5. Oualidia
Pretty little Oualidia wraps around a sheltered lagoon making the water here much calmer than in other resorts straddling the Atlantic Coast. It’s a top spot for swimming and a good, safe choice for kids who like to get in the water.
The crescent-shaped, golden-sand bay is a popular holiday destination for Moroccan families, and during July and August weekends it can seem like half of Casablanca (176 kilometers to the north) has decamped here for a day at the beach. Come outside of this peak season, though, and you could have much of the sand to yourself.
Water sports operators on the beach rent stand up paddleboards and kayaks for those that tire of lying in the sun, though surfing (past the lagoon’s breakwater) is the most popular activity.
With Marrakesh only 186 kilometers to the southeast, an Oualidia beach-break is an easy add-on to a trip exploring Morocco’s famous Red City with its labyrinthine old town – it’s a solid choice if you want to do more on your vacation than sit on the beach.
6. Moulay Bousselham
The curving, sandy spit of Moulay Bousselham lies right at the tip of town and buzzes with crowds of local vacationers during August. Despite its popularity, it’s important to note that the beach is better for sun lounging than for a dip in the sea. Swimmers need to be careful, as the coast here is known for powerful riptides.
Head 15 kilometers south from town for Moulay Bousselham’s other main sandy strip at Temara Beach. Again, swimming is not suitable for young children or those inexperienced in the water, but this beach offers good wave action for surfers.
Outside of summer, Moulay Bousselham is a sleepy little place, with visitors more likely here to bird-watch in the lagoon and marshlands of Merja Zerga National Park than to throw down their beach towel on the sand. It’s a good option for nature-loving travelers to combine a couple of beach days with some bird spotting.
