9 Best Sights in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

This bay is one of the prettiest in the region and much loved by both Rabat and Casablanca locals. For this reason, it gets exceptionally crowded when the weather is hot: crowds hit the golden sands and surfers stream into the waves. It’s a lovely place out of season, too—perfect for picnicking and exploring the tide pools. During summer, there is a good selection of restaurants and cafés. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

Connected to Temara Plage by a walkway across the rocks, pretty Contrabandiers Beach draws throngs of sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers in summer. As is always the case on this coastline, currents can be extremely dangerous, so don't plan to take a dip unless you're a strong swimmer. Locals will rent you a beach umbrella, and there are usually several vendors who walk up and down the sand selling ice cream and other snacks. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.

The most frequented beach in Dar Bouazza is a great place for swimming and surfing in the summer. On the far side, there’s a tidal pool area and, when tides are low, the long stretches of soft sand are ideal for strolling and exploring the coast. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

This magnificent beach, also known simply as "Nations," is so long that even during the busiest times you’ll probably find some space along the stretch. The water is swimmable, but there may be strong currents, so caution should be observed. The sands are cleaned daily in summer, although some litter is possible in colder months. It's a hot spot for surfers and paragliders; sunbathers can rent parasol and loungers for reasonable prices. The beach is accessed by driving along the N1 from Salé and turning left just north of the small town of Sidi Bouknadel, or ask your hotel to organize a round-trip by taxi. Amenities: lifeguards (in season); parking; food and drink. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.

Before the Mazagan Beach Resort was built between Azemmour and El Jadida, you could walk along the sand from one community to the other. While that's no longer possible, this is still a stunning beach and one of the cleanest on the coast. There's also a shipwreck that's fun to explore. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer). Best for: sunsets; surfing; swimming; walking.

This long sandy bay attracts swarms of surfers, sunbathers, and families in summer when temperatures can get very high. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunbathing; surfing; swimming; walking.

This beautiful stretch of sand extends southwest away from El Jadida; you can access it by taking the coastal road about 5 km (3 miles) out of town. It's an ideal place to stroll or watch the sunset. Swimming is great here too, although currents can be strong. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking.

To say that Skhirat Plage is loved by Moroccans during the summer months—and by some faithful souls year-round—is an understatement. The long stretch of fine, golden sand lying just beyond the Royal Palace of Skhiratis is perfect for strolls but also a known surfing spot, as the plethora of boards reveals. Swimmers love it, too, but beware of dangerous currents—lifeguards are not always present. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.

This small beach with wonderful sand can be empty during colder months, but it's very much the opposite in summer. It's a short walk from the train station. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.