A dusty adventure to the Moroccan coast with Caley Vanular

As we come to the end of the year and the days are darker, shorter, and colder we can't help but miss the warmth of summer. Golden days filled with trips to the beach and adventures with friends. Luckily, we have Caley Vanular to bring some of that warmth back into our lives with her trip to the Moroccan coast. Read below for a journey full of surf and sunshine that is sure to hold you over until summer is here again. 

This past month I embarked on a journey of sun-soaked days, thrilling surf sessions, and rejuvenating Pilates on the vibrant west coast of Morocco. This was my first time back to Morocco in over four years… four years since I first discovered this hidden gem of a country which offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. I returned to the same accommodation I stayed at last time I visited… a riad right on a cliffside above the ocean so close that the crashing waves sway you to sleep.… it is something that is hard to even explain with words. 

As I touched down in the coastal town of Agadir, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air. Agadir is a city where modern amenities meet traditional Moroccan charm. I indulge my taste buds in the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Savoring a traditional tajine—a slow-cooked stew of meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices—is a must. Exploring the local markets, such as Souk El Had, reveals an array of fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Dining al fresco, I allow the tantalizing scents and vibrant colors to transport me into the heart of Moroccan culture. Settling into my riad, I quickly headed to the beach to catch a mesmerizing sunset, setting the tone for my Moroccan adventure.

Embarking on a scenic drive north to Imsouane, the longest right-hand point break in Morocco, I check into The O Surf Club and change straight into my wetsuit and hop straight into the ocean for a surf. After surfing I sipped on some Moroccan mint tea and laid on my mat, starting to  unwind with a Pilates class on the rooftop deck, letting the sound of the waves take me deep into my stretches.

Nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic, Imsouane provided a serene backdrop for surfing and pilates and an easy place to calm down and work hard alongside the backdrop of the ocean. The combination alongside some local massage therapists and hammans left me feeling invigorated and centered. When I wasn’t surfing or doing pilates I’d spend my time exploring the vibrant local markets, walking along the cliffs and relaxing on the sandy shores insatiably reading the books I brought with me.

My journey along Morocco's west coast seamlessly blended surf, Pilates, and culinary delights. I carry with me the rhythmic cadence of the waves, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the flavors of Moroccan cuisine—a tapestry of memories that will linger long after my departure.