Plage de Tagharte is the main beach of Essaouira, right south of the UNESCO medina, an all-level beach break where the local surf schools are based. Urban spot ideal to combine city break, medina and first sessions. Known for its strong summer wind (the trade winds turn it into a kitesurf hub), it is surf-friendly from October to April. To plan your trip, see our Essaouira surf camps comparison.
Tagharte (south end of Essaouira’s beachfront) is the historical hub for surf schools and learning in the area. Several kilometres of sandy beach, 5-10 minute walk from the medina, relaxed atmosphere mixing locals, international schools and summer kiters.
Plage de Tagharte spot characteristics
Plage de Tagharte stretches along the southern coast of Essaouira, accessible on foot from the medina (5-10 minutes). Sandy beach break, west-facing, taking North Atlantic swells. Several peaks over 2 km of beach, waves rather small to medium (0.3 to 1.5 m on the best days), ideal for learning. The wind is the key factor: surfable in the morning before the trade winds pick up.
Video: Plage de Tagharte (Essaouira) in action
When to surf Plage de Tagharte?
The best window: September to April. Calmer wind, regular swells, water still mild (17-21 °C). In summer (May-September), the trade winds turn the spot into a windsurf/kitesurf hub, surf becomes impossible after 10am. Morning offshore sessions only in summer.
Plage de Tagharte surf calendar: intensity by month
Forecast and webcam Plage de Tagharte (Essaouira)
Before heading down to the spot, two useful tools to check the day’s conditions:
- Surfline forecast Plage de Tagharte (Essaouira) : swell, wind, tide forecast and embedded webcam where available.
- Windy weather map (31.5089, -9.7700) : graphic view of swell, wind and real-time weather conditions.
Plage de Tagharte: which surf level is it for?
Beginners: 100% yes
This is THE learning spot in Essaouira. Sandy bottom, lifeguarded urban beach in season, several schools based here. You can rent a board + wetsuit and take first lessons on a daily basis. Ideal for your first surf trip to Morocco if you want to combine medina, food and first whitewater rides.
Intermediates: yes to lock in the basics
On 1-1.5 m days, Tagharte lets you move from whitewater to the green face and work your first bottom turns. Readable waves, short but consistent sections. To step up, head south to Sidi Kaouki, 25 km south.
Advanced: no, not the right ground
For advanced surfers, Tagharte is too small and too windy. Head to Sidi Kaouki, Imsouane or Taghazout instead. Tagharte remains a fun spot for a chill session before exploring the medina.
How to get to Plage de Tagharte
The beach is directly accessible on foot from Essaouira’s medina in 5-10 minutes. If you stay outside the medina, free parking along the beach. Essaouira-Mogador airport 20 minutes by taxi.
On site: several surf schools based directly on the beach (board + wetsuit rental ~25 € for the half-day), beachfront restaurants, public showers. Active kitesurf hub in summer.
Spot location
GPS coordinates: 31.5089° N, -9.7700° W. Main beach of Essaouira, right south of the UNESCO medina.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Which surf camp to surf Plage de Tagharte?
Several surf camps and schools are based directly on Plage de Tagharte or nearby in the medina. To compare options and find the best one for your level and budget, see our Essaouira surf camps comparison.
Where to stay near Plage de Tagharte
You can stay in Essaouira’s medina (traditional riad, 5-10 minutes’ walk from the beach), or directly beachfront. The UNESCO medina concentrates most of the charm options. Interactive map below.
What else to do near Plage de Tagharte?
Essaouira’s UNESCO medina with its Portuguese ramparts, active fishing port, grilled fish restaurants and art galleries. Day trips to Sidi Kaouki (25 km south, intermediate surf), to Oualidia lagoon, or as far as The Bay at Imsouane (80 km south, the longest right in North Africa).
Plage de Tagharte FAQ
100% yes. Sandy beach break, several surf schools based here, lifeguarded beach in season. THE learning spot in Essaouira.
September to April for the best wind conditions. In summer (May-September), the trade winds make the spot unsurfable after 10am. The spot switches to kitesurf/windsurf.
Tagharte is Essaouira’s urban beach, ideal for learning (schools, medina nearby, easy access). Sidi Kaouki 25 km south is wilder, windier, intermediate/advanced.
Yes, several schools based directly on the beach and in the medina. Board + wetsuit rental available (~25 € for the half-day), individual or group lessons.
3/2 mm wetsuit outside summer, shorty in summer. Foam board 8’0″ to 9’0″ for beginners (included in every surf camp package). Avoid longboards if the wind picks up.
Yes, that’s one of the main strengths. Beach 5-10 minutes’ walk from the UNESCO medina. Morning surf sessions then afternoon medina, port, food, art galleries.
In short
Plage de Tagharte is the main beginner spot of Essaouira. Urban sandy beach break, several schools, direct access from the UNESCO medina. Ideal to combine first surf sessions and a cultural city break. To book a stay, see our Essaouira surf camps comparison.