Dec 20, 2016 BY Luke Rees
Morocco is close to Europe but still an exotic and adventurous destination, it’s also home to some of the best windsurfing on the planet. If you’re looking for the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations then read on.
Morocco found its place firmly on the hippy trail in the 1960s and 70s. Since then it has become a popular travel destination for various kinds of adventurous tourists looking for something different. The long Atlantic coast and reliable winds also mean it has also become popular with windsurfers.
From laid-back Berber villages, to big cities, Morocco has plenty to offer the windsurfing tourist, both on and off the water. When you’re not windsurfing, you can explore atmospheric souks, lounge in cafes drinking mint tea, and enjoy the colourful mix of Arabic, Berber and French culture.
The best Morocco windsurfing is not just for the tourists either. There is a big local surf culture, out of which has grown a windsurf culture too. Boujmaa Guilloul is the local hero, a professional windsurfer with an international reputation.
With a lot of spots to choose from we thought you might want a helping hand to plan your trip. So here are 6 of the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations. Head to any of these and you’ll not be disappointed.
Essaouira is the undisputed king of Moroccan windsurfing destinations. It offers good, varied sailing for everyone from beginners on their first windsurfing holidays upwards.
The 4 kilometre long beach curves round, creating quite varied conditions. Winds are generally cross/offshore, becoming mostly cross-shore the further away you get from the town.
From June to August, Essaouira’s always reliable winds are at their strongest, reaching around 12 knots. At this time of year, beginners are best off sailing in the morning before the winds reach their strongest.
In the autumn and winter months, Atlantic storms often create some good wave sailing conditions in the bay, with relatively gentle, long waves that are great for first-time wave sailors to test their skills. There’s also a flat-water spot at one end which is perfect for freestylers.
Make sure you stay on the beach after a day on the water, to watch the sun set over the bay behind the famous ‘castles made of sand’. You’ll find a good selection of beach-front bars to rest your limbs in, or head into the gorgeous town centre, with its picturesque fortifications, fantastic seafood restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars.
Of the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations Essaouira stands out. Not just because of the windsurfing but as a great holiday destination whether you plan to hit the water or not.
Moulay is around 20 minutes drive along the coast from Essaouira, and offers some fantastic wave-sailing conditions for the more advanced. As in Essaouira, winds are at their strongest in the summer, but swells are highest in winter, with waves reaching up to three metres at times.
The wind blows cross-onshore from the north. Moulay is really just a quiet fishing village so many visitors choose to stay in Essaouira, although there are some hotels (and places to hire windsurfing gear and arrange lessons). The more adventurous camp on the beach!
Like Moulay, Sidi Kaouki is a short drive away from Essaouira. It makes a good day out from there, as well as being a one of the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations in its own right.You’ll find a decent selection of hotels and restaurants in the village, which is becoming ever more popular with both windsurfing and non-windsurfing tourists.
Waves in Sidi Kaouki don’t quite reach the heights found in Moulay, getting up to about 1-2 metres. Still, it’s not a beginners’ destination, but could be a good spot for intermediates to improve their wave-riding skills.
Agadir may not offer the best Morocco windsurfing conditions for those seeking the biggest waves or the strongest winds. But the city does offer decent conditions and a lovely, friendly vibe in a well developed resort making it a great place for a holiday.
The city has become the centre of Moroccan surf and beach culture. Those wanting to mix things up and try out some other sports, or just spend some time relaxing, will love Agadir.
The waters off the beach can get a little bit crowded, with windsurfers, kitesurfers and swimmers all competing for space. Beach vendors rent out equipment, so you can just turn up and go.
When you’re not out on the water, you’ll find plenty of beach cafes and a relatively lively nightlife. Head out to one of the city’s bars in the evening and swap surf stories with the tourists and locals. It’s this inclusive, fun atmosphere and range of activities makes it one of the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations.
Around 20 kilometres along the coast from Agadir, Taghazout is the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destination if you are looking for waves. Better known for it’s epic surfing, this little village also attracts some world-class windsurfers to its shores.
The area is best left to intermediates and advanced windsurfers, capable of tackling its often fearsome waves. There are several popular spots around the village. Most famous of these is Anchor Point, just off the main beach. You’ll find waves regularly hitting three metres high in Taghazout.
If you have access to a vehicle you’ll be able to visit plenty more spots up and down the coast from Taghazout. Such as Killer Point, so-called not because it’s especially dangerous, but because of the killer whales that frequently visit. Check out our guide to the Taghazout surf breaks for more info.
Dakhla is a fantastic destination for windsurfing holidays with conditions suited to all levels. Dakhla is off the main tourist trail, with most visitors coming either for the wind, the waves or for the arty, friendly atmosphere.
Dakhla has endorsement from some of the world’s best windsurfers: they compete there annually in the 40 km long Dakhla Festival Race. Winds are strong here, in the summer expect to see 15-25 knots most days.
In the bay, beginners can practice in safety in the shallow lagoon, just off the beach. The flat water in the bay combined with the strong winds makes this a great spot for freestylers and speed freaks. Those seeking waves can head over the headland, where there are some great wave spots.
After a hard day out on the water, you’ll find plenty of busy restaurants and cafes in Dakhla where you can tuck into a tagine and make some new windsurfing friends. It’s a different experience to well-touristed Essaouira, but undoubtedly one of the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations.
We hope the best Morocco windsurfing holiday destinations has helped you to decide where to go for your next trip. Be sure to check out our Morocco discounts as there are some huge savings to be made.
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