Kitesurfing in Taghazout

Taghazout is first and foremost a surf town, but when the wind that flattens the waves comes up, the kites go out — which makes kitesurfing here the smart backup rather than the main event. On a blown-out day, the same Atlantic coast that draws surfers offers wind and open water to ride instead, so the trip isn't wasted when conditions turn.

The appeal is the flexibility: base yourself in a laid-back Moroccan surf village, take whichever the ocean offers on a given day, and treat wind and swell as two sides of the same holiday. It's a working fishing town with a strong board-sports scene layered on top — cheap, sociable, and an easy short-haul from Europe.

Conditions vary day to day, so come open-minded about which sport you'll actually do. Schools in and around town cover both, and a 3mm wetsuit handles the Atlantic most of the year. For a surf trip with a plan B built in, it works nicely.

Taghazout is first and foremost a surf town, so kitesurfing here is the smart backup rather than the main event: when the wind that flattens the waves comes up, the kites go out.

On a blown-out day the same Atlantic coast offers side-shore wind, a sandy launch and open water to ride, with far fewer people than the surf lineups.

The appeal is flexibility — base in a laid-back Moroccan surf village and take whichever the ocean offers, treating wind and swell as two sides of the same holiday. It is a working fishing town with a strong board-sports scene layered on, cheap and an easy short-haul from Europe.

Come open-minded about which sport you will actually do, since conditions vary day to day. Kite infrastructure is thin — bring your own gear, or rent from one of the couple of kite operators south of town, rather than expecting full school setups like Dahab's.

The windier months are roughly May to August, and a 3mm wetsuit handles the Atlantic most of the year. This suits intermediate riders and up rather than complete beginners, who are better served by a dedicated flat-water spot.

Base in or around Taghazout, watch the forecast, and let the ocean decide between board and kite each morning.