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Home / Beaches / Merkala Beach

Merkala Beach

Пляж Меркала
Morocco · Beach · Tangier
moderate
Best month: July

Best for

Ideal for couples and locals seeking a scenic spot for walks and sunset watching. Not suitable for families with small children and lovers of crystal clear water.

Best month

July

Water
+20.0°C
Length
300 m
The secluded Merkala Beach, nestled between rocky walls west of the port. It features scenic views and calm water, popular for a quiet swim and sunset watching.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The secluded Merkala Beach, nestled between rocky walls west of the port. It features scenic views and calm water, popular for a quiet swim and sunset watching.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Scenic bay with views of the Strait of Gibraltar
  • Golden sand
  • Beautiful sunsets
  • Nearby promenade with cafes
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Water can be murky
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Possible thefts
  • No lifeguards
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for couples and locals seeking a scenic spot for walks and sunset watching. Not suitable for families with small children and lovers of crystal clear water.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Merkala Beach is one of the best spots in Tangier for watching the sunset over the Strait of Gibraltar. The sandy shoreline flanked by cliffs creates a cosy atmosphere away from the busy city centre.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
medium
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
moderate
Average Water Temp
+20.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+24.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
June July
Season end
August September
Best month
July
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
3.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Caution: water may be murky due to currents. Possible thefts on the beach.
Dangerous creatures
Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca — painful stings)
Sea snakes (bite reported)
Sea urchins
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
No
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Restaurante Merkala

Moroccan

Small restaurant with local cuisine and sea views

Nearby cuisines

Local

Moroccan cuisine with seafood and tagine

Must try: Fish tagine, couscous, fresh grilled fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. In the evening — beautiful sunsets over the strait.
Local Rules
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Keep the sand clean.
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Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Tangier Promenade

Scenic promenade with cafes and restaurants

Tangier Medina

Historic quarter with narrow streets and bazaars

Cape Spartel

North-western tip of Africa with a lighthouse

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Merkala Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +20.0°C, warms up to +24.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Merkala Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.5 m.
Merkala Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Merkala Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — medium. Beach length — 300 metres.
Merkala Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June, July. It ends in August, September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Merkala Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Merkala Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca — painful stings), Sea snakes (bite reported), Sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Merkala Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Merkala Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Merkala Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurante Merkala. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Merkala Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, First aid kit.
Merkala Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. In the evening — beautiful sunsets over the strait.
Merkala Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Keep the sand clean.
Merkala Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Merkala Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for couples and locals seeking a scenic spot for walks and sunset watching. Not suitable for families with small children and lovers of crystal clear water.
Merkala Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Merkala Beach is one of the best spots in Tangier for watching the sunset over the Strait of Gibraltar. The sandy shoreline flanked by cliffs creates a cosy atmosphere away from the busy city centre.
Merkala Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Scenic bay with views of the Strait of Gibraltar, Golden sand, Beautiful sunsets, Nearby promenade with cafes, Convenient location. Cons: Water can be murky, Limited infrastructure, Possible thefts, No lifeguards.
Merkala Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Tangier Promenade, Tangier Medina, Cape Spartel. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Merkala Beach: how do I get to the city of Tangier?
The beach is located near the city of Tangier. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Tangier.

City

Tangier

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

July

Useful information

Country: Morocco
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 35.780000, -5.800000

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