Cap Beddouza

Cap Beddouza is the point where the cliff coast north of Safi gives out and the shore turns into a long open beach running north towards Oualidia. A lighthouse stands on the headland, white and square, dating to the colonial period, and from the cliff top beside it the coast is visible in both directions - cliffs and coves south, sand north. The beach below is wide and shelves reasonably, which makes it one of the more usable swimming beaches on this stretch, though the Atlantic here is cold and the current is real. A small settlement of cafes, a campsite and holiday houses backs it and fills in July and August with Moroccan families. Out of season it is empty. The drive between Safi and Oualidia along this coast is one of the better Atlantic roads in Morocco and Beddouza is the natural stop on it.

What you actually see

• Where the cliffs end - the transition from cove coast to open beach.
• A colonial lighthouse - white and square on the headland, with views both ways.
• A usable swimming beach - wide and reasonably shelving, unlike much of this coast.
• A summer settlement - cafes, a campsite and holiday houses that empty out of season.

When to go

May to September for swimming; any time for the drive. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The Atlantic here is cold and the current is strong; lifeguards are seasonal. Facilities are basic and mostly summer-only. Litter after the August season is significant. Wind on the headland is constant.

Nearby

Lalla Fatna is south; Oualidia and its lagoon are north.