As it does every year, the Mohamed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment has drawn up a list of the best beaches in Morocco, those entitled to display the Blue Flag.
Among the 25 beaches selected, there are a few that we really like:
- Aglou nearby Tiznit
- Asilah
- El Jadida with two beaches: Haouzia and the town centre beach
- Essaouira
- Imintourga in Mirleft
- Oualidia
Many other beaches, in the deep south (Laayoune for example), or on the Atlantic coast, such as Safi, are in this ranking. By contrast, there are no beaches in the Agadir region, and almost nothing on the Mediterranean coast (only Nador and Saïdia).
It’s a shame that the most traditionally touristy places don’t make the necessary effort to obtain this blue flag.
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international NGO to which the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment has subscribed, given that Morocco is the 2nd non-European country after South Africa.
The criteria for obtaining the Blue Flag are fourfold:
- information about the commune and the beach, including environmental awareness, and the implementation of at least five awareness campaigns
- environmental quality, including the fight against unauthorised camping and caravanning (is this why Taghazout’s beaches are now closed to camper vans?), a satisfactory level of safety (equipment and staff) on the beach, display of Blue Flag criteria, a map of the beach, sanitary facilities, access for people with reduced mobility, a ban on animals on the beach, etc.
- good waste management, both by the municipality and on the beach (with selective bins nearby, bins on the beach, and a clean beach)
- a water treatment and purification system, an ARS “excellent” rating for the site over the last four years, regular water analysis displayed on the site, no discharges near bathing areas or drinking water points…
It’s clear that in El Jadida, which we know well, a lot of work has been done over the last ten years. The beachfront has been completely refurbished, with cafés (under concession from the town, which limits excesses). During the season, showers are installed directly on the beach, and regular surveillance points are manned.
Cleanliness has also made great strides. Whereas a few years ago there was a lot of rubbish on the beach, today it’s very clean.
A typo or syntax error? You can select the text and hit Ctrl+Enter to send us a message. Thank you! If this post interested you, maybe you can also leave a comment. We'd love to exchange with you !
