Aourir

Aourir, nicknamed Banana Village for the plantations along its river valley, sits on the coast just north of Agadir at the southern end of Morocco's famous surf zone. It has grown into a relaxed, affordable surf base as an alternative to busier Taghazout nearby.

The waves are points and reefs breaking over rock along this stretch of Atlantic coast, with long right-hand walls the regional signature. Spots near the village offer rides suited to intermediate surfers, while world-class points lie a short distance up the coast for the more experienced. Sandier beaches in the area give beginners and surf schools gentler options, so the zone works across abilities, and the warm water is a rare comfort for a European-latitude winter.

Winter, roughly October to March, is the season, when north and north-west Atlantic swells wrap into the points under mostly sunny skies and light offshore mornings. This is when the right-handers are at their long, peeling best.

The village is low-key and welcoming, strung along the coast road with cafes, guesthouses and surf camps, and famous for its roadside banana and honey stalls. Agadir's airport and city amenities lie close by, the string of surf points is easily reached along the coast road, and inexpensive lodging and food make it a popular budget base for a winter surf trip to Morocco.