When most travelers picture Morocco, they see rolling desert dunes, colorful souks, and majestic imperial cities. That’s part of it, but not the whole story.
Discover Morocco’s Coastal Towns: Complete Guide invites you to explore another side of the country: over 1,800 miles of dramatic coastline along the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, filled with towns where history, culture, and sea air interwine!
Imagine whitewashed medinas kissed by ocean breezes, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and centuries-old fortresses standing watch over turquoise waters. That’s the Morocco waiting for you, and this guide is your passport to it.
Also check out our guide on How to travel to Spain, Portugal and Morocco for inspiration on extending your adventure beyond the shore.
Why the Coast Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary?
The Moroccan coast is ideal for travelers who want authenticity without chaos. While the big cities can sometimes be overwhelming, the seaside offers fresh air, cooler temperatures, and a relaxed rhythm of life. Many of these towns carry centuries of history, from Portuguese forts and Spanish influences to French touches and local traditions. This blend creates a unique identity that makes them worth exploring. That’s why this Discover Morocco’s Coastal Towns: Complete Guide focuses not only on what you can see, but also on why you’ll love each place. So let’s dive into this journey and discover why its coast is just one of the many reasons why Morocco is worth a visit!
Essaouira (Marrakech-Safi Region)
Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a breezy, artistic haven about two and a half hours west of Marrakech. Known as “The Windy City,” it is loved by surfers, painters, and travelers who want to unwind by the sea. Once called Mogador, this port was shaped by Portuguese architects and later by Moroccan sultans, creating a mix of European fortifications and North African soul.
Some of Essaouira’s highlights include its 18th-century ramparts, built by the Portuguese. Walking along these walls gives you panoramic views of the crashing Atlantic waves and the town’s bustling port, where rows of fishing boats return each afternoon with the day’s catch. The UNESCO-listed Medina is compact and easy to navigate, perfect for travelers who might find larger Moroccan cities overwhelming. Inside, you’ll find art galleries, craft shops selling Thuya wood carvings, and stalls filled with textiles and spices.
For food lovers, Essaouira is heaven. The portside restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood in Morocco, often grilled right in front of you. Don’t miss the sardines, simple, delicious, and unforgettable. And if you’re visiting in June, you may stumble upon the famous Gnaoua World Music Festival, which fills the streets with hypnotic rhythms and international performers!
Asilah (Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region)
Further north, the small town of Asilah sits peacefully on the Atlantic coast, just forty minutes from Tangier. Originally fortified by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Asilah today is a relaxed, picturesque town known for its whitewashed walls and laid-back pace of life. Each year, the town’s medina comes alive with vibrant street art and fresh murals created by local and visiting artists, adding a unique creative energy that changes with every visit.
Asilah is small, flat and easy to explore on foot. As you wander through its quiet alleys, the vivid murals and ocean views create a dreamlike atmosphere. The Portuguese-built ramparts still surround the town, offering perfect sunset spots over the Atlantic. You can enjoy mint tea at a small café, browse handmade crafts, or head to nearby Paradise Beach for a swim. It feels instantly welcoming, a place where travelers arrive in the morning and feel at home by lunch!
This coastal city is an ideal destination for a day trip or overnight stay. And here’s the good news: at Not Just a Tourist, we take you on a 3-day trip from Spain that takes care of all the details, transport and local guides included! It’s the perfect way to experience Morocco, exploring inland gems like Chefchaouen and coastal gems like Asilah.
El Jadida (Cadablanca-Settat Region)
Next on this Discover Morocco’s Coastal Town: Complete Guide is El Jadida, a fascinating blend of cultures that feels both historic and refreshingly authentic. Once known as Mazagan during Portuguese rule, this seaside town is now a UNESCO-listed Site. Its most famous attraction is the Portuguese Cistern, an underground vaulted chamber built in the 16th century. Inside, a thin layer of water covers the floor, and when sunlight filters through the single opening above, the reflections create an almost mystical atmosphere.
Above the ground, you can walk along (once again) the fortified ramparts for sweeping views of the Atlantic or explore the narrow alleys of the Portuguese quarter, where colonial architecture blends with Moroccan life: arched doorways, whitewashed walls, tiled details…
Additionally, you can walk along the harbor, lined with simple restaurants serving the freshest fish you can imagine. You’ll understand why so many locals escape here for weekend getaways…
Don’t stop exploring! Read our latest blog: All of Morocco’s UNESCO World Heritage Attractions: Ultimate Guide to uncover more must-see historical sites that make Morocco one of the world’s most captivating destinations!
Tangier (Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region)
At Morocco’s northern tip, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, sits Tangier, the cosmopolitan city that has long been called the “Gateway to Africa.” It lies just fourteen kilometers from Spain, a position that made Tangier a crossroads of civilizations, attracting explorers, writers, and artists like Paul Bowles and Matisse!
Tangier’s Kasbah crowns the city, offering breathtaking views of two continents. Nearby, the American Legation Museum, the first U.S. property abroad, highlights Morocco’s historic ties with the United States. Down by the coast, the Corniche promenade is perfect for a scenic stroll, lined with cafés and palm trees where locals gather in the evenings.
Just outside town, you can explore long and unspoiled beaches and caves, like the legendary Caves of Hercules, where mythology says the Greek hero rested before his labors.
Tangier is also surprisingly family-friendly. With its safe promenades, engaging history, and seaside atmosphere, it’s a city that both adults and children can enjoy together. If you’re planning a family trip, don’t miss our blog Visit Tangier with Kids for insider tips on the best activities and places to explore with little ones!
Luckily, you don’t have to figure out the logistics on your own. At Not Just a Tourist, we organize both a day trip to Tangier and a 2-day trip to Tangier and Chefchaouen, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.
Agadir (Sous-Massa Region)
In southern Morocco, Agadir is the country’s modern face to the ocean. After a devastating earthquake in 1960, the city was rebuilt with broad avenues, a beautiful marina, and one of the longest beaches in Morocco. Blessed with a mild climate almost year-round, Agadir is a favorite for both locals and international travelers seeking surf, relaxation, and comfort.
Beyond the beach, Agadir has several cultural and natural attractions. The Agadir Oufella, the remains of the old Kasbah on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Just outside town, Paradise Valley is a popular day trip with its rock pools, waterfalls, and palm groves. If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss the Souss-Massa National Park, home to flamingos, herons, and the endangered bald ibis. The city also has a modern medina, rebuilt in traditional style, where visitors can see Moroccan craftsmanship in a calm setting.
Thanks to its modern hotels, international food options, and reliable facilities, Agadir is especially comfortable for senior travelers. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder the city is known as Morocco’s Sunshine Capital.
Tetouan (Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region)
Tucked between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean, Tetouan is one of Morocco’s most authentic and elegant cities. This hidden gem sits slightly inland, just a quick 10-minute drive from the Mediterranean coast, giving visitors the best of both worlds: mountain views and easy access to the beach.
Often called “The White Dove” because of its whitewashed medina, Tetouan’s beauty lies in its blend of Andalusian grace and Moroccan tradition. In the 15th century, Muslim and Jewish refugees from Andalusia rebuilt the city after their expulsion from Spain, leaving behind architecture, music, and craftsmanship that still shape Tetouan’s soul today.
The city’s UNESCO-listed medina is one of the most authentic in Morocco, with narrow lanes, traditional workshops, and the scent of leather filling the air. It’s small and quiet, making it perfect for travelers who crave genuine local life without the crowds. Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Ethnographic Museum to understand its layered past, then relax with a coffee in Plaza Primo, surrounded by Spanish-style buildings from the early 20th century.
And when you’re ready for the sea, head just ten minutes north to Martil, a relaxed coastal resort known for its long promenade and clean sandy beaches. Locals love it for swimming, seaside walks, and fresh seafood.
Combining Tetouan’s cultural charm, Andalusian heritage and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect way to experience Northern Morocco, and you can do it all in our 3-day Moroccan trip!
As you might have seen, Morocco’s coast is more than just sand and sea. It’s about stories carved into fortress walls, colors splashed across medina walls, seafood, and people who welcome you with warmth and a smile. From colorful Essaouira to whitewashed Tetouan, every town has a unique personality waiting to be discovered.
This Discover Morocco’s Coastal Towns: Complete Guide is your invitation to slow down, take in the ocean breeze, and experience Morocco differently. Ready to explore it all? Contact us today to start planning your next journey. Or, if you prefer something made just for you, personalize your trip with tailor-made experiences designed to match your pace, passions, and style.
