Taghazout in Morocco offers year-round temperatures of at least 22C with only around 20 days of rainfall a year, and October flights from Liverpool to Agadir start at £76, making it an accessible warm-weather getaway as the UK summer fades.
The coastal surfing town, located about an hour's drive north of Agadir, began as a fishing village before becoming a hotspot for surfers. From the UK, travellers can take a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Agadir and then drive up the coast, with the ocean on one side and the desert on the other.
A town built on fishing and surfing
Fishermen originally built their homes up into the hillside for storing fish, and over the years the town evolved into a destination for surfers. The wide beaches and small rocky coves boast some of the best waves in the world, though not all are for experts. Spots like Anchor Point and Killer Point offer powerful, fast-moving breaks, while other, more relaxed beaches suit beginners.
The town is packed with shops selling pottery, jewellery, surf and skate wear, and more. Visitors can try haggling, as in the souks of Marrakech, though higher-end shops may be less receptive. A rule of thumb is to avoid bargaining on items that already have price tags, and to keep negotiations respectful, arriving at a price both parties are happy with. Once agreed, walking away is considered very rude. In Darija, widely spoken in Taghazout, 'thank you' is 'shukran'.
Weather and tourism boom
The winding alleys and stairs are ideal for exploring, with views of the ocean and beach revealing themselves around corners. A wide, flat concourse along the beach is perfect for walking or hiring a bike.
Tourism to Morocco has boomed in recent years. In 2019, 12,932,734 people visited the country; last year that figure rose to 19,792,604, a 53% increase. In 2024 alone, visitor numbers shot up 20%, according to the OECD. Taghazout attracts tourists from across the globe and is also a hotspot for Moroccans from places like Casablanca and Rabat to buy holiday homes, though it has yet to experience the overtourism seen in Marrakech.
Accommodation and flights
The Taghazout Bay Marriott costs from £160 with breakfast per night. Indirect flights from Liverpool to Agadir, which is a 20-minute drive from Taghazout, cost from £76 this October, while direct flights from Manchester start at £97.
