Jean Genie (my blue 2006 Citroen C6 minivan) and I officially began our new life together over a month ago when we drove from Berlin to Toulouse. Why Toulouse? Because there was a super cheap flight to Morocco from there, that's why!!

I sadly left Jean Genie in a car park outside the Toulouse airport for three weeks while I soaked up some Vitamin D, practiced my surf skills, drank all the mint tea, ate all the tagine, watched all the sunsets, and pet all the stray dogs and cats. The truth is it’s still too cold in Europe for my desert bones.

That’s the reason I decided to spend the last three weeks exploring two cute surfer villages including Tagazhout and Tamraght. I highly recommend doing the same if you are hoping to escape the depressive European winter or want to try your luck at learning to surf in calm waters. Temperatures were around 20 degrees Celsius every day, and there was lots of sunshine and plenty of happy smiling faces. Since I had such a great time and met a lot of really friendly people, I am considering returning very soon, this time with my van Jean Genie. It seems to be a very popular location for camper vans.

Below are some of the places I most frequented and loved while I was there.

Tagazhout

Tamraght

Honorable Mentions

Paradies Quad - I stayed here the last week of my trip but I wish I had found it sooner. The vibe of the place was very chill. They have an in-house cleaner so the common areas are always super tidy. I rented a room and shared a bathroom with one other person on my floor. There is a kitchen where you can prepare meals and two terraces where you can chill and watch the sunset. I paid through Airbnb.

Mint tea on the beach - 20 Dh, there was nothing better than getting out of the sea after getting thrashed around by the waves and then getting served a delicious warm mint tea. There will be many people wandering around asking if you want tea, don’t turn them down! You won’t be disappointed :) Cash only.

Souk El Had in Agadir - About a 30-minute drive from Tamraght, the big marketplace in Agadir is a must-see. I had a delicious breakfast at one of the cafes featuring pea soup, bread with amlou (almond butter) and various spreads, and a large avocado smoothie for just 35 Dhs. Not only is it just fun to walk around and soak up all the sites but it’s a great place to buy souvenirs. I picked up some spices and spiced coffee. Cash only.

Hamam - If you are feeling adventurous you can hop over to the local hamam after you do your shopping which is about a 7-minute walk away from the Souk. There you will get the opportunity to have all your most intimate parts scrubbed smooth by a topless Moroccan grandma, 50 Dh for the scrub and 30 Dh for the soap and loofah. Cash only.

Morocco Animal Aid - I spent two days volunteering at this establishment which is about 10 minutes outside of Tamraght (I took a taxi there for 50 Dhs and walked back). They help street animals recover from injuries as well as get them adopted. I had the pleasure of walking a few dogs and just spending some time giving some of them love. FREE.

Have you been to this area of Morocco? Did I leave any of your favorite joints off the list?