Is Morocco becoming the next hot tourist destination? After spending weeks riding my motorbike along the Atlantic coast, through booming cities and tiny beach towns, I can tell you one thing for certain: Morocco tourism growth is not just a statistic. You can feel it in the air, see it in the cranes on the skyline, and hear it in every conversation with locals and travelers alike.
Here are the numbers that blew my mind. In 2025, Morocco welcomed 20 million visitors, a 14% jump from the year before. That kind of growth is seven times faster than France and four times faster than Spain. And for the first time ever, Morocco became the most visited country on the entire African continent, overtaking Egypt. Those are not small numbers. That is a country in the middle of a golden era.
So what is driving all of this? And what does it actually look like on the ground? Let me take you along the coast from Mirleft to Agadir to Taghazout, three very different places that each tell part of the story.
What Is Driving Morocco Tourism Growth?
Several things are coming together at the right time. Over the past two years, the Moroccan government opened 120 new flight routes into the country. That alone makes a huge difference. When it is easier and cheaper to fly somewhere, more people come. Simple as that.
Then there is the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Morocco will co-host this massive event, and the anticipation is already pulling in investment, media attention, and curious travelers who want to see the country before it changes. The expectation is that 2026 will bring even higher visitor numbers than 2025.
And honestly, Morocco just has everything. Mountains, desert, ocean, incredible food, warm people, and a rich culture that is unlike anywhere else. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and the Canary Islands are now dealing with protests against over-tourism. Locals there are tired of rising prices, crowded streets, and endless Airbnbs. Morocco offers a similar coastal lifestyle, beautiful weather, and a fraction of the cost. It makes sense that travelers are looking south.
Mirleft: A Coastal Town on the Rise
My first stop on the coast was Mirleft, a small beach town about 130 kilometers south of Agadir. Getting there by motorbike was incredible. The coastal road is raw, beautiful, and mostly untouched. Massive cliffs drop into the Atlantic, and the horizon stretches forever. After a month in the mountains and the desert, the power of the ocean hit differently.
Mirleft itself is still quiet compared to the big resort cities. I booked an Airbnb apartment right on the cliff with a sea view for just 33 euros a night. A place like that in southern Spain or Portugal would easily cost hundreds. That price gap is exactly why Morocco is attracting so many visitors and expats right now.
But here is the thing I noticed: construction is everywhere. Houses, apartments, buildings with ocean views, all going up at the same time. The town is clearly preparing for what is coming. Right now, Mirleft feels like a secret. In five or ten years, it might not be.
Nearby, the town of Sidi Ifni is about 30 kilometers south and worth a quick visit. The mural paintings there are beautiful, and you will find RVs and campervans parked along the coast. Morocco is very popular during winter for the van life community, and this part of the coastline is one of the reasons why.
Agadir: Morocco's Fastest-Growing Beach City
From Mirleft, I rode north to Agadir, and this is where Morocco tourism growth really hits you. Agadir is the most popular beach destination in the country and the second most visited city after Marrakech. In 2025, it recorded 7.1 million overnight stays, making up 25% of the entire national total. That number grew 15% from the previous year.
What surprised me the most was how clean, organized, and well-kept the city is. Wide roads lined with palm trees, beautiful neighborhoods with villas and modern condos, a marina that feels genuinely luxurious. When I visited Agadir three years ago with my mom as a tourist, I only saw the main beach area. This time, with my motorbike, I explored deeper and found a city that is developing fast, everywhere you look.
Keep in mind that Agadir was completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1960 and had to be rebuilt from the ground up. In just about 65 years, it has become a beautiful, modern resort city attracting millions of people each year. There is a cable car, a lively marina, fancy neighborhoods, and new hotels and condos going up constantly. I can only imagine what the next five to ten years will bring.
Taghazout: From Sleepy Fishing Village to Surf Capital
About 40 minutes north of Agadir along the coast, you find Taghazout. This little town was once just a sleepy fishing village, known only to locals and a handful of dedicated surfers chasing the Atlantic waves. Now, people call it the California of North Africa, and the transformation is striking.
The surf scene here is unlike anything I have seen, and I have been to Bali. Surf shops, surf camps, surf restaurants, surf schools, it is everywhere. The energy is young and international, with travelers from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and beyond. The town center has a cute, slightly hippie vibe with colorful shops and cafes.
But Taghazout is not just for backpackers and surfers. Head a little south and you find luxury resorts from Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmont, and other big hotel brands. The crowd there is a bit older, a bit quieter, and drawn to the beach walks, fine dining, and resort pools. Then around the Taghazout Valley, there are luxury apartments, villas, and condos for long-term residents and Moroccan families with holiday homes. The mix of people and vibes is what makes this place special.
My friend Mike, who I originally met on the ferry from Genova to Tangier, lives here with his family. They have just started an enduro tour business, offering guided rides on powerful 450cc enduro bikes through the surrounding trails. It is that kind of entrepreneurial energy that tells you a place is on the move.
Could Morocco Face the Same Problems as Spain and Portugal?
This is the honest question I keep thinking about. Right now, parts of Europe are struggling with the consequences of unchecked tourism growth. Protests in the Canary Islands, gentrification in Lisbon, overcrowded streets in Barcelona. These are real problems that come with rapid development.
Morocco is culturally and politically very different from those countries, so maybe the path will not be the same. But the development phase has clearly begun. The construction along the coast, the new luxury resorts, the rising property prices: these are familiar patterns. I truly hope Morocco finds a way to grow while protecting what makes it so special. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscapes, the authenticity of the culture. These are things no amount of new hotels can replace.
Practical Tips for Visiting Morocco's Atlantic Coast
Getting Around
A motorbike is one of the best ways to explore the coast, though it is not for everyone. You can also take shared taxis between cities or rent a car. The coastal roads between Mirleft, Agadir, and Taghazout are in good condition and offer stunning views.
Where to Stay
Airbnb options in Mirleft offer amazing ocean views at very affordable prices. In Agadir, you have everything from budget apartments to luxury hotels. Taghazout has surf hostels, boutique stays, and high-end resorts like the Hilton and Hyatt.
Best Time to Visit
The Atlantic coast is pleasant year-round, but winter is especially popular with European travelers escaping the cold. Expect wind some days in Agadir, which keeps the beach crowd manageable.
What to Do
In Mirleft, enjoy the cliffs, the quiet beaches, and the low-key atmosphere. In Agadir, explore the marina, ride the cable car, and wander the palm-lined neighborhoods. In Taghazout, try surfing (even as a beginner, lessons are everywhere), walk the coastal path past the resorts, and soak in the international vibe.
Explore More of Morocco
If you are planning a trip, check out our guides to the best things to do in Marrakech, our complete guide to the Sahara Desert, and our tips for navigating the blue streets of Chefchaouen. Morocco has so much more than just the coast, and every region feels like a different country.
Final Thoughts: Morocco Is Just Getting Started
Riding along the Atlantic coast, watching sunset after sunset over the ocean, meeting travelers and locals who are all feeling the same energy, it became very clear to me. Morocco tourism growth is not a trend. It is a transformation. The infrastructure is expanding, the world is paying attention, and the 2030 World Cup will only accelerate everything.
If you have been thinking about visiting Morocco, now is the time. The prices are still reasonable, the coast is still uncrowded, and the country is in that sweet spot between discovery and mainstream popularity. Once that window closes, it is not coming back.
Have you visited Agadir, Taghazout, or Mirleft? Are you planning a trip to Morocco soon? Drop a comment below and tell me about your experience. And if you have any questions about traveling the coast, ask away. I am always happy to help fellow explorers find their way through this incredible country.
Until next time, salam and safe travels!
— Hassan, Bewildered in Morocco