Rabat – The words “Summer” and “Beach” are synonymous for many here in Morocco, and nothing spells a perfect summer day better than a refreshing swim at one of Morocco’s many beautiful beaches.

Whether you are looking for an escape from the city life, with nothing but rocks and clear waters in sight, or you are more interested in  sandy beaches near  the city that offer more  to do , Morocco is blessed with two coast lines leaving no shortage of choices  for beachgoers.

In recent years, social media has played a key role in highlighting Morocco as an attractive holiday destination, and its beaches are no exception. People from all over Morocco, along with a growing number of tourists from outside the country, are flocking to Morocco’s beaches  every summer.

Beaches like Oued Laou (located south of Tetouan), Carablanca beach (located north of Nador), and Asfiha (near Al Hoceima), which have historically been lesser known to people outside these areas, are becoming increasingly popular with the influx of social media attention.

Though tourism offers the potential for economic revival in these communities, the increased attention brings a risk of increased pollution to these once pristine beaches.

In this article, we will  list some respectful beach practices to implement during your summer vacation this year. As is the case while enjoying any to protect these beaches from the effects of climate change, minimize human impact, and support the communities in these regions.

Pack it in – Pack it out method: Always bring your own trash bag and leave your place as you found it. 

Do your part and be a respectful visitor – If you arrive and find it dirty, it does not hurt to clean what other people left and set an example for others. Be a respectful visitor here, and remember the beach is home to the local people of this region and the animals who live here. We all rely on nature for the sustainability of human life. If everyone thought of the beach as their own, they would inevitably be more careful with their trash.

Trash is trash, even if it is natural: No one wants to walk on sand or swim in water full of sunflower seed peels everywhere. Although it is not as bad as plastic bottles, it is still disrespectful to toss organic matter in a shared space. 

Be mindful of your surroundings: We all enjoy tossing a volleyball around or kicking a football in the sand.  Be careful not to disturb other people.  Always remain a good distance away from the nearest parasol or spread out towel and be careful not to toss sand in peoples’ food and eyes. 

Good habits are contagious. If you follow these easy practices, not only will you have a better stay at the beach, you will also inspire  other people to follow suit and keep the beaches clean and fun for everyone.

Here is a curated list of the top 5 best beaches in the north of Morocco:

1- Oued Laou Village:

Near Tetouan, Oued Laou is a small and scenic village known for its beautiful, clean beaches. Just like the next entry on this list, make sure to bring some shoes you can swim with, or invest in a pir of plastic or rubber shoes to get to the more rocky areas. Always keep an eye on the news and ask the locals for any risk of jellyfish or sea urchin infestation in the area, as those can happen on rare occasions.

2- Tres Forcas Beach – Nador:

Known for being rocky and having multiple caves nearby, Tres Forcas is a beautiful destination for any adventurous individual. The road can be difficult, especially in the summer when more people hit the road to the beaches in the area, but it is more than worth it once you arrive. You also have access to other beaches nearby that can be either hiked to, or accessed by car or even by boat, if you manage to negotiate a good price with the local fishmongers.

3- El Matadero beach:

Located 1 Km from Al Hoceima, El Matador beach is a little less known than Calabonita, which makes it more likely to be empty. Its distance from the city makes it very easy to reach.It’s location is convenient for shopping, buying food and other necessities.

4- Sfiha beach:

Near Al-Hoceima, Sfiha beach is a calm beach lined with parasols and situated near a forest if you are ever in the mood for a picnic.

5- Dalia beach:

With the Strait of Gibraltar in sight, Dalia is at one of the closest spots to Europe. This beach is quite popular and tends to get crowded, peaking during the mid-summer period. Its allure is the myriad of activities and lively atmosphere of the place.