In the 1960s, Morocco became a key stop on the so-called Hippie Trail—a route through Europe, North Africa and Asia followed by Western youth seeking spiritual enlightenment, alternative lifestyles and freedom from mainstream society. Morocco’s mix of exotic culture, cheap living, liberal attitudes (relative to its neighbours) and hashish availability made it a magnet.
While cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen drew bigger crowds, Taghazout attracted those looking for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-track vibe. Taghazout was undoubtedly part of the broader hippie and artist migration to North Africa. Its appeal lay in its untouched natural beauty, freedom and quiet communion with the sea and hills—a place where outsiders could unplug from the West and plug into something more elemental. It still very much has that vibe today.
Taghazout sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast that’s now found life as a laid-back surf town. It’s a mix of old and new where fishermen still haul in their catch alongside barefoot travellers with boards under their arms and camel drivers walking the shores. The town has a scruffy charm amongst the rocks—sun-faded walls, peeling blue paint and a steady hum of life that shifts with the tide.
We stayed at Mungo’s Guest House, a relaxed and very cool spot with a lot of character. The kind of place with bleached wood furniture, authentically clever design and a rooftop terrace where breakfast was served with sea views and strong coffee. It felt local, unpolished and easy—perfect for the kind of trip where nothing needs to be too planned.
We rode camels and raced dune buggies through the desert, went sand surfing down giant dunes and swam under waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains. One afternoon we were welcomed into a village home for a slow-cooked tagine—simple, honest food shared with real generosity.
Back in Taghazout after a poke bowl sitting over the rocks, we bodyboarded in the Atlantic, wandered the little lanes, bartered for cheap jewellery and watched the sun drop behind the ocean.
Taghazout isn’t polished but it’s got a laid back charm warmth and a sense of freedom with a remanence of colour left behind by artists and a vibe you can only relax to. A proper mix of action and downtime with plenty of stories to bring home.
