Salam my fellow Morocco explorers! This morning, I woke up with that familiar itch for adventure – you know the feeling when the mountains are calling, but the sea is whispering even louder. So I grabbed my friend Said, and we headed north to discover Oued Laou Beach, one of northern Morocco's most beautiful yet peaceful coastal escapes.
Let me share this incredible day with you, from the winding mountain roads to the crystal-clear waters and rocky shores that make Oued Laou Beach a true hidden gem in Morocco's crown.
The Journey: Scenic Routes to Oued Laou Beach
Getting to Oued Laou Beach is half the adventure! We started early from Tetouan – and I mean early. The morning air was fresh, the roads were empty, and the landscape unfolded like a postcard before us.
The coastal route from Tetouan is absolutely stunning. In just 40 minutes, we found ourselves winding through beautiful curves with mountain views that took our breath away. The road is well-maintained and safe – much better than some of the mountain routes I've taken to Chefchaouen, which can be a bit challenging with their tight turns and occasional rockfalls.
Pro tip from someone who's driven these roads many times: Take your time and drive carefully. The speed limits are there for good reason – 60 km/h means 60 km/h. Trust me, you'll want to slow down anyway to soak in those incredible coastal views!
First Impressions: Why Oued Laou Beach Stole My Heart
When we arrived at Oued Laou Beach, the first thing that struck me was the peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the busy summer crowds you'll find at places like Martil or M'diq during peak season (July and August), this morning the beach felt like our private paradise.
The coastline here is absolutely unique. Instead of the typical sandy beaches you might expect, Oued Laou Beach features beautiful rocky shores mixed with clear, clean water. The rocks create natural pools and interesting formations that make exploring the shoreline an adventure in itself.
What really amazed me was the water quality – crystal clear and so clean you can see straight to the bottom. The combination of rocks and clear water creates this incredible natural swimming pool effect that's both refreshing and visually stunning.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near Oued Laou Beach
One thing that surprised me about Oued Laou Beach is the variety of accommodation options available. During our visit, I noticed many beautiful villas and rental houses scattered along the coastline and hillsides.
Here's what I learned about pricing from locals:
- Regular houses: 200-250 dirhams per night during off-season
- Summer peak prices: Can jump to 500-600 dirhams per night (July-August)
- Beachfront villas with pools: 1,700-2,000 dirhams per night during peak season
- Premium beachfront properties: Up to 2,000 dirhams per night
The variety is impressive – from simple family homes to luxury villas with private pools and direct beach access. Many of these properties are available for rent, making Oued Laou Beach a perfect destination for families or groups looking for a peaceful coastal retreat.
Local insight: Many property owners from Marrakech come here during summer months, which tells you something about the quality and appeal of this destination!
The Beach Experience: Rocky Beauty and Crystal Waters
Oued Laou Beach offers a completely different experience from Morocco's sandy Atlantic beaches. The rocky coastline creates a dramatic landscape that's both beautiful and functional – the rocks provide natural shade and interesting exploration opportunities.
During our visit, I was fascinated by the marine life. We spotted several octopuses hiding among the rocks! These creatures are quite common here, and locals often collect them. While some visitors enjoy preparing them in traditional Moroccan pastilla, I have to admit I was more interested in observing them in their natural habitat.
Important note for swimmers: Be aware that octopuses are present in these waters. While they're generally harmless, it's good to know what you might encounter. The locals are very knowledgeable about the marine life and can give you great advice about safe swimming areas.
The water temperature was perfect for our June visit – refreshing but not too cold. The clarity of the water is remarkable, making it ideal for anyone who enjoys clear-water swimming or snorkeling.
Local Food and Dining: Seaside Flavors
No beach day is complete without good food, and Oued Laou Beach delivers on this front too. We discovered a local restaurant near the corniche that served absolutely delicious sandwiches at very reasonable prices.
Here's what we enjoyed:
- Fish sandwich: 35 dirhams (mixed seafood, excellent quality)
- Chicken sandwich: 30 dirhams
The portions were generous, the ingredients fresh, and the prices honest – no tourist markup here! The fish sandwich was particularly impressive, packed with local catch and perfectly seasoned.
The restaurant area is conveniently located near the main corniche, with taxi services available for those arriving by public transport. You'll find connections to Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and other northern destinations right from the beach area.
Best Time to Visit Oued Laou Beach
Based on my experience and what I learned from locals, timing your visit to Oued Laou Beach can make all the difference:
Peak Season (July-August):
- Expect crowds and higher prices
- Accommodation can be 2-3 times more expensive
- Beach will be busier, parking more challenging
- All facilities fully operational
Ideal Visiting Months (May-June, September):
- Perfect weather – warm but not too hot
- Reasonable accommodation prices
- Peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds
- Clear, comfortable water for swimming
Off-Season Benefits:
- Rock-bottom accommodation prices
- Almost private beach experience
- Better photography opportunities
- Authentic local interactions
Personally, I love visiting during May and June. The weather is perfect, the crowds haven't arrived yet, and you can truly appreciate the natural beauty without distractions.
Getting Around: Transportation and Accessibility
Oued Laou Beach is surprisingly accessible, especially if you're based in northern Morocco:
From Tetouan: 40-45 minutes by car via the coastal routeFrom Chefchaouen: Longer journey with mountain roads (requires more careful driving)Public Transport: Shared taxis available from the main corniche area
The coastal road from Tetouan is the easiest route – well-maintained, scenic, and relatively quick. I was pleasantly surprised by how close we were to Tetouan, making this an easy day trip option.
Parking is available near the beach, though during peak season you might need to arrive early to secure a good spot.
What Makes Oued Laou Beach Special
After spending the day at Oued Laou Beach, I can honestly say it offers something unique in Morocco's coastal landscape:
- Peaceful Alternative: Perfect escape from crowded beach destinations
- Crystal Clear Water: Some of the clearest water I've seen on Morocco's coast
- Unique Rocky Landscape: Different from typical sandy beaches, offering exploration opportunities
- Authentic Local Experience: Less touristy, more genuine Moroccan coastal culture
- Reasonable Prices: Fair pricing for food and accommodation
- Easy Access: Close to major northern cities but feels remote
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Before you head to Oued Laou Beach, here are some practical recommendations based on our experience:
What to Bring:
- Water shoes (helpful for rocky areas)
- Sun protection (limited natural shade)
- Camera (the scenery is incredible)
- Cash (for local restaurants and facilities)
Best Photography Times:
- Early morning (like our visit) for peaceful shots
- Late afternoon for golden hour lighting
- Avoid midday harsh sun for better photo quality
Swimming Considerations:
- Be aware of rocky bottom in some areas
- Watch for marine life (octopuses are common)
- Water clarity makes it easy to see obstacles
Your Turn: Have You Discovered Oued Laou Beach?
This morning adventure to Oued Laou Beach reminded me why I love exploring Morocco's coastline. Every beach has its own personality, and Oued Laou's rocky beauty and crystal-clear waters create an experience that's both peaceful and adventurous.
The combination of stunning natural beauty, reasonable prices, and authentic local culture makes this destination a real gem for anyone looking to experience a different side of Morocco's coast.
I'd love to hear from you: Have you visited Oued Laou Beach? What was your experience like? Are you planning a trip to northern Morocco and considering this beautiful coastal destination? Share your thoughts, questions, or travel plans in the comments below!
And if you do make the journey, don't forget to take that scenic coastal route from Tetouan – trust me, the drive is almost as beautiful as the destination itself.
Bisslama (goodbye for now), and happy exploring!