Discover the charm of Morocco's coastline with our round-up of the best beaches in Morocco. With their pristine sands, azure waters and scenic surroundings, they are a paradise for both sun seekers and nature lovers.
21.07.2023 - 08:19 / roughguides.com / Hayley Spurway
While some people suggest avoiding travel to Morocco when you’re pregnant, Hayley Spurway discovered it’s an ideal babymoon destination for a prenatal break.
“Morocco?” Friends raised their eyebrows when I told them where we planned to take a babymoon. Didn’t I know about the risks of food poisoning? Was I aware that it’s all bit rustic over there? Should I be flying anywhere at all? Yes. Yes. And yes. But we didn’t choose Morocco because we were being reckless. We chose it for its year-round sunshine, exotic culture and wild, wave-lashed beaches. Add to that the lack of alcohol, a simple, laid-back lifestyle, consistent surf (for my other half) and delicious cuisine, and you’ve got the perfect destination for some quality time together before having a baby.
For starters, Morocco’s cheap and easy to get to – attractive qualities when time and money are in short supply before the arrival of a child. Eager to feel the blaze of the sun and dip our toes in a different culture without travelling too far, Morocco came up trumps with regular, budget flights and a flying time of just three and a half hours between London and Agadir. Plus there’s zero jet lag to contend with, and once you land you need very little to live on: you can bag a simple, stylish room for around €40 per night, and eat out for less than €10 per head.
Photo by Hayley Spurway
At six months pregnant I wasn’t up for much sightseeing in searing temperatures, so hiking in the Atlas Mountains or haggling in the souks of Marrakesh was off the agenda. Instead our radar was tuned to the surf and the seascapes, whilst we also wanted to experience some authentic Moroccan culture and cuisine. Keen to avoid the tourist hotspots and hotel buffets (so often the cause of food poisoning), we plumped for the tiny fishing village of Imsouane, about an hour’s taxi ride from Agadir.
Adrift from the surfing hub of Taghazout and the crowds of Essaouira, Imsouane is the sort of place where donkeys and goats roam dusty streets, and fishermen row out through peeling waves ridden by a growing fraternity of surfers. Rugged, crowd-free beaches backed by staggering sand cliffs yawn in either direction from the harbour, and a cooling sea breeze takes the edge off the heat. Like many other small villages dotted along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, in Imsouane there really is very little to do, which is a luxury when you’re sporting a huge bump. Besides, the whole point of a babymoon is to relax and spend quality time in each other’s company.
The fact that alcohol is frowned upon and not readily available in Morocco only adds to the country’s appeal as a babymoon destination. In a place where my partner couldn’t swill his bodyweight in beer while I politely sipped soda water,
Discover the charm of Morocco's coastline with our round-up of the best beaches in Morocco. With their pristine sands, azure waters and scenic surroundings, they are a paradise for both sun seekers and nature lovers.
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Morocco is an incredible place to visit for a variety of reasons. The country’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people make it the perfect getaway. Morocco offers something for everyone; from picturesque beaches to rugged mountains, there are endless ways to explore the beauty of this diverse nation. These Morocco Airbnbs showcase the best of the country.
In Morocco, the type of accommodations you choose to stay in is almost as important as the destinations you choose to visit. In the medinas of popular cities, riad stays are a must to experience traditional Moroccan dwellings that have been converted into boutique hotels or guesthouses, usually with an interior courtyard that makes them undeniably charming. Morocco’s desert experiences are equally famous, meaning camping—or rather glamping—should be on your list of priorities too. From bustling Marrakech to the nearby Agafay Desert and the port city of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, these three accommodations in Morocco are worth traveling for.
Marrakesh is brimming with culture, history, and beauty. This bustling metropolis is filled with attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The Ryad Dyor Riad Marrakech offers guests an experience. This traditional Moroccan riad combines modern design with classic comfort for the perfect Moroccan experience.
Riad Alkemia is a beautiful and traditional Moroccan guesthouse in the heart of Marrakech. This charming riad offers a perfect blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern amenities, making it a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable and authentic experience in the city.
The Sunrise Palace in Merzouga, Morocco, is a luxurious destination for the discerning traveler. Set among lush gardens and overlooking the stunning desert landscape, this traditional palace has been expertly renovated to reflect its original grandeur of Moroccan culture. From the lobby with its intricate arches and hand-painted tiles to the majestic courtyards and grand salons, this majestic palace is sure to make any guest feel as though they are walking in the footsteps of Moroccan royalty.
A port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s when it began to attract laid-back bohemian types. In the decades that followed, Essaouria’s popularity continued to grow as more people discovered its stunning beaches, UNESCO-protected medina, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts scene. Ask today’s travelers, and most will tell you that Essaouira is now a Moroccan must. If you plan on visiting, make sure to cross these five experiences off your bucket list.
Metropolises like Marrakech, Fes, and cinematically immortalized Casablanca drive a lot of tourism to Morocco. But the North African nation’s touristic value extends far beyond its big cities, from ports like Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Visitors might be surprised to learn how easy it is to plan a desert getaway from Morocco’s top destinations, especially if they set their sights on the Agafay Desert an hour outside of Marrakech.