taghazout, morocco
Six kilometres from Tamraght, the laid-back fishing village of Taghazout, once famous for calamari and hippies, is now considered Morocco’s premier surfing destination for both pros and learners.
The scruffy roadside village is a mixed-up place – a largely dry tourist town where surf culture dominates. The main beach is great for swimming, but during and after the Moroccan summer holiday, the influx of domestic tourists can overwhelm the village’s infrastructure.
Six kilometres from Tamraght, the laid-back fishing village of Taghazout, once famous for calamari and hippies, is now considered Morocco’s premier surfing destination for both pros and learners.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TAMRAGHT & AOURIR
MOROCCAN CUISINE
Moroccan food is incredibly diverse, thanks to the country’s interaction with other cultures and nations over the centuries, including Berber, Moorish, Arab and Mediterranean influences. Spices feature extensively in Moroccan cooking and there is a centuries-old art to their careful balancing.
HAMMAM
The art of the hammam (steam bath/bathhouse) is an ancient and integral part of Moroccan life as water, which is considered sacred, and cleanliness, are essential elements of Islam. In a part of the world where family and community are everything, the hammam is deeply rooted in everyday communal life.
HIGH ATLAS
Welcome to North Africa’s highest mountain range, known by local Berbers as ‘Idraren Draren’ (Mountains of Mountains), and a trekker’s paradise from spring through to autumn. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for almost 1000km, encircling Marrakesh to the south and east from the Atlantic Coast just north of Agadir to Khenifra in the northeast.
DESTINATIONS IN TAGHAZOUT
SURFLIFE HOUSE MOROCCO
Based in the heart of the surf community of the Taghazout area, in the once laid-back fishing village of Imi Ouaddar you’ll find a small but lively surfhouse. with a big open kitchen, a roof terrace that doubles of a yoga terrace and a swimming pool the the courtyard.
Surfing TAGHAzout area
VARIETY OF WAVES
The Taghazout region has been straight up geographically blessed for surfing. The miles of beginner beach break is some of the most consistent anywhere during the northern hemisphere winter, but the real magic happens when bigger longer period swells show up to max out the beachies and wrap around the points – into a suddenly offshore wind direction.
DAYTRIPS SURF
The beautiful blue and white city of Essaouira is Morocco’s most likeable resort encompassing the historical fortress, eighteenth century walled medina (old town) and large fishing port; together providing the perfect backdrop to the long sandy beach. Souks, art galleries, spice markets, juice stalls and jewelers fill the medina and make for hours of exploring.
BOARD RENTAL
Choose from all sorts of surfboards, from shortboards (from 6 foot), and mini-malibus (7,6 to 8 foot) to longboards (9 to 10 foot). You can also choose from soft-top surfboards of different sizes which are perfect for surf lessons and starting surfers.
WETSUITS
A wetsuit protects you during surfing from the “colder” water, bright sun and board rash. At Surflife you can rent wetsuits of top quality. We’ve got different wetsuits for men and women in all sizes.
Things to do
DAYTRIP PARADISE VALLEY
Come with us on our weekly trip to Paradise Valley and make a stop at the Argan Oil Cooperative on the way. Try out some cliff jumping in the green lagoons or enjoy the hike under the palm trees
SOUK AGADIR
There is no better place to experience Morocan lifestyle then in the local souk of Agadir, the market. Everything is possible in this vibrant land of spices, colors and smells
SANDBOARDING
If you’re seeking a bit of adventure and Sahara-ish scenery without actually going deep into the desert, this could be the excursion for you. Sand dune surfing on the way to Imsouane
HAMAM
Experience the social center of Morocco in the hammam, a traditional bathing and cleansing ritual of Morocco
YOGA
Combine your surftrip with yoga lessons and reek the benefits to improve your surfing skills! Take a class with our yoga teacher and find it out for yourself
BONFIRE BEACHNIGHT
Join us for our weekly bonfire night on the beach with some drinks, jokes and good company
CAMEL RIDE
When you visit Morocco you can not leave the country without a camel ride on the beach. Ask the camel man for the price and don’t forget to haggle.
GALLERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Climate
In Taghazout, the summers are short, warm, muggy, arid, and clear and the winters are short, cool, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 48°F to 78°F and is rarely below 42°F or above 86°F.
The best time of year to visit Taghazout for hot-weather activities is from early July to early September.
Money
The local currency is Dirham.ATMS are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most midrange hotels and above, and at top-end restaurants.
Bargaining or haggling is part and parcel of the Moroccan experience, especially for tourist goods and services. If you want to avoid this, many tourist shops have fixed prices.
Getting there
Look for flight to Agadir. Bus number 32 (Dh5) runs along Ave Mohammed V in Agadir heading to Taghazou. Grands taxis from Agadir cost Dh10.
Health
Prevention is the key to staying healthy in Morocco, and a little planning before departure will save you trouble later. With luck, your worst complaint on your trip will be a bad stomach; infections are usually associated with poor living conditions and poverty, and can be avoided with a few precautions. Car accidents are a common reason for travellers to need medical help. Medical facilities can be excellent in large cities, but in more remote areas may be basic.
Eating
There are restaurants and snack bars (all unlicensed) on the main road. At the foot of the lanes leading to the beach, funky cafes serve Moroccan and international food, including recommended fruit juices and smoothies.
CONTACT US
PIM & LISA
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