Can You Drink Alcohol in Taghazout, Morocco? The Definitive Guide for Travelers
Understanding whether you can drink alcohol in Taghazout, Morocco is a common concern for visitors planning a surf trip or beach holiday. While alcohol laws in Morocco may seem confusing at first, the reality is straightforward: tourists can legally drink, but public consumption is strictly forbidden, and Taghazout itself is largely a dry village.
This guide offers a clear, authoritative overview of alcohol laws, cultural expectations, where to buy alcohol, and what visitors should know when staying in Taghazout.
Alcohol in Morocco at a Glance (The Quick Answer)
Drinking alcohol in Morocco is not illegal for tourists, but consuming alcohol in public spaces is against the law. Alcohol must be consumed indoors, inside licensed hotels, bars, or private residences. Taghazout has limited alcohol availability, although some hotels and surf camps allow private consumption.
Key Points
- Public drinking is illegal anywhere outside licensed venues.
- Alcohol can be consumed in licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, or private accommodations.
- Taghazout is mostly dry—local shops do not sell alcohol, and only a few hotels serve it.
- Alcohol is expensive compared to average Moroccan prices due to high taxes.
Understanding Morocco’s Alcohol Laws and Cultural Norms
Is Drinking Alcohol Illegal for Tourists?
No. Drinking alcohol in Morocco is not illegal for non-Muslim visitors. Moroccan law allows alcohol production, sale, and consumption within controlled settings. Freedom of religion ensures that visitors are not bound by Islamic prohibitions.
However, tourists must follow Moroccan public conduct laws, which strictly forbid:
- drinking in the street,
- walking around visibly intoxicated,
- possessing open containers in public.
Violations may result in arrests or fines, particularly in tourist-heavy areas where enforcement is stricter.
Where Is Drinking Forbidden or Culturally Sensitive?
There are several contexts where drinking is either illegal or highly frowned upon:
Public Spaces
Consuming alcohol on the street, beach, sidewalks, or any non-licensed environment is illegal and can result in arrest.
Sports Venues
Moroccan law specifically criminalizes entering or attempting to enter a sports facility while intoxicated.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, alcohol becomes significantly more sensitive. Many bars and restaurants stop serving it, and visible consumption is considered disrespectful.
Street-Facing Balconies
Even on private property, drinking in a way that is visible from the street counts as drinking “in public view,” which is prohibited.
Religion and Local Customs
The majority of Morocco’s population is Muslim, and alcohol is prohibited in Islam. This cultural context shapes everyday practices:
- Some Muslim waiters or shop staff may avoid handling alcohol.
- Opening alcohol bottles may be uncomfortable for staff; carrying a small bottle opener is recommended.
- Even where alcohol is legal, discretion is viewed as respectful and appropriate behavior.
Visitors are encouraged to understand that cultural sensitivity and modest conduct remain essential.
Where to Drink in Taghazout Village
Licensed Hotels, Bars & Beach Clubs
Some hotels and resorts in Taghazout now operate with full alcohol licenses and allow consumption strictly on-site. Guests may not take alcoholic drinks outside, onto public-facing terraces, or into the street.
Licensed venues include:
- Calypso Beach Club Taghazout by Hilton
- Seaven Bar – Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay
- Hyatt Regency Taghazout
- Riu Tikida Taghazout
- White Beach Taghazout
- All 5-star resorts along the Taghazout coastline offer restricted, on-premise alcohol service
These establishments provide a controlled, legal environment where tourists can drink responsibly while respecting local regulations.
Surf Camps and Surf Houses
Many surf accommodations in Taghazout do not sell alcohol, but they do allow private consumption indoors, provided it remains discreet and respectful. Guests may bring their own alcohol for use inside the premises or communal areas not visible from the street.
Popular surf accommodations that permit private consumption include:
- AdventureKeys Hostel
- Munga’s Kitchen
- D’frost Almugar – Kitchen Club Restaurant & Bar.
- Amouage Bar & Kitchen
- Yalah Surf
- Surf Berbere
Most surf houses allow alcohol inside as long as it is consumed indoors, away from public view, and without disturbing other guests.ithin the premises.
Local Recommendations
Travelers frequently mention a small, discreet outdoor bar at D’frost Almugar hotel as a popular spot for a sunset drink.
Buying Alcohol When Staying in Taghazout
Because Taghazout does not sell alcohol locally, the main way to purchase it is by going to Agadir, about 20–30 minutes away.
Agadir Supermarkets
Large supermarkets in Agadir, such as Carrefour, Marjane, and Victoria Drink Store, have dedicated, enclosed liquor sections (often called “liquor caves”) with separate entrances and cash registers. These areas typically offer:
- Wine
- Beer
- Whisky and spirits
- Pre-mixed drinks
These locations provide the most convenient and reliable way for visitors staying in Taghazout to purchase alcohol legally and discreetly.
Surf Camp Transfer Tip
Many surf schools and camps offer an optional stop at Carrefour during airport pickup. This is often the easiest way to stock up before settling in.
Duty-Free Import Rules
Visitors may bring alcohol into Morocco in limited quantities:
- 1 liter of wine, spirits, or other alcohol per person.
Buying alcohol in duty-free shops at your departure airport is generally much cheaper than purchasing it in Morocco.
Essential Moroccan Beverages (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
Local Alcoholic Drinks Worth Trying
Even though drinking in Taghazout is limited, Morocco has several notable beverages:
Moroccan Beer
The main brands include:
- Casablanca – premium lager and widely regarded as the best local beer
- Flag Spéciale – pilsner
- Stork – light, budget-friendly beer
Moroccan Wine
Morocco produces award-winning wines due to its coastal climate. Types include:
- reds
- whites
- rosé
- vin gris, a pale rosé popular with travelers
Mahia
A traditional fig or date brandy, historically made by Morocco’s Jewish community.
Berber Whiskey (Non-Alcoholic Icon)
“Berber whiskey” is the playful nickname given to Moroccan mint tea, which visitors typically drink several times a day. The term originated from the fact that locals consumed tea instead of alcohol.
To say “Cheers!” in Morocco, visitors use the word “Bessaha!”, meaning “to your health.”
Practical Travel Advice for Visitors to Taghazout
Transport and Money Tips
- The closest airport is Agadir Al Massira (around 40 minutes away).
- The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, available only inside Morocco.
- Cash is preferred, and many small shops do not accept cards.
- Airport taxis should be arranged through accommodations for a fair rate (25–35 EUR).
Health & Safety for Travelers
- Drink only bottled water.
- Be cautious with buffet-style meals, which are common causes of stomach issues.
- Carry hand sanitizer to avoid “Moroccan belly.”
- Solo travelers should avoid walking alone late at night, especially near beaches.
Final Answer: Can You Drink Alcohol in Taghazout, Morocco?
Yes — visitors can drink alcohol in Taghazout, but only in licensed venues or private accommodations. The village is mostly dry, alcohol is not sold in local shops, and public drinking is strictly illegal. With proper discretion and awareness of cultural norms, travelers can enjoy their trip while respecting Morocco’s laws and traditions.