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Beach Guide
8 Best Beaches in Rabat
Morocco's capital on the Atlantic — historic fortress beaches, popular surf breaks, and day-trip coastal escapes near the Bou Regreg.
Beach Essentials
Water temp: 17°C (winter) – 22°C (summer)
Best nearby beach: Plage des Nations (15 km)
Surf spot: Udayas & Skhirat
Best months: July – September
1
Plage de Rabat (City Beach)
Urban Beach Free (sunbed: 20–40 MAD) All day / Lifeguards: summer 9 AM–6 PM
Rabat's main beach stretches along the Atlantic coast south of the Bou Regreg river mouth. It's a wide, sandy beach backed by the Corniche — a promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and the occasional modern building. The water is Atlantic: cool (17–22°C) with moderate to strong waves. Swimming is best in the central section where lifeguards are posted in summer — avoid the river mouth area where currents are unpredictable. The beach is the summer social center for Rabat's residents: families, students, and professionals pack the sand on weekends and evenings. Facilities: sunbed rental (20–40 MAD), showers, changing rooms, beachside cafés. The Corniche walk stretches for 2 km — pleasant at sunset. Water sports: bodyboarding in the shore break, occasional surf lessons. The beach quality has improved significantly in recent years with better facilities and cleaning. The vibe is relaxed and middle-class — this is the capital city's beach, reflecting Rabat's administrative, unhurried character.
Insider tip: The Corniche at sunset is a Rabat institution — walk from the beach north toward the Bou Regreg marina as the sky turns orange over the Atlantic. Stop at one of the terrace cafés for mint tea with ocean views
2
Udayas Beach (Plage des Oudaïas)
Historic Setting Free All day
A small, picturesque beach at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, directly below the Kasbah des Oudaïas — Rabat's most iconic landmark. The beach is tiny compared to the main city beach, but the setting is extraordinary: the 12th-century Almohad fortress walls rise above, the river meets the Atlantic, and the city of Salé is visible across the water. The waves here attract Rabat's small surf community — the river mouth creates interesting breaks. Swimming is possible but currents are strong — experienced swimmers only. The beach is more about atmosphere than facilities: no sunbeds, no changing rooms, just sand, sea, and history. The walk down from the Kasbah gardens passes through the blue-and-white painted streets of the Oudaïas quarter — one of Morocco's most photogenic neighborhoods. Fishermen pull their boats onto the sand, and cats lounge in the sun. In the late afternoon, the Kasbah walls glow golden above the beach.
Insider tip: Walk through the Kasbah des Oudaïas gardens first, then descend to the beach — the transition from the manicured Andalusian garden to the wild Atlantic beach below is one of Rabat's great contrasts
3
Plage des Nations
Popular Escape Free (clubs: 80–150 MAD) All day
The most popular beach near Rabat — 15 km north of the city center, Plage des Nations is a long, wide sweep of golden sand with good waves and a vacation atmosphere. The beach is where Rabat goes on summer weekends: families, groups of friends, and couples set up camp on the sand. The waves are Atlantic — consistent beach breaks that are good for bodyboarding and beginner surfing. Swimming is best in the central section with lifeguards. The facilities are seasonal: restaurants, cafés, sunbed rental, showers, and a few beach clubs (80–150 MAD day use with pool access). The beach is large enough that even on busy weekends, walking a few hundred meters from the main access points finds quieter space. Accessible by taxi from Rabat (30 MAD, 20 minutes) or by car with ample parking. The sand quality is good — wide, clean, and golden. Summer evenings at Plage des Nations are magical: the sun sets over the Atlantic, families grill sardines, and the beach empties slowly as the light fades.
Insider tip: Arrive by mid-morning on summer weekends to claim a good spot near the lifeguard station. Walk 500 meters north or south of the main entrance for significantly more space. Bring your own shade — umbrella rental sells out by noon
4
Témara Plage
Resort Beach Free (clubs: 100–200 MAD) All day
A resort-style beach 12 km south of Rabat — Témara has developed into one of the Rabat region's most popular beach destinations. The beach is wide with fine sand and Atlantic waves. Beach clubs and restaurants line the shore, offering pools, sunbeds, and restaurant service (day use: 100–200 MAD). The public beach sections are free with basic facilities. The water is Atlantic standard — cool and wavy, swimmable with awareness of conditions. Témara has grown from a small beach town into a satellite of Rabat, with residential developments and year-round restaurants. The beach quality is good: regularly cleaned, with lifeguards in summer. The atmosphere is family-oriented and relaxed — less crowded than Plage des Nations on weekends. Accessible by taxi or car from central Rabat (20 minutes). Several seafood restaurants in Témara town offer excellent grilled fish (whole fish from 50 MAD). The beach walk south from Témara passes through increasingly wild coastline.
Insider tip: The beach clubs at Témara offer the most comfortable beach experience near Rabat — pool swimming for families who want to avoid Atlantic waves, plus restaurant service and changing facilities. Good value compared to Casablanca's Corniche clubs
5
Salé Beach
Local Atlantic Free All day
Rabat's twin city Salé has its own Atlantic beach — less developed and less crowded than the Rabat side. The beach runs north from the Salé side of the Bou Regreg river mouth along the Atlantic coast. The waves are similar to the Rabat beach but the atmosphere is more local and traditional. Facilities are basic: a few seasonal cafés and restaurants, no beach clubs. The water is swimmable in calm conditions but be cautious of currents. Salé's beach is best reached by walking from the new Bou Regreg marina development — the contrast between the gleaming modern marina and the simple beach is striking. The beach stretches north for several kilometers, becoming increasingly wild and empty. Views across the river mouth to the Kasbah des Oudaïas are beautiful. The Salé medina, one of Morocco's most authentic and least touristy, is a short walk from the beach — combine a beach visit with medina exploration for a full Salé experience.
Insider tip: Cross the Bou Regreg on the tramway from Rabat (7 MAD) and walk to the Salé beach from the marina — it's a completely different atmosphere from the Rabat side, more local and unhurried
6
Skhirat Beach
Surf & History Free All day
A beach town 30 km south of Rabat with historical resonance — Skhirat is home to the Royal Palace beach compound and a stretch of Atlantic coast with good surf. The public beach is wide and sandy with consistent waves — popular with surfers and bodyboarders from the Rabat-Casablanca corridor. The royal palace compound (not open to visitors but visible from the beach) adds an air of exclusivity to the area. The beach is less crowded than Témara or Plage des Nations, with a more laid-back atmosphere. Facilities: a few restaurants and cafés, seasonal lifeguards. The waves are better for intermediate surfers than beginners — the beach breaks can be powerful on bigger swells. The town has a quiet, semi-rural character that contrasts with Rabat's urbanity. The drive from Rabat (30 minutes on the autoroute) passes through pleasant countryside. Fish restaurants in Skhirat serve fresh catch at reasonable prices (40–70 MAD). The sunset over the Atlantic from Skhirat's empty northern beach is spectacular.
Insider tip: The northern section of Skhirat beach, past the main bathing area, is often empty and has good waves — a peaceful Atlantic beach experience just 30 minutes from the capital
7
Harhoura Beach
Suburban Escape Free All day
A suburban beach between Rabat and Témara — Harhoura has developed into a popular residential and beach area for Rabat professionals. The beach is a long stretch of sand with Atlantic waves, backed by apartment buildings and a handful of restaurants. The atmosphere is calm and residential — less hectic than the main Rabat beach and less resort-like than Témara. Swimming is possible in calm conditions (lifeguards in summer). The beach is popular for evening walks and weekend family outings. Facilities: restaurants, cafés, a small promenade. The cliff-top views of the Atlantic are attractive — several restaurants are perched on the cliffs with ocean panoramas. Harhoura is best reached by taxi or car from Rabat (15 minutes). The beach is less crowded than Plage des Nations and Témara on weekends, making it a good alternative for those seeking more space. The coastline has interesting rocky sections for tide-pooling.
Insider tip: The cliff-top restaurants in Harhoura have some of the best ocean views near Rabat — lunch with Atlantic panoramas at a fraction of what you'd pay in Casablanca. Try the grilled sardines
8
Bou Regreg Marina Beach
Urban Waterfront Free All day
Not technically a beach in the traditional sense, but the Bou Regreg Marina development between Rabat and Salé has created a modern waterfront with a small sandy area at the river mouth. The marina promenade is one of Rabat's newest and most pleasant public spaces: restaurants, cafés, walking paths, and views of both the Kasbah des Oudaïas and the Salé medina. The sandy area near the Atlantic opening is small and more for sitting than swimming (river-mouth currents are too strong for safe swimming here). The real appeal is the waterfront atmosphere: yacht moorings, modern architecture, and the dramatic contrast between the ancient kasbahs on both sides and the contemporary marina development. Evening walks along the marina are a Rabat institution — the lights reflecting on the water, the Kasbah illuminated above, and the sound of the Atlantic beyond the breakwater. Restaurants range from casual (sandwiches from 30 MAD) to upscale (seafood restaurants with river views).
Insider tip: Walk the marina promenade at dusk — the illuminated Kasbah des Oudaïas on one side and the Salé minaret on the other create one of the most atmospheric urban waterfront walks in Morocco. End at a terrace restaurant for dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rabat beaches good for swimming?
Rabat's beaches are Atlantic — the water is cool (17–22°C) and the waves can be strong. The main city beach (Plage de Rabat) at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river has lifeguards in summer and is swimmable, but currents near the river mouth can be tricky. Plage des Nations (15 km north) is wider and more popular for swimming, though it still has Atlantic waves. Témara Plage (12 km south) is another good option. For calmer swimming, visit in the morning when conditions are typically gentler. Beach clubs with enclosed pools offer the safest swimming. Always swim between the flags and be cautious of riptides — the Atlantic coast demands respect. Summer water temperatures reach 20–22°C; a rash guard is comfortable for extended swims. The best swimming months are July to September when water and air temperatures peak.
Can you surf in Rabat?
Yes — Rabat has a growing surf scene. The Udayas beach (below the Kasbah des Oudaïas) is the most famous spot: a beach break at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river that produces rideable waves, especially on north and northwest swells. The contrast of surfing below a 12th-century fortress is unique. Plage des Nations has consistent beach breaks for all levels. The best surf season is October to April when North Atlantic swells are strongest. Summer waves are smaller but good for beginners. Water temperature: 17–22°C (wetsuit recommended year-round). Surf schools operate at Plage des Nations and the Udayas beach (lessons from 250 MAD). Rabat's surf community is smaller and more relaxed than Taghazout or Essaouira — the lineups are less crowded and the local surfers are welcoming.
What is the best beach near Rabat?
Plage des Nations (15 km north of Rabat center) is widely considered the best beach near the capital. It's a long, wide stretch of golden sand with good waves, seasonal facilities (restaurants, sunbed rental, lifeguards), and a more spacious feel than the city beach. The beach is popular with Rabat families on summer weekends but large enough to absorb crowds. Accessible by taxi (30 MAD) or car (20 minutes). Témara Plage (12 km south) is another excellent option — a resort-style beach with clubs and restaurants. For a wilder experience, Skhirat Beach (30 km south) has good surf and a less developed coastline. For the most dramatic setting, the Udayas beach below the Kasbah offers a small, picturesque beach with the fortress above — though it's more about the scenery than the facilities.