Where to Go in Morocco for a Beach Holiday on a Budget?

Somewhere between the wild edges of the Sahara and the timeless charm of its ancient cities, Morocco hides a coastal secret… or maybe not so secret anymore.

If you’ve ever dreamed of golden beaches, calm blue waters, and a sense of sun-kissed freedom without breaking the bank, Morocco might just be your ideal spot. It’s a beach holiday with a twist — salty breezes, mint tea in hand, and maybe a camel watching you paddleboard.

Where to Go in Morocco for a Beach Holiday

Let’s not pretend Morocco is only about the dunes and souks. The beaches? Yeah, they deserve more credit. From relaxed fishing villages to full-blown beach resorts with water sports and wild views of the Mediterranean, Morocco’s coast stretches farther than most first-timers realize.

And if you’re doing this on a budget? Good news — it’s absolutely doable.

So, where to go in Morocco for a beach holiday that’s equal parts unforgettable and affordable?

1. Agadir Beach – Morocco’s All-In-One Sun-Soaked Playground

Agadir’s got that postcard feel… but with affordable hotel rates and sunny weather that refuses to quit (we’re talking 300+ days of sunshine). It’s Morocco’s go-to beach resort for a reason.

Wide sandy beaches, beach clubs with cocktails that won’t wreck your wallet, and long palm-lined promenades where even doing nothing feels like something.

You can wake up in budget-friendly hotels like Hotel Riu Tikida or treat yourself a little at Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa — if you’re in the mood to splurge without going wild.

Water sports? Everywhere. From jet skiing to surfing lessons, there’s a plethora of things to try — or not. Sometimes just sitting there, staring at the ocean, feels perfect.

There’s a certain rhythm to Agadir. It’s not chaotic like a big city, but there’s movement… a buzz. Street food stalls serve fresh fish just off the boats. Little cafes pour mint tea with slow, sleepy hands. The sunsets stretch out long. Golden, soft. It’s the kind of place where your phone stays in your bag.

Directions: 📍 Legzira Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Hotel Sindibad – $25/night

🌊 Activity: Camel ride along the beach at sunset – ~$15.

🏄 Optional Add-on: Beginner surf lessons at Banana Beach – $20–25

2. Essaouira – The Windy City with Artistic Soul

This isn’t your typical beach town. Essaouira’s a little… quirky. A coastal town with roots deep in music, art, and that sort of washed-out blue aesthetic that photographers drool over. It’s the place where Jimi Hendrix supposedly found inspiration, and you can sort of see why.

The beach? Big. Windy. Ideal for kite surfing and windsurfing. But it’s more than that — there’s something about the city walls, the fishing ports, the old medina tucked right up against the shore. It’s a mix of ancient vibes and creative energy.

You’ll find plenty of budget riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses) tucked into the narrow streets. Some are under $40 a night and come with rooftop terraces that offer incredible views over the sea.

Picture yourself sipping mint tea while pink flamingos drift across the sky. Okay, maybe that part’s rare… but you get the vibe.

Fresh seafood here is next level. Order a grilled platter from one of the port stalls — they bring you what’s fresh, not what’s fancy. And it’s amazing.

Directions: 📍 Essaouira Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Atlantic Hostel – $18/night dorm or $30 private

🏄 Activity: Beginner surf lesson – ~$25

🎶 Optional Add-on: Gnaoua music tour or live rooftop music – Free–$10

3. Taghazout – Laid-Back Surf Town With a Big Heart

Imagine a tiny fishing village that woke up one day and became a surf capital. That’s Taghazout. It’s still small, still friendly, but now it’s sprinkled with yoga retreats, surf camps, and colorful cafés that serve banana pancakes.

It sits just north of Agadir, and feels completely different — slower, more relaxed, more… you.

This is the place where budget travelers meet. You’ll find hostels with sea views for under $20 a night and beach bungalows that feel more Bali than North Africa.

Camel rides along the beach? Yep. Yoga sessions on rooftop decks? Definitely. Long beach days that drift into lazy evenings with tagine and guitar music? Basically standard.

It’s the kind of place where people show up for three days and stay for three weeks.

Directions: 📍 Taghazout Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Amayour Surf Hostel – $25/night including breakfast

🧘 Activity: Surf & yoga combo classes – ~$30/day

☕ Optional Add-on: Hang at local cafés with sea views – $3–5 per drink

4. Sidi Kaouki – The Quiet Escape

If Taghazout is a sleepy town, Sidi Kaouki might be dreaming. It’s quieter, even more off-the-map. A stretch of beach that doesn’t care whether you find it or not.

But if you do… there’s something special here. The golden sand rolls out endlessly. The waves crash with a kind of purpose. And the sunsets? Bold and beautiful.

There’s not a lot in terms of nightlife or shopping, but that’s the point. Come here to disconnect. Stay in a modest guesthouse or a quirky beachfront lodge. Read a book. Watch the stars (they really do light up the entire sky). Or ride a horse along the shore — slow and cinematic. It’s a vibe.

Directions: 📍 Sidi Kaouki Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Dar Tarnam Guesthouse – $25–30/night

🐪 Activity Pick: Camel ride along the wild beach – ~$15

🌄 Optional Add-on: Sunset horseback ride – ~$20

5. Casablanca – Where City Energy Meets the Atlantic

Let’s shift gears a little. Casablanca isn’t really a beach town, not exactly… but it’s a major city with real coastal charm. The contrast is what makes it compelling. You’ve got architecture, modernism, and historical vibes blending into a bustling port city. And you’ve got Casablanca Airport Shuttle service for easy traveling too.

The most famous beach? Ain Diab. It’s a popular beach hangout for locals — young people, families, tourists — everyone converges here for the waves, the sun, and the beachfront cafes.

It’s not as tranquil as Essaouira or as raw as Taghazout, but it has its own pulse. Think beach clubs, ice cream stands, street dancers, the smell of Moroccan food wafting in from side streets.

If you’re into city views and people-watching more than quiet beaches, Casablanca is a solid pick. Stay near the beach for better access — and the Hilton’s there if you want a blend of budget and comfort.

Directions: 📍 Aïn Diab Casablanca Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

• 🛏️ Budget Stay: Hotel Boustane – around $30–35/night
• 🕌 Activity Pick: Visit Hassan II Mosque by the sea – ~$5 entry, free outside
• 🌊 Optional Add-on: Coffee at Corniche promenade café – $3–5

6. Al Hoceima – The Northern Secret

Tucked up near the Mediterranean Sea, Al Hoceima is a lesser-known gem. It’s got that whole calm waters, crescent beach, breathtaking cliffside feel that makes you go, “Why isn’t this place famous?”

Maybe it’s better that way. Less hype means fewer crowds. More space to just breathe.

The town’s got a very local vibe — Moroccan culture meets North Atlantic scenery. Hotels here are affordable, and some rooms come with incredible views over the rocky coast. Imagine waking up to that.

The beaches? Sandy, quiet, clear. The city? Charming. There’s a fishing port, cafes with panoramic views, and that relaxed pace that makes time feel optional.

Directions: 📍 Al Hoceima Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Chalet Hotel Al Hoceima – approx. $35–40/night

🐟 Activity Pick: Boat ride in the Al Hoceima National Park – ~$20

🥾 Optional Add-on: Hike coastal cliffs near Quemado Beach – Free

7. Asilah – History Meets the Sea

Asilah feels like a secret you want to keep. It’s a small beach town just south of Tangier, and walking its beautiful streets feels like flipping through a travel diary. Whitewashed buildings, splashes of art on every wall, and that soft pink glow as the sun hits the sea.

It’s a beach holiday with a literary twist. The town has deep roots in art and culture, hosting an annual arts festival that literally paints the city.

The stretch of beach here is long and peaceful. Not flashy. Not overly crowded. Just a place where families stroll, and the ocean hums along.

Budget hotels and Airbnb spots make it affordable. You could get a cozy place with a rooftop view for far less than you’d think. And if you’re lucky, your neighbor might offer you fresh figs in the morning. Happened to me once. True story.

Directions: 📍 Asilah Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Dar Manara Guesthouse – around $35/night

🎨 Activity Pick: Self-guided street art walk in the medina – Free

🚲 Optional Add-on: Rent a bike and explore the coastline – ~$10

8. Saidia – The Mediterranean Dream

Let’s head east. Way east. Almost brushing the Algerian border. That’s where you’ll find Saidia — a proper beach resort town on the Mediterranean coast.

It’s got all the beach town essentials: golden beaches, beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and sunshine that sticks around most of the year. But it hasn’t been overrun by tourism yet, which keeps prices fairly grounded.

Perfect for a family holiday, a solo trip, or even a honeymoon trip if you’re the kind that likes beautiful beaches without all the fuss. There’s a marina, lots of space, and surprisingly decent nightlife.

Directions: 📍 Saidia Beach on Google Maps

Hotel & Activity Recommendations:

🛏️ Budget Stay: Melia Saïdia Garden All Inclusive – $40–45/night (off-season deals)

🏖️ Activity Pick: Jet skiing or banana boat on the Blue Pearl beach – ~$25

🌅 Optional Add-on: Sunset walk on the 14km beach promenade – Free

🧭 Pro Tips for First-Time Morocco Beach Travelers

Beach Destination	Pro Tips for Budget Travelers
Agadir	✅ Book stays outside peak summer for better deals (May or September) ✅ Use public buses or shared taxis to explore nearby areas like Paradise Valley. ✅ Many beachfront restaurants have fixed-price menus — always ask before ordering.
Essaouira	✅ Stay in a riad inside the medina for walkable access to beach and markets. ✅ Winds are strong — pack a light windbreaker and secure beach gear. ✅ Bargain at fish stalls; some vendors expect it. Tip the grill man separately.
Taghazout	✅ Ideal for surf beginners — ask for group surf lessons to save. ✅ Eat at local cafés for cheap and delicious tagines. ✅ Some hostels offer free yoga or surfboard rental with longer stays.
Sidi Kaouki	✅ Cash is king — very few places take cards. Bring enough. ✅ Plan your meals around guesthouse offerings — options are limited. ✅ Stargazing is incredible here — download a stargazing app and enjoy.
Casablanca	✅ Use tram or petit taxis to navigate the city affordably. ✅ Ain Diab is more local on weekdays; avoid weekends for quieter beach time. ✅ Street snacks near the beach are cheap and tasty — try bissara soup.
Al Hoceima	✅ Visit in shoulder season (June or September) — fewer crowds, same beauty. ✅ Check locally for boat tours or cliff-jumping spots — some are unlisted online. ✅ Bring snorkeling gear — the water’s that clear.
Asilah	✅ Visit during the arts festival (August) for a splash of culture. ✅ Try Airbnb for better deals on rooftops with sea views. ✅ Walk the town early morning for golden light and empty streets.
Saidia	✅ Ideal for families — look for apartment rentals with kitchens. ✅ Marina cafés offer sunset views without luxury pricing. ✅ Nightlife is better on weekends — weekdays are super chill.

🚗 Getting Around Morocco’s Beaches on a Budget

You don’t need to rent a car (though it’s nice if you’re with friends). Getting around Morocco is surprisingly doable on a budget:

• Buses (CTM or Supratours): These are your best bet for longer routes—clean, reliable, and super affordable. You can book online or at the terminal.
• Shared Grand Taxis: If you’re heading between nearby towns (like from Agadir to Taghazout), grand taxis are cheap and quick. They leave when full—so just hop in, split the fare with other passengers, and go.
• Local Minibuses: For shorter routes, these are super cheap—though not the most comfortable.
• Carpooling Apps (like BlaBlaCar): Becoming popular in cities—cheap, and you might make a new friend.

💡 Tip: Always ask for the price before getting in a taxi (even shared ones). And don’t be afraid to negotiate!

💸 Beach Budget Cheat Sheet – Rough Daily Costs (USD)

Category	Budget Range (Daily)	Notes
Accommodation	$18–$40	Hostels or budget guesthouses
Meals (3x daily)	$10–$20	Street food, local cafés, light dinners
Transport	$5–$15	Shared taxis, buses, local travel
Activities	$10–$25	Surfing, camel rides, medina tours, yoga
Miscellaneous	$5–$10	Snacks, souvenirs, bottled water, etc.
Total Estimate	$48–$110/day	Depending on how relaxed or active you are

🧳 Pro Tip: Traveling as a couple or with friends? Split accommodation and tours to save up to 30% per person.

🎒 What to Pack for a Beach Trip in Morocco

Whether you’re hopping between fishing villages or lounging in Taghazout, a few smart packing choices can save you money and hassle:

• Quick-dry towel: Some guesthouses don’t provide one.
• Modest cover-up/clothing: Bikinis are fine at tourist beaches, but cover up in towns or when walking around.
• Reusable water bottle: Saves cash and reduces plastic waste.
• Sunscreen: Bring your own! It’s pricey in local shops.
• Water shoes: Some rocky beaches (like Legzira) are tough on bare feet.
• Small cash: Many places don’t accept cards, especially for snacks or transport.

Bonus tip: A light scarf can double as sun protection, a modesty wrap, or a picnic mat.

💬 Beach Etiquette & Cultural Tips You Should Know

Moroccan beach culture is a mix of local vibes and global tourists—respect goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• 👙 Swimwear is okay on most beaches (especially in tourist towns), but go modest when heading to markets or local restaurants.
• 👫 Public displays of affection are best avoided—even holding hands can get side-eyes in traditional towns.
• 📷 Ask before taking photos of people, especially families or women. It’s respectful and appreciated.
• 🕌 Fridays are a holy day, so some shops and activities may open late or close early.
• 🗑️ Trash: Bring a bag and take your trash with you. A few beaches have limited bins.

It’s all about blending in, staying chill, and showing love to local culture.

📱 Handy Apps & Tools for Beach-Hopping in Morocco

Wanna stay on top of things without stress? These free tools can help:

• Rome2Rio: Helps plan transport options between cities or beaches.
• Booking.com / Hostelworld: Great for budget stays (check for free cancellation!).
• Maps.me or Google Maps Offline: Download beach areas in advance—signal can get sketchy.
• BlaBlaCar: Ride-share with locals at super low prices.
• XE Currency Converter: Real-time exchange rates at your fingertips.

Screenshot directions and confirmations when you have Wi-Fi—just in case.

Final Thoughts

Honestly… it depends. If you want surf and soul, go to Taghazout. If it’s artistic vibes and history, Essaouira. Total relaxation? Sidi Kaouki. A taste of everything? Agadir.

Big city buzz? Visit Casablanca by booking Casablanca Airport Taxi Service. Hidden gems? Al Hoceima or Asilah. Mediterranean charm? Saidia.

That’s the beauty of Moroccan beaches — they stretch across moods and budgets.

You’re not boxed into a single kind of holiday. You can spend your mornings sipping mint tea beside fishing boats, your afternoons riding camels along golden beaches, and your evenings watching the stars glow over ancient village rooftops. All without maxing out your credit card.

Just pack a loose plan, an open heart, and maybe a soft sweater for breezy nights. Morocco has a way of surprising you…

Frequently Asked Questions