Legzira, located in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of Morocco, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Dubbed “A Jewel of Northwest Africa”, Legzira beach is situated about ten kilometres from the city of Sidi Ifni in the southern region of Morocco. It’s suited mainly for those who are willing to drive, offering raw beauty and plenty of nearby breaks to explore.
One of the most captivating features of Legzira is its stunning red stone arches that frame the pristine beach, creating a picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Carved into the red sandstone cliffs over the eons, the surreal series of walk-through arches felt like nature’s gateway to the Moroccan Sahara. The arches felt like ruins built by a lost civilization of giants.
This otherworldly location would have made a perfect location for a sci-fi or fantasy film. There was a palpable magic to the beach. The beauty and romance of Legzira was magnified by a sense of desert desolation: no plants, no palms, just a world of red sand and stone. It is hard to believe that Legzira was not a household name.
Isolated and relatively unknown by 21st-century standards, the beach was virtually deserted for most of our visit. Doused in vibrant blue and red hues, it has four arches carved into the cliff by the tides that brings together the ocean and the desert. In the Instagram era, that is a rare luxury for global travelers. Yes, glorious isolation and a beautiful sunset made this one of Morocco’s (and the world’s) coolest off-the-beaten-track destinations. We invite you to adventure here in morocco.
You think you are going for a stroll on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Instead, you end up witnessing the last precious moments of a natural wonder that has survived the tests of time… until now.
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The Loss of an Arch
The central arch on the gorgeous triple-arched Moroccan beach of Legzira is gone. It collapsed in 2016, just a few weeks after we visited, but we only heard the news recently. It’s an enormous loss for Morocco as well as our planet’s natural heritage.
Unfortunately, the collapse of the central arch, clearly the highlight of Legzira beach, definitely diminishes the draw of this remote location. I guess we’ll all just have to wait for a couple new arches to slowly erode into the cliffs over time.
The iconic arches of Legzira Beach.
Surfing at Legzira
Discover Legzira, Mirleft and Agadir: The Ultimate Coastal trio.
If you’re looking for an off-the-radar Moroccan surf destination with raw beauty and plenty of nearby breaks to explore, Legzira delivers. Like the rest of Morocco’s southern coast, Legzira is a year-round surf destination, but the best conditions arrive in winter (October-March). Regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, it is loved by locals and tourists alike, being a favorite spot for surfing, kitesurfing, sunbathing and picnicking.
It’s actually useful to split the surf in Legzira itself into two: The reef and the beach. The Legzira Reef is literally right in front of the town. It’s a patch of submerged rock that gets good when it’s mid to low tide. As the water peels back a bit the waves form up as longish right lines that bend into the rocks and end on the sand. It can be anything from cruisy to fast, with the whole thing speeding up if there’s more direct west in the swell. The seabed here is mostly sand with some rocky sections, so be mindful when paddling out.
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Plage Legzira as it’s called locally is a really pretty run of rust-red sand and even-rustier cliffs above the Atlantic. It really reminds us of an Algarve beach break in the main winter season, when you get loads of punchy, peaky beach breaks all up its length.
Getting There and Around
Legzira sits roughly 150km south of Agadir, the gateway to Morocco’s main surf coast. The easiest way to get here is by car. Rent a car in Agadir and cruise south with the boards. Rent in Agadir airport and then follow the main N1 highway going south. The drive isn’t too hard. That initial section on the N1 is especially good because it’s a wide road that’s recently been paved.
You can reach Legzira Beach by flying into Agadir or Essaouira and then taking a bus or taxi to Sidi Ifni.
Map of Legzira and surrounding towns.
Nearby Surf Spots and Towns
One of the great things about Legzira is that it’s sat in the middle of the southern surf zone of the Moroccan Atlantic. Mirleft has established itself as one of Morocco’s best surf towns, offering a range of breaks for all levels. Sidi Ifni is one of the larger towns on the coast south of Legzira.
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Some key spots include:
- Plage Imin Tourga - A reliable, beginner-friendly beach break with consistent peaks.
Accommodation
Yes, there are several accommodations near Legzira Beach, ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels.
Here are a couple of recommendations:
- Luxury Option: This place gets sold out pretty quickly. It has the highest customer review score in the luxury category. The hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the beach. The rooms here have even their own terrace and fireplace.
- Budget Option: It was the cheapest accommodation on Booking.com with a review score of 9.4 and breakfast included. It’s located in the center of Mirleft. The hostel is super clean and quiet. It has a super sweet terrace with a spectacular view where you can have your breakfast.
Activities
At Legzira Beach, you can enjoy activities such as surfing, paragliding, hiking, and exploring the unique rock formations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the beach, where the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks provides a soothing backdrop for relaxation. For those looking to explore the area further, a beach day trip offers an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to witness the breathtaking beauty of the red stone arches up close.
Tips for Visitors
- Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Visa requirements for Morocco vary by nationality.
- The local currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
- Yes, it's important to dress modestly, especially when not on the beach.
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