in a traditional café. Afternoon: cable-car to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves. Day 2: Relax on Achakkar Beach or visit the colorful Perdicaris Park; evening: enjoy mint tea at Café Hafa or explore the night market near Petit Socco.
Nador
Nador’s long Mar Chica lagoon (a saltwater marsh) attracts flamingos, making the city especially appealing in spring. Nador lies on the Mediterranean near the Spanish enclave of Melilla; the city lights up in summer as many Nadoris return from abroad.
Beaches & City Life: To the east are the dunes of Minara-Sita and Playa Charrana – golden sands and shallow warm waters ideal for families. Along the city shore are parks and a busy boardwalk (Boulevard Zeroual).
Where to eat: Nador’s bustling port means fresh fish grills everywhere – try grilled bar! Also sample pastela pastries from street stalls.
Where to stay: Accommodation includes Hotel Mercure Nador (city center) or beachside bungalows. Insider tip: Birdwatchers love Marchica Lagoon; Nador’s mild winters (around 13 °C) make it a year-round getaway.
Sample itinerary (Nador): Morning: visit Marchica Lagoon Nature Reserve (birdwatching) and nearby Dalia beach. Afternoon: swim at Playa Charrana and try street-side pastela (fish pie). Day 2: Hike or drive up Monte Gurugu for panoramic views, or take a short trip across the border to Melilla (for markets and tapas).
Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima is the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” a seaside city in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. It has gentle Mediterranean waters and beaches like Sfiha and Quemado.
Beaches & Nature: The palm-lined Tetouan Corniche and Blue Flag beaches make it family-friendly. Nearby is Al Hoceima National Park (marine reserve) – a top spot for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. Hikers can walk to old Spanish watchtowers on nearby hills for sunset views.
Where to eat: Seafood is king here – enjoy grilled fish and calamari at seafood shacks on the corniche.
Where to stay: Beachfront hotels like Hotel Miramar or the Mirage (with pools); camping and eco-lodges along the bay offer budget lodging. Insider tip: Family fun includes picnicking in Parc Al Hoceima (with play areas) and grabbing ice cream along the promenade.
Sample itinerary (Al Hoceima): Day 1: Chill at Cala Bonita or Cala Iris beach (calm water), then snorkel in the clear bay. Evening: dine on fresh fish at a cliffside café. Day 2: Hike the coastal trail to a Spanish-era fort, swim at Quemado Beach, and watch the sunset from El Marsa Park.