Taghazout at a glance
Taghazout is a rural commune in the Agadir Ida-Outanane prefecture, in the Souss-Massa region. Its residents have traditionally made a living from fishing, farming, livestock, trade and crafts, and the village still has its small port. It was in the late 1960s that a beach just south of the village began to draw young travellers exploring southern Morocco. Little is known about its earlier history: oral tradition mainly recalls clashes between the Berber tribes and the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Since then, Taghazout has grown fast and is merging with its neighbours, Tamraght and Aourir. The village has nonetheless kept its authentic character, with its mural-painted walls, and this whole stretch of coast is considered the best surf area in the region, for beginners and experienced surfers alike. To the south, the Taghazout Bay resort has added hotels, a golf course and plenty of activities.
Things to do in Taghazout
Surf Taghazout’s spots
Taghazout’s reputation rests above all on its points, waves that peel along a rocky headland:
- Anchor Point (La Pointe des Ancres), about 3 km north of the village: a world-class right-hander discovered by Australian surfers in the 1960s. It needs a long north-west swell, works outside high tide, and the take-off is difficult, so it is a spot for experienced surfers. In summer it is mostly flat.
- Killer Point: for intermediate to advanced surfers, with long, workable walls. Winter is the best season.
- Hash Point: a sheltered point with fairly consistent surf, especially in winter.
- Panoramas: a mixed beach and reef break that picks up swell well but is often flat in summer.
To learn, the village has many surf schools and all-inclusive surf camps that combine daily lessons, yoga sessions and meals. Beginners are usually taken to gentler waves such as Devil’s Rock in Tamraght, 8 km to the south. Either way, ask locally before paddling out.
Do yoga
Many of Taghazout’s surf camps also run yoga sessions, often at sunrise or sunset, and it is a good way to stretch tired shoulders after a surf.
The Taghazout skatepark
Taghazout has its own skatepark, built by around a hundred volunteers. The association that runs it lends boards and protective gear to children who cannot afford their own. It is also a good plan on days when the ocean is flat.
The fish market and the sunset
Every day, a small fish market sets up right on the sand as the fishermen come in with their catch. In the evening, the rooftop terraces in the village are the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic, a daily ritual in Taghazout.
Golf and horse riding at Taghazout Bay
Just south of the village, the Taghazout Bay resort is home to the Tazegzout golf course, designed by Kyle Phillips and opened in 2014. It now has 27 holes between the ocean and the hills. The resort also offers horse riding, by the sea or on trails inland, as well as surf and golf academies and a museum dedicated to the argan tree. The course is only about 15 minutes from central Agadir, so you can play even if you are staying in town.
Hiking, mountain biking and argan cooperatives
The hills above the coast are good for hiking and mountain biking, and the area sits in the heart of the argan forest reserve. Several cooperatives welcome visitors to see how argan oil is made: our guide to argan oil cooperatives near Agadir helps you choose, and a car lets you combine several in a day.
A day trip to Paradise Valley
At Aourir, a few kilometres to the south, the road to Paradise Valley leaves the coast and heads inland to its natural pools and waterfalls. It is the easiest day trip to combine with a stay in Taghazout, ideally early in the morning.
Aourir and its banana plantations
Aourir, the neighbouring town, grows bananas in large quantities, and its plantations line the road. They also gave their name to the Banana Point surf spot, a mellower right between Aourir and Tamraght.
Imi Ouaddar beach
A little further north, about 30 km from Agadir on the N1 towards Essaouira, Imi Ouaddar beach is good for surfing, bodyboarding and paddleboarding. The surrounding hills also have hiking trails with ocean views. By car, it is an easy change of scene from Taghazout.
Watch a surf contest
Taghazout hosts World Surf League events. In 2026, the Pro Taghazout Bay ran from 22 to 29 March at Anchor Point, and the Junior Pro Taghazout Bay is scheduled for 11 to 15 November at Anza beach. Check the exact dates on the WSL website before you go.
When to go to Taghazout
The waves are at their best from September to April, especially for experienced surfers, with water that can reach 21 °C. On average, the sea around Agadir ranges from about 17.5 °C in February to 21 °C in September. In summer most of the points are flat, so it is more the season for yoga, the beach, the skatepark and day trips. If you surf, a wetsuit is useful for most of the year.
Taghazout hotels: where to stay
Two very different styles sit side by side.
In the village, most people stay in surf camps, hostels or guesthouses. All-inclusive surf camps often include lessons, yoga and meals. You can also rent a room, an apartment or a whole house by asking around the central square.
At Taghazout Bay, the resort developed since 2011 over 615 hectares and about 4.5 km of beaches between Taghazout and Tamraght, the big international brands have moved in. The resort currently lists nine places to stay:
- Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay, opened in 2015 as the first Hyatt Place in Africa, with views over the mountains and the Tazegzout golf course;
- Hyatt Regency Taghazout, at the foot of the Atlas close to the golf course, with a spa and a conference centre;
- Fairmont Taghazout Bay, opened in July 2021 on 18 hectares, focused on wellness, with rooms, suites and villas overlooking the sea;
- RIU Palace Tikida Taghazout, 504 rooms, seven outdoor pools, an indoor pool and four restaurants;
- Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa, 170 rooms on the ocean, two restaurants, a spa and a conference centre;
- Taghazout Bay Marriott Resort, opened in July 2026 with 250 rooms, direct beach access and two pools;
- Radisson Blu Resort Taghazout Bay, with rooms, bungalows and cabins;
- White Beach Resort Taghazout, for adults aged 16 and over, with pools laid out like a Moorish garden;
- Radisson Residences Taghazout Bay, apartments in the hills, five minutes from the village and close to the golf course.
With the Marriott’s opening, the resort’s capacity has reached 4,800 beds. Wherever you stay, a car makes life easier: the resort hotels are a few minutes’ drive from the village, the surf spots and Agadir, and the village itself is best explored on foot.
Three days in Taghazout: a suggested plan
Day 1. Pick up your car at the airport and take the N1 north. In the afternoon, take your first surf lesson or a yoga class, then watch the sunset from a rooftop terrace in the village.
Day 2. Leave early for Paradise Valley via Aourir to enjoy the pools before the heat. Come back for lunch, then visit the fish market on the beach and end the day at the skatepark or on the beach.
Day 3. Spend the morning in Tamraght, surfing Devil’s Rock or visiting an argan cooperative, then play golf or go horse riding at Taghazout Bay in the afternoon. With an extra day, head north to Imsouane and its long right-hand wave, or south to Tiznit.
Driving to Taghazout
From central Agadir, allow about 25 km by road and 25 minutes. Take the N1 north: the road follows the coast through Aourir and Tamraght before reaching Taghazout. From the airport, allow about 46 km and 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. We deliver your car straight to Agadir Al Massira airport, so you can head for Taghazout as soon as you land.
For road rules and police checks in Morocco, see our guide to driving in Morocco. To compare every option (bus, grand taxi, transfer or car), read our guide Agadir to Taghazout: every way to get there.
Parking in Taghazout
Parking is free, but spaces in the village are very limited. The easiest approach is to park as soon as you find a legal space and walk the rest of the way. A car guardian sometimes offers to watch the car for a tip of your choosing. Leave nothing visible in the car, especially surf gear.
Which car to rent for Taghazout
The drive is short and entirely on the N1, so an economy car (Dacia Logan or Renault Clio, from €15/day with us) is ideal, and easier to park in a village where spaces are scarce.
If you are carrying boards, travelling as a group with luggage or planning trips inland, a compact SUV such as the Dacia Duster (from €30/day) gives you more space. For boards, we offer roof racks as an optional extra: just ask for them when you book.
Our prices include insurance, unlimited mileage and airport delivery, with no deposit. Compare available cars and book in a few minutes.
Exploring from Taghazout
Taghazout is the ideal base for exploring the coast by car:
- Tamraght, 8 km south: a quieter village, the beach and the Devil’s Rock spot, perfect for beginners.
- Imsouane, about 70 km north (1 h 30 min by road): a fishing port and one of the longest right-hand waves in Africa.
- Tiznit, just under 2 hours south: the town of ramparts, the silver souk and Aglou beach.
Find all our route ideas on the Destinations page, and for more beaches within easy reach, see our pick of the best beaches near Agadir.