Taghazout is a great place in which to play havoc with the age profile for a day or two (unless you’re an antediluvian hippie – then you’ll blend right in!!)
Surfers discovered this once laid-back fishing village in the 1970s ( indeed I reckon some of those original pioneers never left!) and have flocked here ever since, attracted by waves that suit all experience levels.
You can spot the new arrivals immediately – trying to look cool as they ask around about the best surf locations. Everyone else is an expert of course, delighted to impart their knowledge – even if they’re only here a half day ahead of them!!
But it’s not all about surfing. Yes – surf schools and camps abound but the beaches can be enjoyed by everyone and there’s a fine walkway for the landlubbers.
There are a few resort complexes further up the main beach but most accommodation is in the town itself – a jumble (or jungle!!) of affordable rooms to let, mostly pressed up against the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. First impressions are somewhat belying here. Yes, buildings may look tired and run-down but the place exudes buckets of charm ( I know – I hate the word too… but the place really IS charming!!). There are alleyways to explore, coffee shops to linger at and sunsets to enjoy before browsing the fish restaurant menus for the catch of the day.
Before you go…..
Have a look at the rest of the series….
And some further reading from previous trips…..
ROADTRIP – CASABLANCA /FEZ/ ATLAS/ MARRAKESH/ ESSAOUIRA
What an amazing destination! It makes me want to get on a plane right now! Thanks for the itchy feet, Mel
I know!!! I’d go back in a flash!!!
Love the way the properties climb up from the sea filling every space available – they look like piggy back houses.
Most of them aren’t obvious from the main street which is how we approached the town… it was only later when we started exploring that we discovered all the back alleys and the town beach with the boats..
Oh yes, this looks charming indeed! I love the painted steps, the roof/shade constructed from window shutters, the jumble of simple boats on the beach etc. etc.
Isn’t the roof brilliant – we were sitting there having a coffee and watching activity on the street – I’d say we must have been there at least 15 / 20 minutes before I looked up and saw the shutters!!! What great reuse …. I’ll have to use that photo for a recycling challenge some time!!!
Beautiful!!
It really is Lissy – worlds away from city life!!
This looks like an interesting place to explore. I could sit in a coffee shop and watch the surfers for hours, but I could also dig through the shops to see what discoveries await. Loved seeing your photos!
It’s just the best place to sit and watch… locals and visitors mix really well so there seems to be a lovely atmosphere everywhere. Coming from Europe, we found it fascinating to see so many young people in a dry town – I’m sure they have access to alcohol (which is not illegal) but there are no bars and the restaurants don’t sell booze…such a contrast to the excesses of many, many resorts…
You photographs get better with each trip you make. I love the way you zoom in on the most interesting features of a place, that camel and minder with the surfers (we’ll forget that he was probably there to give rides to tourists) is brilliant, as is the camel’s head on the ground, the roof made of shutters with the light dappling through – and colours, the colours are mind-blowing. Your pictures tell the story without the text but it is good to be reminded that this is an old resort, not a new discovery. Charming? Without doubt.
Thank you, as always, Mari for your generous words and great support. XXXMarie
Wonderful – I absolutely love that shot of the camel on the beach!
He was such a contrast to all the action going on around him – surfers coming and going, a few kids running about… and just ignoring it all!!