When I first heard about the beautiful beaches of Tetouan, I knew I had to experience them myself. Located in northern Morocco, these coastal gems stretch between Tetouan and Oued Laou, offering some of the most pristine and peaceful beach experiences in the country. After exploring each of these stunning locations, I'm excited to share my discoveries with you.
The beautiful beaches of Tetouan aren't just about sun and sand—they're about finding that perfect balance between natural beauty and authentic Moroccan coastal culture. From the family-friendly shores of Azla to the secluded coves of Tamrabt, each beach has its own unique character and charm.
Azla Beach: The Crown Jewel of Tetouan's Coast
Getting There and First Impressions
My journey to discover the beautiful beaches of Tetouan began with Azla Beach, located just 14-20 minutes by car from Tetouan city center. As I approached the village entrance, the first thing that struck me was the excellent parking area that offers a magnificent panoramic view of the beach below.
From this vantage point, I could see why Azla is considered the main destination for Tetouan residents and visitors from across Morocco. The beach stretches for approximately 2 kilometers, creating a spectacular sight that immediately made me understand why this is such a beloved spot.
What Makes Azla Special
Azla Beach is what I would call the perfect family beach. The water is calm and blue, ideal for swimming, and the proximity to the corniche means you're never far from amenities. The black sand might surprise first-time visitors, but it creates a unique and beautiful contrast against the azure waters.
What I particularly loved about Azla was its accessibility. There's a taxi station right at the beach, making it easy for visitors coming from Tetouan via shared taxis or buses. The beach is also incredibly safe for children, with gentle waves and shallow areas perfect for little ones.
Practical Information for Azla Beach
Accommodation: Starting from 150 dirhams per night, you'll find rental houses right in front of the beach. The prices are quite reasonable compared to other coastal destinations like Martil or M'diq.
Dining: The beachfront is lined with beautiful cafes offering stunning sea views, and restaurants serve fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
What to Bring: While the beach doesn't offer free umbrellas or showers, you'll find basic facilities available. I recommend bringing your own beach gear or renting from local vendors.
Amsa Beach: A Hidden Natural Paradise
The Journey to Serenity
Just 5-6 minutes from Azla, I discovered Amsa Beach, and what a delightful surprise it was! This simple beach is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, nestled between mountains and stunning landscapes that create the perfect backdrop for adventure lovers and photographers.
The entrance to Amsa Beach is about 400 meters from the main road, leading to a parking area just steps from the shore. This beach represents everything I love about Morocco's natural coastal areas—unspoiled, authentic, and peaceful.
What to Expect at Amsa Beach
Amsa Beach is definitely more rustic than Azla. There are no free umbrellas or extensive facilities, which means you'll need to come prepared with your own beach equipment. However, there's a vendor at the entrance who rents parasols for 40 dirhams, and the beach has lifeguards on duty.
The accommodation options are limited—mainly guesthouses rather than apartments—because this is a natural beach away from urban development. For dining, you'll find a simple kiosk offering basic refreshments.
Why Amsa Beach is Worth the Visit
What makes Amsa special is its untouched natural environment. If you're looking for a quiet beach away from crowds, noise, and urban hustle, this is your spot. The setting is ideal for those seeking adventure, hiking, and photography opportunities in a pristine coastal environment.
Tamrabt Beach: Where Tranquility Meets Beauty
The Scenic Route
My journey to Tamrabt Beach took me along National Road 16, which connects Tetouan to Al Hoceima. This drive is absolutely beautiful, winding through the Rif Mountains and forests, creating a wonderful atmosphere during the journey.
The beach entrance requires a short 500-meter drive down a paved road from the main highway, ending at a parking area right next to the beach.
Discovering Tamrabt's Charm
Tamrabt Beach perfectly embodies what makes the beautiful beaches of Tetouan so special. The water here is incredibly pure and perfect for swimming, while remaining safe for children. The beach offers pedal boat rentals and has several small kiosks providing traditional food and drinks.
What struck me most was the clarity of the water—it's absolutely pristine because these beaches are far from urban centers. The pricing here is very reasonable compared to city beaches, making it an excellent value for families.
Local Life and Amenities
The beach has some rental houses available, and you'll find phone numbers posted on walls and signs if you're interested in staying overnight. The local restaurants serve simple, traditional meals, and the atmosphere is authentically Moroccan.
There's also a fishing boat service where you can arrange a sea excursion with local fishermen—a unique way to experience the coast from a different perspective.
Tamrout Beach: A Photographer's Dream
The Perfect Natural Setting
Tamrout Beach, located about 5 minutes from Tamrabt, offers something truly special. From the elevated viewpoint, the beach appears as a small gem compared to the previous beaches, but it's absolutely stunning in its natural mountain setting.
The 450-meter walk down to the beach is on a paved road, and you can drive all the way to the beachfront parking area. However, if you're using public transport, you'll need to walk from the main road.
What Makes Tamrout Unique
This beach is perfect for those seeking a wild, natural beach experience away from urban development. The water is exceptionally clean and warm, and the beach is surrounded by dramatic rock formations that create perfect spots for swimming and relaxation.
The village is known for its fishing industry, and you'll see traditional fishing boats that go out at night and return in the early morning. Kayak rentals are available, and the prices are very reasonable compared to urban beaches.
Practical Details for Tamrout
Accommodation: Available from 100 dirhams up to 250-300 dirhams, with houses that are typically larger and more beautiful than in other locations.
Activities: Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can arrange boat trips with local fishermen or rent kayaks for water sports.
Dining: Traditional restaurants serve fresh seafood and local specialties.
Oued Laou Beach: The Grand Finale
The Coastal Stretch
My final stop was Oued Laou Beach, located 6 kilometers from Tamrout. This beach extends for about 1 kilometer, making it larger than Tamrout but maintaining the same natural charm.
The beach is about 500-600 meters from the main road, with a paved access road leading directly to beachfront parking.
The Oued Laou Experience
What I loved about Oued Laou was the negotiable pricing—when I asked about pedal boat rentals, the initial quote was 120 dirhams, but I negotiated it down to 30 dirhams. Everything here is "negotiable"!
The beach is another excellent family destination, situated in a natural setting with several cafes offering panoramic views. The traditional restaurants specialize in fresh fish and tagines, and there's a beautiful cafe on the hill providing spectacular beach views.
The Water and Atmosphere
The water at Oued Laou is incredibly pure and warm, perfect for swimming. The beach maintains its authentic fishing village character, with boats heading out at night and returning in the early morning with fresh catches.
Planning Your Visit to Tetouan's Beautiful Beaches
Best Time to Visit
Based on my experience, these beaches are perfect for summer visits, though the mild northern Moroccan climate makes them enjoyable year-round. The beaches are less crowded than urban alternatives, making them ideal for peaceful getaways.
Transportation Tips
- By Car: The most convenient option, allowing you to explore multiple beaches in one trip
- Public Transport: Shared taxis and buses are available from Tetouan to most beaches
- Combined Trip: All beaches are close to each other, making it easy to visit several in one day
What to Bring
Since these are natural beaches with limited facilities, I recommend bringing:
- Your own beach umbrella or rent locally
- Sunscreen and water
- Snorkeling gear if you enjoy underwater exploration
- Camera for the stunning scenery
Conclusion: Your Next Moroccan Beach Adventure Awaits
The beautiful beaches of Tetouan offer something truly special—a chance to experience Morocco's stunning coastline away from the crowds, in settings that feel both wild and welcoming. From the family-friendly atmosphere of Azla to the secluded beauty of Tamrout, each beach has left me with unforgettable memories.
These beaches represent the best of Moroccan coastal culture: warm hospitality, stunning natural beauty, and authentic experiences that you simply can't find in more developed tourist areas. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a different perspective on Morocco's diverse landscapes, the beaches between Tetouan and Oued Laou deliver.
Have you visited any of these beautiful beaches of Tetouan? I'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your favorite beach memories in the comments below, and don't forget to ask any questions about planning your own coastal adventure in northern Morocco.