Deep in a YouTube rabbit hole, I stumbled across a redbull surfing video boasting about surf in Morocco. Bold claims that Morocco had long been overlooked internationally as a top surf spot. They proclaimed this small fishing village, Tagazought, as a surfing Mecha. That it could be to Europeans, what Bali is to Aussies. This I had to see it.

A last minute flight was booked, leaving just enough time for a wetsuit to be shove in a suit case and a solid 50 minute night sleep.

Tagazought is a mear 20 minute taxi ride up the coast from international airport Agadir which hosts dirt cheap flights from most major European airports. However, If you’re a broke backpacker like me, save £15 and take the bus with the locals from Agadir. Be warned, personal space on said bus is a Mystery. This bus ride made a rush hour London tube journey feel like 1st class BA by comparison. At one point I was handed a woman’s child as apparently, I had space to hold it¹.

Taghazout has a backpacker vibe without being mainstream (Go now before influencers ruin it).

There are five or so hostels, all pretty similar from what I gather; rooftops decorated with cushions and carpets, hash filling the air and panoramic views of the Atlantic lapping the beach. Many of the inhabitants are travelling the north coast of Africa, most of whom, for months at a time. This provides a homey hostel vibe.

The town is littered with surf shops and authentic restaurants. For the price of a London coffee you can get a Tagine (the local dish – essentially a curry) as well as all the compliments of a sit down meal (bread, tea, water, olives).

As stated, you will be tripping over surf shops. If I remember correctly, I paid the equivalent of £20 to rent a board for three days, with the vendor more than happy for me to swap my bard for another, depending on conditions. If you consider you may pay £20 for half a day in Cornwall, it’s a bloody good deal. Especially considering the superior waves. I found the locals incredibly friendly, something that cannot be said for everyone in Marakesh…

Tagazought is home to a host of great breaks. In the town, Anchor Point and Panorama Point. The latter providing a pleasant beach break for beginners to intermediates, as well as a nice beach for relaxation, while the former offers more of a challenge for seasoned short boarders. Slightly further up, and down, the coast there are further options to suit desired taste or day specific conditions. Put it like this, when I was in Tagazought, seasoned surfers were complaining that “this is the worst it’s been in weeks”, while from my Cornish based perspective it was fucking pumping (above images not aiding my point).                         

If you want to let lose on the town after a long day in the water, I am here to disappoint. Morocco doesn’t do nightlife in the European sense. Alcohol is not illegal, however, most venues do not sell it. Largely for cultural and religious reasons. In Tagazought, only in the most expensive hotels can you buy a beer. Where, even by UK standards, its expensive. If you want a beer after your surf, I would advise stocking up in Agadir, before your bus. Alternatively, duty free is always your friend.

That said getting pissed really isn’t the vibe here, this is a place for sunrise surf sessions rather than sunrise sets. Besides, when in Rome… smoke hash instead 😉

TOP TRAVELL TIP: Haggle, Haggle, Haggle and Haggle some more. In Morocco, with a few exceptions, the price you are given is very much up for negotiation. It’s not a coincidence that items in shops don’t have prices on them. I defaulted to asking how much something was, then offering half (or less) of the vendor’s answer. Then be willing to walk away.  They always come down. This may seem rude but haggling is expected, and the Moroccans get plenty of practice, so stay firm!

A restaurant meal is about the only private sale that it is not in the haggle acceptable bracket. Same goes for bus tickets and other official set prices. Taxi’s on the other hand, Haggle like hell. In the moment it is pretty obvious when to haggle and when not to.

1. I was sure to return the child to its rightful owner before departing from the bus. ↩︎