TIPS:
From Marrakech to Agadir you have a lot of buses and they are cheap and comfy.
Supratours is one of the main bus companies and it is trustworthy.
The booking online does not always work so maybe you will have to buy your ticket at the station.
Marrakech-Agadir is 100MDR (=10euros), the bus is comfortable, AC.
One thing to know: you need to pay for your luggage (5MDR/luggage, 0.50euros) and you can only do it just before departure so considers a time buffer before departure.Money exchange at the airport: wait to pass customs to exchange! You have exchange desks with better rates just before exiting the airport.
OR, withdraw at the airport or on your way to Taghazout because there is no ATM there. The last one is in Aouir
Be really careful with the sun, it is super strong there, especially if you surf! Each time I have been there I have seen people getting sunstroke.
Even in Taghazout, you have to negotiate prices
WHAT TO PACK?
- Sun cream (strong one ^^) and zinc if you surf (SO expensive once there)
- Swimsuit
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Beach towel
- Medicines in case you get sick: sunstroke or indigestion
- Music booth (so perfect when you have a surf break)
- Book
- A reusable water bottle because then you can fill your bottle in some hotels or buy the 5-10L water bottle and reduce your plastic waste.
- Bring a Tupperware if you go to a surf camp, so you can avoid the plastic to pack your lunch
- Yoga gear
- Earplugs and sleeping mask
- It is cold in the morning/evening, especially if you go in winter. So take a jumper
- I would say buy argan oil / beauty products / hair oil once there
WHERE TO STAY:
There are many hotels/hostels in Taghazout and many of them look cute but I highly recommend Dfrost. They have the Almugar villa in Taghazout (great location, gorgeous terrace overlooking the ocean, rooftop, the rooms, and dorms are so nice) and the SeaSide Hotel, a gorgeous place with a pool, terrace overlooking the ocean, delicious food, great atmosphere, and decoration (see pics below). Their all-inclusive packs are a bit pricey but not so much compared to other places and the 2 villas are amazing, the food is delicious, the surf teachers are great, the staff is adorable and you have yoga included twice a day. I have stayed 3 times with them already and I will be back!
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
- If you stay at dfrost the food will be included and it is so good you will not have the need to go somewhere else.
- Along the main road and along the beach you have many bars and restaurants.
- In Tamraght you have a delicious restaurant: ∫. Yes, it is pricey but so much delicious and healthy veggie/vegan food (see pics), and the staff is adorable. Great Wifi and a great place to chill /work
- In Tamraght you can also go to Adam’s cafe. A good place to work.
WHAT TO DO:
- Surfing: So many surf spots all around Taghazout and for all levels!
Here are some of them (for sure they all change with the conditions but you get an idea):
Advanced: Anchor Point, Killers, Dracula, Boilers
Intermediate: Anza (can big really big though but when the conditions are good it’s an amazing A-frame. It’s also one of the only waves working when the conditions are low), Desert point (can be big and fast), lower desert point, banana point, Crocodile, Km14, Mysteries.
Beginners: Camel Beach, Panorama, Banana point, Hash point
- Explore the adorable village of Taghazout
- Hammam and Massage:
Dfrost has a great deal with Beautiful Massage Taghazout and I went several times over the year. It is a nice place BUT during my last trip I discovered Tamraght Spa House and it is next level. If you do not have a special price with your hotel/surf camp, both places actually cost the same (450 dirhams for a hammam and 1h massage or 350 dirhams for a 1h massage). At Tamraght spa house the massages are insane, the place so beautiful and the staff adorable. highly recommended. I would recommend one hammam at the start of your trip to get the skin ready and then a massage a week!
- Paradise valley: a half-day / full-day experience. Check with your hotel if they organize excursions. it is a really nice break after many days of surfing. You are in the middle of nature, it’s a beautiful walk and you can do cliff jumping! Try to avoid the dry season though.
- Imsouane: I just loved this place. It is definitely worth a day trip from Taghazout and I would even stay for 2-3 days. The surf spot there is so good and for all levels!
- Agadir: Not the most beautiful city and the beach is super tourist but you can still go there for a day to check it out (there is even a souk). You can also surf there.
- Sandboarding: Check with your hotel if they organize excursions. The spot is really nice (dunes facing the ocean). Try to go for sunset.
- Essaouira: I did not go because I was focusing on surfing, but it is supposed to be an adorable city
- Go to the skatepark on the heights of Taghazout. To go you can walk by the road or cut straight up from the city center (it’s indicated). The view there is beautiful and the skatepark is colorful and really chill. You can rent skateboards in the city center.
- Yoga classes. It is cheaper than in Europe and the spots are usually great. At Dfrost they have 2 sessions a day, 10euros/session
- Watch the beautiful sunsets
- Eat… enjoy the real tajines and couscous!
WHAT TO BRING BACK:
- Argan oil! Walk along the main beach and at some point, you will see a super small stand where a family is selling argan oil. It is super cheap compared to Europe, local, and pure oil. I bought it each time I go there ^^
- Local silver jewelry: way cheaper than in Europe but still, you have to negotiate to arrive at an ok price!
- Local bowl/cups/objects: you will see so many things you want to buy, but I am not worried ;) I would recommend bowls and cups because once back home when you use them it will bring you back to Taghazout
- Surf poncho: it is THE one thing you will see everywhere on the beach and it is actually so practical and comfy ^^ Yes it will take up a lot of space in your luggage but like me, you can just wear it at the airport or use it as a pillow