Morocco’s Atlantic coast is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, adventure seekers and those longing for relaxation. It’s on this idyllic stretch of shorefront that you’ll find two of the country’s best-kept secrets—Essaouira and Agadir.
Remaining distinct in their own ways, these two coastal cities offer everything from championship golf courses to rich cultural experiences, diverse wellness options and a taste of Morocco’s vibrant cuisine.
ADVERTISEMENTWhether you’re drawn by the prospect of a round of golf with sweeping ocean views or simply wish to engage with the local rhythms, Essaouira and Agadir promise unforgettable escapes.
Essaouira: windswept fairways, watersports and timeless streets
Essaouira, a picturesque coastal city in Morocco formerly known as Mogador, offers thrill-seeking escapes and a historic Medina spilling out with artistic spirit.
In Essaouira, the Atlantic’s influence is never far away. Strong coastal winds permeate the city’s 18th-century fortifications, channelled down labyrinthine lanes where salt-cracked, white-washed buildings hold livelihoods that are deeply tied to the sea.
The medina isn’t simply a relic; it’s a living museum that continues in the spirit of those who built it. Within the medina’s winding streets, artisans work as they have for generations, adapting their crafts to modern tastes.
Walk through the city and step back in time, finding striking architecture and subtle detailing alluding to the city’s artistic heritage as well as the longtime interplay of Portuguese, French, and Berber influences. Browse traditional arts and crafts streetside or visit one of the city’s contemporary museums and galleries such as the Amazigh Heritage Museum or the Artisan Centre of Essaouira to learn about the culture and language of the Berber people, heritage art styles and the development of Moroccan crafts.
ADVERTISEMENTAfter a full day exploring the heart of the medina, visitors can easily unwind in Essaouira with a traditional Berber massage, learning of the connections between ancient traditions and modern wellness in Morocco.
The 'Windy City': a mecca for water sports
Known as the 'Windy City of Africa,' thanks to its steady and reliable trade winds, Essaouira has become synonymous with world-class surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the beaches here offer ideal conditions. Spots like Plage de Sidi Kaouki offer ideal conditions for both novices and seasoned riders to converge, with many other options located just outside the city.
Beginners can sign up for lessons to take part in the fun, though, if you’re not tempted to pick up a board, you can still enjoy a shorefront walk or saddle up for a horseriding experience on the sand.
Golfing in Essaouira: Atlantic views and coastal greens
While Essaouira is recognised for its artistic heritage, it also quietly boasts one of Morocco’s most spectacular golf courses. A few minutes outside Essaouira’s historic centre lies the Mogador Golf Club, where 36 holes unfold across 300 hectares edged by the glittering Atlantic waters.
Designed by Gary Player, the Mogador Golf Club’s two courses blend naturally into the surrounding landscape of rolling sand dunes and coastal flora. Golfers are provided not just with a technical challenge, but also an immersion in the elements, with the ocean never far from view.
For more golfing action near Essaouira, consider hitting the road inland to Marrakech. You’ll have access to a dozen more golfing outposts on the roughly two-hour journey, including Golf Amelkis, Palm Golf Palmeraie, Golf Al Maaden, Golf Assoufid, Montgomerie, Samanah Country Club and Noria Golf.
Many of the best golf courses in Morocco can be found near Marrakech, including Royal Golf Marrakech, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, Palmgolf Ourika, The Tony Jacklin and Atlas Golf.
Agadir: golfing, culture, and seaside luxury
Travelling south along the coast from Essaouira to Agadir, we find another brilliant base for your Moroccan golfing trip. All the more sun-drenched beaches and vibrant cultural attractions are sure to keep you busy, while a selection of world-class greens means there’s no excuse not to work on your game while in Agadir.
A taste of Morocco: Souk el Had and Agadir Kasbah
One highlight of Agadir is Souk el Had, one of the largest markets in Morocco, where some 6,000 stalls offer a sensory journey into Morocco’s trading past. Strewn through with the scents of fresh produce, spices and leather goods, as well as the colours, patterns and textures of woven textiles and handcrafted pottery, Souk el Had is a microcosm of Moroccan life, where traditions are passed down and warm hospitality is there to greet you.
For a glimpse of Agadir’s history, the Kasbah Ruins are a must-visit. Built in 1541 and painstakingly restored over the centuries following various natural disasters, the crumbling fortress walls stand in stark contrast to the modern cityscape, telling the story of a city in constant evolution. The Kasbah’s outer walls tower high on all sides of the city, a testament to the city’s resilience as much as the perfect panoramic platform to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
ADVERTISEMENTAgadir’s shores: for high-octane fun or slow-paced reflection
Boasting a long sandy stretch of shorefront, Agadir is a popular choice among travellers seeking sun, sea and sand-laden vacations any time of the year. However, the city has a quieter side attuned to those who wish to explore at a slower pace.
Surfers can happily take up year-round residence on Agadir’s beaches, attracted by the area’s consistent, mid-level swells especially along Plage d’Agadir where beach football matches and promenade walks keep everyone busy.
Non-surfers are also welcome to explore secluded beach spots away from the watersports action. For alternative seaside culture, visit the nearby fishing village of Taghzout where horseback rides on sandy shores and blue-painted fishing boats offer a more tranquil image of Morocco.
Golfing in Agadir: Golf du Soleil, Royal Golf Agadir, and Golf des Dunes
Agadir is home to some of Morocco's most impressive golf courses, perfect for both seasoned players and novices. Golf du Soleil delivers an exceptional introduction to Agadir’s golfing scene, with two expansive 18-hole courses framed by palm trees and wide-open green space.
Golf du Soleil’s thoughtful design doesn’t overwhelm but instead invites golfers to consider each shot within the context of Agadir’s sun-filled environment. For those seeking hilly and technical greens with a sustainable ethos, the argan-tree lined course at Tazegzout Golf will appeal. Located 80 metres above sea level on the Tazegzout Bay Resort, this coastal spot is every putter’s dream, just 15 minutes north of Agadir.
Also nearby, the elegant Royal Golf Agadir and undulating fairways of Golf des Dunes add further variety, with distinct layouts to engage golfers in technical challenges while still embracing the openness that defines the region.
Essaouira and Agadir represent two distinct but complementary sides of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Whether it’s the quiet reflection offered by Essaouira’s fairways or the sunlit expansiveness of Agadir’s beaches, these cities provide experiences that are both subtle and deeply rooted.
For travellers who seek longer retreats, these destinations invite you to linger, observe and engage with the landscape, the culture and the communities that call this coast home.
