The short answer: fly into Agadir if you can. It is by far the closest airport, and you can be in the water the same afternoon. But flights to Marrakech are often cheaper and there are many more of them, and Essaouira has a few low-cost routes. Here is when the longer route is worth it. The routes below work for both Taghazout and Tamraght, which are about 2 miles (3.5 km) apart.
Agadir Al Massira (AGA)
- Distance: about 170 miles (270 km) to Taghazout, roughly three and a half hours by car. By bus or shuttle, allow about four hours.
- Getting to the coast: The posted taxi fare is 300 dirhams (€27) for the whole car to Taghazout or Aourir. Many surf camps include an airport pickup.
- Flights: Many direct flights from Europe, especially in winter.
Everything you need to know about the airport trip is in Agadir Airport to Taghazout and Tamraght.
Marrakech Menara (RAK)
- Distance: about 170 miles (270 km) to Agadir, roughly three and a half to four hours to the coast.
- Getting to the coast: A private transfer from about €120 per car, the Souk to Surf shuttle at €25 per person, or a bus to Agadir and then a taxi.
- Flights: One of the busiest airports in the country, with many airlines and cheap direct routes.
Worth it if: the flight is much cheaper, you want a couple of days in Marrakech first, or there is no direct flight to Agadir from your city.
Essaouira Mogador (ESU)
- Distance: about three hours by road along the coast.
- Getting to the coast: There is no fixed taxi price to Taghazout, so agree on it in advance or book a transfer. The Souk to Surf shuttle runs from Essaouira town from €18 per person.
- Flights: A small airport with a few routes, mostly low-cost and some seasonal. Check which cities fly there before you book.
Worth it if: there is a direct flight from near you and you want a night or two in Essaouira. It is a lovely town, and the drive down the coast is beautiful. You can make a detour to Imsouane on the way.
How to decide
- Short trip, a week or less: Agadir. Every hour counts.
- Tight budget: Compare the full cost. A cheap flight to Marrakech plus a private transfer of about €120 can cost more than a pricier flight to Agadir. The shuttle and the bus make Marrakech much cheaper.
- Surfboards: The shorter the road trip, the easier it is for your board. Check that your transfer or shuttle takes boards.
- Two-stop trip: Fly into Marrakech and out of Agadir, or the other way around.
For the road trip from Marrakech or Essaouira, see getting to Taghazout and Tamraght from Marrakech or Essaouira.