Surf Breaks and Souks in North Africa
Morocco is the perfect winter escape – the warm climate, fantastic food and blend of Arab and French history and culture makes it an ideal place for a break. It’s also a perfect place for a surf break! There are huge stretches of beach, just a little way off the beaten track and with no sharks, no coral and good weather systems, the area offers reliable surfing. Easyjet have some bargain flights available – so here are few more ideas on where to go when you get to Morocco!
Beach Life In Morocco
Most visitors make their way to Agadir, but miss out on approximately 1000 kilometres of top quality beaches facing into the northwest Atlantic. These pick up the same swells as those found around the Canary Islands. The cities of Rabat, Tanger and Casablanca have a multitude of things to do, and for anyone interested in surfing, there are great surf shops, surf schools and The Association Cap Surf, which encourage the sport to be more accessible.
From Rabat, down past Casablanca to Safi, you’ll find a more weather battered coastline, lined with rock formations and coves. There is a bigger variety of waves, and being farther along the north coast, the waves are more likely to be 4-5ft high, whereas the south of the coast is more likely to be much flatter.
Check out Briech – good at mid to high tide (this beach also has the benefit of a big music festival in the summer months).  Jack Beach is known for its consistency, and is used in surf competitions. Tanger has some good waves, and beaches like Plage Sol make it worth a stop – but watch out for signs about urchins! The city also has some fantastic architecture and bazaars. November sees Tanjalatina – the first ever Latin festival, featuring jazz and salsa bands in a variety of venues, and there will be dance sessions on offer too!
Marrakech
If you’re feeling adventurous and have time, make your way to Marrakech and travel across the High Atlas mountains, and enter a world of orange groves, branches laden with dates, and the incredible sight of the beginnings of the Sahara! If you are planning on going inland during the late autumn and winter months, the temperatures swing from hot in the day, to cold, chilly nights, so be prepared on the clothes front. Or if you are travelling soon, visit Marrakech for the Marue’Kech Festival – a celebration of experimental street theatre and arts held throughout the city.
Morocco in winter is warm, bright, and full of colour and things to do – it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a different culture. Treat yourself to a couple of cheap flights, and try out some of the excellent surf schools for some warm winter surfing fun.