Morocco's Atlantic coast by van: from Tangier to Dakhla

This is the classic route for European motorhome travellers: land at Tanger Med and head down the Atlantic coast to the deep South, following the winter sun. Nearly 1,550 miles of coastline, a decent density of campsites and motorhome areas, and an ocean that keeps the climate mild year-round. Here's the route, from north to south.

Tangier → Rabat: the green coast (2-4 days)

After Tangier, Asilah and its white ramparts deserve the first night — campsites at Briech just south of town. Next comes Larache and the Moulay Bousselham lagoon, a well-known birdwatching spot, before the beaches of the Rabat region (Mehdia, the Maâmora forest). Traffic gets heavy around the capital: campsites on the outskirts are more relaxing than the city centre.

Casablanca → Essaouira: lagoons and surf (3-5 days)

South of Casablanca, the coast turns wild again from Azemmour and El Jadida onward. The unmissable stop is Oualidia: a sheltered lagoon, oysters, and motorhome areas with a water point. Then Safi (Lalla Fatna beach beneath the cliffs) and on down to Essaouira, city of the trade winds — guarded car parks in town and campsites at Sidi Kaouki, the coast's first major surf-camp spot.

Agadir → Sidi Ifni: the heart of winter van life (1-2 weeks)

Between Imsouane (its famous wave and fishing village) and the Agadir-Taghazout bay, the Souss-Massa region has the highest density of campsites in the country — this is where thousands of winter travellers park up from December to March. Further south, Tifnit, Mirleft and then Sidi Ifni and Legzira beach (red sandstone arches) offer a quieter coast, with simple campsites facing the ocean.

Guelmim → Laâyoune: the Saharan Atlantic (3-5 days)

After Guelmim (camel market on Saturdays, the Tighmert oasis for a palm-grove night), the N1 runs on to Tan-Tan Plage and Tarfaya: the desert drops into the ocean, and stops become bivouacs facing the waves. Distances stretch out — fuel up and fill your water at every town, and the Gendarmerie checks regularly (routine: passports, destination, safe travels).

Dakhla: the end of the road (3+ days)

500 km south of Laâyoune, the Dakhla peninsula has become a world-class kitesurfing destination: turquoise lagoon, white dune, camps facing the bay and steady wind. Many stay the whole winter; others carry on toward Mauritania (border at Guerguerat, standard formalities).

Practical tips

• Direction and season: north→south from October to December, back up in February-April. In summer, the north (Tangier-Tétouan) is pleasant but packed in August.
• Water and waste disposal: most campsites offer these services for a few dirhams even without an overnight stay.
• Overnight parking: tolerated at many guarded beach car parks (10-20 dh); in town, prefer a campsite. See our wild camping guide for the general picture.
• Wind: constant south of Essaouira — a plus against the heat, a challenge for awnings.

Every stop along the way — campsites, motorhome areas and coastal wild camping spots — is mapped on the MoroVernight map, with known amenities for each listing.