12 Day Morocco Atlantic Coast Itinerary: Dakhla to Rabat
Dakhla, Taghazout, Essaouira and Rabat. Surf, desert, cooking and riads, planned by Sarah Casewit.
Along Morocco's Atlantic Coast
12 DAYS | FROM DAKHLA TO RABAT
My journey traced the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco where untamed landscapes met a rising tide of creativity, from the wind-swept Sahara desert shores of Dakhla to the royal calm of Rabat. Beginning in the remote Imlili National Park near Dakhla, a surreal haven of salt lakes and white sand, the trip followed the shoreline northward through Agadir’s energetic surf hub of Taghazout, the bohemian charm of Essaouira, and the wind-whipped solitude of Moulay Bouzerktoune. Each stop revealed a region in transformation, with emerging culinary talent, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels, and a renewed sense of identity for Morocco's travel scene rooted in place. The story will blend narrative travel writing with rich visuals, offering a layered portrait of Morocco’s lesser-traveled coast that is raw and reflective.
Itinerary at a glance
Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
Route: Dakhla – Taghazout – Essaouira – Rabat
Highlights: Dakhla kiteboarding, Sahara desert excursions, Taghazout surf and spa, Essaouira cooking workshop, Rabat's UNESCO listed heritage
Style: Private transfers, self-drive for the brave and luxury stays throughout
Days 1 - 4 | Dakhla
Kiteboarding and Sahara Desert Excursions at La Tour D'Eole.
Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, with a shallow lagoon on one side and open ocean on the other.
Fly from Madrid to Dakhla Airport (about 3 hours).
Take a private transfer (25 minutes) to La Tour D'Eole, an ecolodge set between the desert and the lagoon.
Settle into your eco suite, with panoramic views over the lagoon and surrounding desert.
Kiteboard or windsurf. Dakhla is world renowned for its steady winds.
Take a 4x4 desert tour to the White Dune and Imlili Sebkha, the salt lakes of the Dakhla region.
Dine on fresh seafood and Moroccan fusion cuisine under the stars.
Start the morning with yoga and end the day with a sunset meditation over the water.
Take a lagoon boat trip to spot flamingos and dolphins.
Days 4 - 6 | Taghazout
Surf and Spa at Fairmont Taghazout Bay.
Taghazout is a fishing village turned surf hub north of Agadir, and one of Morocco's best known surf destinations.
Fly from Dakhla to Agadir.
Take a private transfer (45 minutes) to Fairmont Taghazout Bay, set above the Atlantic Ocean.
Check in to a sea view suite with sleek Berber inspired design.
Book a morning surf lesson at one of Morocco's top surf spots.
Follow the wellness circuit at the Fairmont Spa, with argan oil treatments and hammam rituals.
Dine at the beach club restaurant on seasonal Moroccan dishes.
Spend an afternoon at the nearby fishing village and the souks of Agadir.
Walk the golden beaches at sunset.
Days 6 - 9 | Essaouira
Cooking Workshop and Medina at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc.
Essaouira pairs a UNESCO World Heritage medina and ramparts with a working port, artisan workshops and a strong food culture.
Take a private transfer along the scenic coastal road from Taghazout to Essaouira.
Stay at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc.
Join a private cooking workshop and lunch with a renowned Moroccan chef and author at her home.
Explore the medina, the ramparts and the artisan workshops.
Eat fresh seafood at the port, then dine on a rooftop overlooking the Atlantic.
Walk through the argan tree groves and look for goats climbing the branches.
Days 9 - 12 | Rabat
Royal Heritage and Contemporary Art at Dar Shaan.
Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city on the Bouregreg River, with royal landmarks, gardens and a serious contemporary art scene.
Fly to Rabat Salé Airport.
Check in to Dar Shaan, a restored riad in the heart of Rabat's old medina.
Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Royal Palace and the Mohammed V Mausoleum.
Stroll the palm lined boulevards and the Andalusian Gardens.
Take a private tour of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Sip mint tea at a rooftop café above the Bouregreg River.
FAQs
How many days do you need for a Morocco Atlantic coast itinerary?
This sample runs 12 days and 11 nights across four stops. It can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you want in each destination.
Where does this itinerary start and end?
It starts in Dakhla in the south and ends in Rabat in the north, moving up the Atlantic coast.
What is there to do in Dakhla?
Kiteboarding and windsurfing, 4x4 excursions to the White Dune and Imlili Sebkha, lagoon boat trips to see flamingos and dolphins, and yoga at La Tour D'Eole.
When is the best time to go?
Dakhla's winds are steady through much of the year, and Taghazout's surf is strongest from autumn through winter. Contact me and I will match the timing to your priorities.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a sample, and every trip is planned privately around your dates, pace and interests.
Plan Your Morocco Atlantic Coast Journey
Ready to travel this route? Inquire with Sarah Casewit to build a private itinerary along Morocco's Atlantic coast.