Is Taghazout Safe? And is it a Great Option for Backpacker’s?
- 11 minutes ago
- 7 min read
An honest guide to safety, where to stay, and what to expect as a backpacker
Nestled along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Taghazout is a small but increasingly popular surf and yoga destination. Known for its laid-back vibe, golden beaches, and consistent waves, it has become a go-to spot for those seeking a quieter side of North Africa.
For backpackers and budget travellers, Taghazout offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. But is it safe? In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience, safety tips, and what to expect when visiting this up-and-coming Moroccan surf town.
-- Is Taghazout Safe? What the Data Says --
Morocco, as a whole, is considered safe for travellers but does come with a few cultural and practical considerations. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can happen in tourist areas, but violent crime is rare. Taghazout itself is super small so as long as you are mindful of yourself, you are not going to run into any trouble!
Taghazout - My Personal Experience
For me, I felt mostly safe during my time here, even walking home after a yoga nidra session in the dark, half asleep! There are definite cultural differences that you notice quickly, the area is mostly muslim so you will hear the call to prayer at the Mosquée which is located near the beach front. Thus you need to be more respectful and conservative with the way you dress. But this is fine and a very easy way to respect the locals and the culture. This area is still pretty darn relaxed though, its a surf town after all!
Its also worth noting there is a no drink culture! Now there are a couple of bar that serve a glass of wine. But if you are wanting a location with a party vibe, this is not it! I heard stories of people going back to the airport just so they can grab a bottle of something to take back to Taghazout with them for an evening sundowner! For the backpackers we all know how stories are told around a table with a drink in hand, and whilst the social vibe at the hostel I was staying at was actually pretty darn good. Its just a totally different vibe to the hostel scene than a place like Nicaragua. So you wont be stumbling home vulnerable at 3am! In fact you will likely be asleep and waking up feeling fresh!
The town is not the cleanest place on earth especially on the top side where it looks like you are walking into a forgotten land, (having hand sanitiser in your bag is a good idea). This you could argue this adds to an almost romantic feeling of 'a traveller of time gone by' just 'here for the perfect waves' 🏄 but that is totally in contrasted to the line of brand spanking new, all inclusive hotels lining the beach just to the south of the town.
That said there are some absolute gems in and amongst the gritty surface of Taghazout and once you have found teapot cafe and windy by the bay (which does serve a glass of wine) as well as the Amouage for evening yoga sessions, then you have found the Taghazout groove!
Overall Safety Verdict
Taghazout is safe for traveler's, but solo female travellers may want to be mindful of cultural norms and stick to well-lit areas at night. The top tip here is simply dress modestly out of respect for local customs leave the bikini and surf shorts for the beach.
-- Where to Stay in Taghazout and the Vibe (The Honest Take) --
Ok so here is the get down for you solo backpackers like me. I have no issues with a bit of solitude and I enjoy trying to tackle the world on my own which is why I usually book into a hostel. This for me means rocking up to a place and getting on with it ... however this is one of the few times I have regretted that approach, why? Well for a number of reasons:
No.1. Taghazout has one bay and if the waves are not there, you are not surfing unless you have a car or some sort of transportation. I met a Canadian girl at Teapot cafe one day who said she was 'shattered from all the surfing they were doing' slightly confused (as Taghazout bay was super flat) I asked here where she was surfing ... Turns out the academy she was staying at was shuttling the residents to the best spots 3 times a day! Morning afternoon and evening.
The hostel I was at was very much a 'turn up and leave you to it' sort of place (which is what I wanted) but ... in loo of not having a car and the waves being fairly poor on the beach for the time I was there ... Jack did no surfing!
No.2. The hostel I stayed at was nice with breakfast included (it could have been a bit cleaner in the shower area), I met some fantastic people, but here in the land of no alcohol everyone is in bed early. There just isn't anything to do in the town once the sun goes down. Therefore, the best way to enjoy Taghazout would have been with a good book and a view of the ocean. The hostel had a roof terrace it was not really a 'sunset spot' which again makes the academies the better choice!
No.3. Stretch it out ... What am I talking about, the yoga classes. I found the best place in town for this to be Surf Maroc, The Amouage Studio has a stunning view over the water and doing yoga to the setting sun was what I remember most about Taghazout! But after a session (and particularly the yoga nidra), that meant then walking back through the village and up the hill to get to the hostel.
So what does this all mean. Well for me; unless you are with a group or looking to do bugger all ... As a solo backpacker who was looking to surf, I would have been way better off saying, OK i'm gunna spend a little more, book into Surf Maroc and use this as a healthy surf and yoga retreat for a week! I only have myself to blame.
That said I did still enjoy my time in this little town. Would I go back? Probably not! A few months later I would find myself in Ericera (portugal) as a solo backpacker. I ended up having the time of my life, but I did book into a surf academy! Which one I hear you ask ... it was Rapture. I will write a blog on this separately.
My final thought on this is that I did head to Morocco to get some winter sun and the weather really was fantastic. I did not hit Portugal until the weather was a lot warmer.
Why am I telling you all of this, if your heart is set on Taghazout for a bit of sun and surf then personally I would book into an academy pay the extra and not think twice about it. Its going to be the key to a more enriching experience, Taghazout really is about 3 things, sun, surf and yoga.
If you're doing a healthy surf or yoga retreat, Taghazout is an affordable academy spot, green light. ✅
If you’re a shoestring backpacker looking for nightlife or a buzzing scene, Taghazout is a red light. ❌ The way to do Taghazout as a solo backpacker staying in a hostel it is to make sure you book onto excursions (more below)
Side note ... Should I start doing green light, red light reviews for solo backpackers 🧐!?
🎒 For Backpackers
I stayed at Happy Surf Hostel, did I enjoy it ... actually yes I did! The showers could have been a bit cleaner but it was safe, beds were comfortable and I met some really nice people.
🛀 For A Comfortable Stay
🏛️ Resort Hotel (all inc)
-- Getting to Taghazout: Transport Guide --
From Agadir Airport: 🚕 The easiest way is by taxi (~45 min drive). Prices can be negotiated but there are a lot of taxis that do this run and better still if you are heading to a hostel or a hotel then they can book you a driver in advance ... happy days.
From Marrakesh: 🚍 CTM or Supratours bus (3-4 hours, budget-friendly)
Renting a Car? 🚗 Feasible, but Moroccan roads can be chaotic.
-- Things to Do in Taghazout (Beyond Surf & Yoga) --
If you do take on Taghazout as a solo venture my top tip would be to book onto the following three excursions to give yourself more of an experience. You can do all 3 for around £100 which is pretty darn good if you have saved money by staying in a hostel. In fact ... this may be the secret to unlocking a pretty memorable and exciting trip. Check out the following:
The Paradise Valley Excursion, a short hike + views for days
Final Thoughts: Is Taghazout Worth It?
💡 My Honest Take:
✅ YES – If you're doing a surf or yoga retreat, it’s a great spot.
✅ YES – If you are solo travelling and pad out your days with excursions
❌ NO – If you’re a backpacker looking for nightlife or a buzzing scene.
Let me know your thoughts on Taghazout.
Until the next one take care explorer.
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