Aglou Beach

Aglou Plage is the coast for Tiznit - fifteen kilometres of road out to a long straight Atlantic beach backed by low cliffs and dunes, with a small settlement of cafes, a few hotels and holiday houses that fills in July and August with families from the interior and empties for the rest of the year. Two things distinguish it. The cliffs behind the beach have a reliable onshore wind and are used for paragliding, with launch sites and schools operating in season. And a little north along the shore is a group of troglodyte fishermen's dwellings - small rooms cut into the soft rock of the cliff, used seasonally by fishermen working this stretch, whitewashed and still in use, which is an unusual survival and worth the walk. The Atlantic here is cold, the surf is heavy and the current is strong; swimming needs care and lifeguards are seasonal at best.

What you actually see

• A long straight beach - Atlantic sand backed by low cliffs and dunes.
• Paragliding cliffs - reliable onshore wind with launch sites and schools in season.
• Fishermen's cave rooms - dwellings cut into the soft cliff and still used seasonally.
• A seasonal village - full in August and largely closed the rest of the year.

When to go

September to May; summer for the village at full tilt. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The current is strong and lifeguards are seasonal - swim with care. Out of season most businesses close. The cave dwellings are in use; ask before approaching or photographing. Wind that suits paragliders makes lying on the beach unpleasant.

Nearby

Tiznit and its silver souk are inland; Mirleft is south along the coast.