Things to Do in Temara Beach

Temara Beach stretches along Morocco's Atlantic coast just south of Rabat, offering a quieter alternative to the country's more famous seaside destinations. The town itself has grown from a small fishing village into a residential area popular with locals from the capital, which gives it an authentic, lived-in feel that you won't find in purpose-built resort towns. The beach here is wide and sandy, backed by low cliffs and residential neighborhoods where you'll hear as much French and Arabic as you will any tourist chatter. What makes Temara particularly appealing is its accessibility - you can easily day-trip here from Rabat or Casablanca, but there's enough going on to justify a longer stay if you're looking for a more relaxed pace than the imperial cities offer.

The dining scene here is refreshingly unpretentious, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional Moroccan dishes rather than tourist-oriented restaurants. You'll find several good fish restaurants along the coastal road where the catch of the day is grilled simply and served with bread and salad. The town center has a handful of cafes serving tagines and couscous, plus the usual selection of sandwich shops and patisseries that reflect Morocco's French influence. For a special meal, some of the beachfront restaurants offer excellent seafood platters, though prices can vary significantly so it's worth asking about costs upfront.

The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cooler evenings that make both beach time and walking around town pleasant. Summer can get quite hot and brings crowds of families from Rabat and Casablanca, especially on weekends. Winter is mild by European standards but the Atlantic can be rough and swimming becomes less appealing, though it's still a nice time for coastal walks and exploring the town itself. If you're interested in surfing, the winter months actually offer the best wave conditions.