When my friend first suggested a trip to Morocco for spring break, I was hesitant. Like many travelers, I had heard stories about how it might be dangerous for female travelers. But something inside me said yes, and that decision led me to fall in love with Taghazout, a tiny dot on Morocco's map that changed how I see the world.
Our journey to this small fishing village wasn't smooth. I remember our late-night drive there—we were so nervous! The driver kept stopping, and we thought the worst. Two girls traveling to a remote village in the dark probably wasn't the smartest idea. But sometimes, the best experiences come from taking chances, and Taghazout proved all our fears wrong.
The Simple Magic of Taghazout
Taghazout isn't impressive on paper. It has one main road, a few restaurants, some local shops, a food market (with the most amazing crab stand!), and a skate park on top of a hill. You'll see traditional tajine pots sitting on ash grills throughout the town.
But it wasn't the attractions that made me fall in love with Taghazout—it was the way of life.
Here, everything is beautifully simple:
- People use cash instead of cards
- Nobody relies on maps or GPS
- Phones are only for occasional calls
- Surfing starts at dawn
- Days move at a peaceful pace
In Taghazout, I experienced a rare kind of welcome from locals. "Shukran," they'd say (thank you in Arabic), with genuine smiles that made me feel at home. "Have a good day," wasn't just a phrase but a heartfelt wish.
I know this lifestyle isn't for everyone, but it was exactly what I needed—a break from the busy city and a reminder not to settle too early in life. In my early 20s, with so much left to experience, Taghazout showed me how much living I still have to do.
Where Time Slows Down
The most precious gift Taghazout gave me was time. In our busy world where everything moves too fast, this little town slows time down. There's no need to rush here—the pace matches the gentle rhythm of the waves.
I spent hours just watching the sunset, talking with new friends, or simply being. This is a luxury that's becoming rare in our modern lives.
The Young Soul of Taghazout
One of the most surprising things about Taghazout is the community of young travelers it attracts. While watching the local skaters perform tricks on concrete, I found myself more interested in the people around me.
I met souls from around the world:
- Some taking breaks from their busy careers
- Others feeling lost in their journey through adulthood
- Many searching for something they couldn't name
Together, we created a village within a village—a sea of young people who found retreat in this tiny town, creating an energy full of support, resilience, and yes, occasional silliness! But in Taghazout, all your worries go with the wind, and your stresses set with the sun.
Taghazout vs. The Big City
During our stay, we took a day trip to Marrakech. While the capital has its own charm and beauty, I couldn't help but feel relieved when we returned to Taghazout that night.
"We like Taghazout better," we told our local host when we returned.
"It's nice," our host replied about Marrakech. "But too busy?"
"Yes," we agreed. "Here is quiet. I like it."
This simple conversation captured everything I felt. The big city was worth seeing, but Taghazout had become home in just a few days.
Evenings of Connection
The nights in Taghazout gave me some of my most treasured memories. After sunset, the town transforms. People gather at small cafes and around fire pits on the beach. This is when the best conversations happen.
I remember one evening sitting with a mix of locals and travelers. Someone strummed a guitar, another person shared snacks. Languages mixed—Arabic, English, French, Spanish—yet somehow, we all understood each other.
"How did you end up moving here?" I asked one expat who had made Taghazout her home.
"I always dreamed of it," she said. "It's a very lovely city—great people, great culture."
That night, songs were sung, stories were shared, and friendships were formed. As someone said that evening, "Everyone brings something for everyone." That's the spirit of Taghazout.
Daily Life in Paradise
Our days in Taghazout followed a beautiful, simple pattern:
- Wake up with the sun
- Surf in the morning waters
- Eat fresh seafood from the market
- Rest during the hot afternoon
- Gather with friends in the evening
- Sleep with windows open to the sound of waves
We quickly became part of the town's rhythm. Shop owners recognized us, local children waved as we passed, and other travelers nodded in understanding—they too had fallen under Taghazout's spell.
Beyond Tourism: Finding Home
What makes Taghazout special is that it doesn't feel like a tourist destination, even though visitors come from all over. It feels like a home you didn't know you were looking for.
I watched as everyone found their place:
- Surfers claimed their spots in the morning waves
- Artists set up easels to capture the golden light
- Writers filled notebooks in quiet corner cafes
- Musicians shared their talents in evening gatherings
Nobody was a tourist here—we were all temporary residents, living fully in each moment.
The Heartbreak of Leaving
"Our trip was too short," I journaled on our last day, "and there's so much we had left to do."
Packing my bag felt wrong. I wasn't ready to leave this place that had given me so much in such a short time. My friend and I promised each other we would return.
"Oh, Taghazout," I wrote, "how you rejuvenated my soul and ignited a passion to make life adventurous."
As someone who often moves around and feels lost between the places I live, I found something rare in Taghazout—a place where I felt I belonged, even though I had never been there before.
Why You Should Experience Taghazout
If you're reading this and wondering if Taghazout is worth visiting, my answer is a definite yes—but only if you're willing to embrace its simplicity.
This isn't a place for luxury resorts or organized tours. It's a place to:
- Disconnect from the digital world
- Connect with yourself and others
- Experience life at a gentler pace
- Learn from a culture that values presence over productivity
- Remember what matters most in life
Practical Tips for Visiting Taghazout
If you've been inspired to visit this magical little town, here are some tips from my experience:
- Getting There: The nearest airport is in Agadir. From there, you can take a taxi to Taghazout (about 30-40 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Small guesthouses and surf hostels are the best options. They're affordable and offer a more authentic experience than hotels.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April offers the best weather and surf conditions.
- Money: Bring cash! Few places accept cards.
- Language: While Arabic and Berber are the local languages, many locals speak some English, especially those working with tourists.
- Respect: Taghazout is still a traditional Moroccan village. Dress modestly away from the beach and be mindful of local customs.
- Must Try: The fresh seafood from the market, especially the crab!
A Message to Future Visitors
If you decide to visit Taghazout, please remember that what makes it special is its authenticity and simplicity. Go with an open heart, respect the local way of life, and allow yourself to slow down.
Don't try to "do" Taghazout—instead, simply "be" there. Wake up with the sun, enjoy the day as it unfolds, make friends with locals and fellow travelers, and let the town work its magic on you.
As one local told me: "Taghazout chooses its visitors." If you're reading this, perhaps it's choosing you next.
My Promise to Return
I've traveled to many places, but few have captured my heart like Taghazout. I've made a promise to myself to return—not as a tourist, but as someone coming back to a place that feels like home.
"Never have I felt so at home in a place so unknown," I wrote in my journal. "As someone who often moves around and feels lost between the places I reside, I know I can always return to Taghazout to make me feel whole inside."
And isn't that what travel is truly about? Finding pieces of home in the most unexpected corners of the world?
Have you ever fallen in love with an unexpected destination? Share your experience in the comments below! Or if you've been to Taghazout, I'd love to hear what made it special for you.