With the world focused on Iran, many are opting for safe sun and beach destinations in Morocco as an alternative to the holiday resorts in the Persian Gulf. In this post, we explain why and provide some examples you can consider for your next summer getaway (and any other season).
Why are these destinations a good alternative?
There is no doubt that travelers who traditionally choose destinations in the Persian Gulf, such as Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, do so for a series of reasons. For example:
- Pleasant temperatures throughout the year
- The interesting complement of Arab culture during these holidays, with museums, mosques, castles, and other monuments to visit
- The imposing presence of the desert just a few kilometers away
- The authentic exclusivity of the services offered
Well, all these reasons, and many others, are also present to varying degrees in Morocco’s safe sun and beach destinations. Below, we refer to some of them, which can appeal to tourists of very different profiles.
Classic Destinations: Agadir
The choice of sun and beach destinations in Morocco is by no means new. One of the pioneering cities in this regard is Agadir, located on the Atlantic coast of the southern part of the country. This commitment to holiday resorts was largely a response to the devastating earthquake it suffered in 1960. A huge beach in its large bay, a marina for sports boats, a newly built medina, and a cable car are some of its most notable attractions. This can also be extended to nearby destinations, such as Taghazout, which also offers world-class surfing activities.
But it’s not only on the Atlantic coast that there are well-established destinations: the Mediterranean coast also offers excellent options. For example, Al Hoceima, a traditional destination for Moroccans residing abroad, is increasingly opening up to international tourism, featuring small, charming coves and sandy beaches sheltered by beautiful cliffs.
New Developments: Tamuda Bay in Tetouan
If you are looking for complete comfort, maximum exclusivity, and avant-garde architecture (as offered in Gulf destinations), Tamuda Bay is perhaps the best alternative. This new holiday complex is located a few kilometers from Tetouan, and we dedicated an extensive article to it. Its nickname ‘the Moroccan Costa del Sol’ eloquently describes the ambition of this environment, which is fully equipped to absorb luxury tourist flows.
Urban Destinations: Tangier
Those seeking a perfect balance between beach and city also have interesting options in Morocco. Perhaps the best example is Tangier, located right on the Strait of Gibraltar, which has seen considerable improvement in its coastal facilities in recent years: its restored seafront promenade and, above all, the cleanliness and quality of its sandy beaches. Furthermore, it boasts a well-established hotel offering, often steeped in history, having attracted and hosted renowned diplomats and artists. Its kasbah, with interesting museums, is its main cultural attraction.
Emerging Destinations: Dakhla
Finally, it is worth mentioning that there are other safe sun and beach destinations in Morocco, still in their early stages of development. But perhaps for this reason, these destinations offer additional tranquility, far from the large tourist crowds of other places. All of this comes with newly built facilities (tourist villa developments, hotel resorts, etc.) and the charm of the local population around them, who see this sector as a new and interesting source of wealth. Examples include Dakhla or Ifni, the latter with the nearby and spectacular beach of Legzira.
