The Atlantic Ocean bathes thousands of kilometers of southern Morocco shores, offering numerous possibilities for vacation and activities. When you tour Morocco with Journey Beyond Travel, you mustn’t miss this part of the country famous for its beaches, mountains and desert.

At the south Atlantic coast of Morocco, you are always likely to enjoy at least some terrific weather most of the year. The cities of Agadir and Essaouira are considered the main attractions of the region.

Agadir is famous for its sunny weather throughout the year as well as its beaches, which extend for more than 10 km and are lined with first-class resorts. Essaouira has a hippie feel and is known for its wind and the numerous music festivals it hosts. The Alizes Springtime Chamber Musicale is in early May. The world famous Gnaoua Music Festival is in late June, and the Festival Andalusia Atlantic is in October, which features Judeo-Moroccan music.

Unlike Agadir and Essaouira, the coast in the far south of Morocco is not developed for tourism, which makes it even more enticing for adventurous travelers. Dakhla is one of these places. It is located in the middle of the desert between the ocean and a lagoon. It has been receiving a lot of attention recently as it is becoming one of the world’s greatest surfing destinations. It is particularly popular with fishermen and backpackers, because its remote and empty beaches are still untouched. The New York Times has cited Dakhla among the best destinations in 2012. If you don’t have a lot of time in Morocco and don’t want to spend time on the road, you can take a domestic flight to Dakhla airport.

The south Atlantic coast of Morocco offers an endless choice of attractions and activities to its visitors. Swimming, sun bathing, surfing, sailing, horse riding, diving and hiking are some of the most popular pastimes enjoyed by travelers. Dining on fresh fish and seafood are among the top things to enjoy in this region. Eating at the port is the best option, as you can choose any fresh catch for lunch and at very reasonable prices. Octopus, sardines and squid are the main catches off of the southern coasts of Morocco.

When traveling into this part of Morocco, be prepared to indulge in a variety of Arab, Berber and Tuareg cultures and traditions. It is very rich in history and that is reflected in its beautiful architecture, jewelry, clothing and languages.

Written by Ghizlane Gray.

Photo by Hugo!.