Welcome to Mirleft, a cute little Berber town where the ocean meets the mountains, and life feels refreshingly simple.

It’s a place where time seems to have stood still, back in the late ’80s, French and German visitors fell in love with this relaxed atmosphere and decided to settle down, and you’ll find the same laid-back vibe and natural beauty that make it a perfect escape for families looking to unwind and explore the quieter side to Morocco.

Mirleft’s charm lies in its simplicity. With its beautiful beaches and warm, inviting feel, Mirleft is a great place to take the kids, kick back and enjoy life at a slower pace.

We spent a month in Mirleft with kids (and Jak’s mum) and had a great time.

What to Do in Mirleft

The beauty of Mirleft is, it feels a little like an undiscovered gem. This small town has enough going on for a family to entertain themselves for a while. So here are our top picks.

Relax on the Beaches:

Mirleft has beautiful beaches where families can spend their days swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.

You will find the locals there on the weekend, setting up camp for a family day out. There is a great atmosphere.

Take a football and you will make friends with everyone there.

Plage de Mirleft and Imin Tourga Beach are also popular choices for their soft sands and gentle waves which are great for kids.

Aftas beach is a small cove with a few small cafés (hopefully not demolished yet) but our favourite was Tamrouchte beach.

Watch the currents at all of the beaches. Keep your eyes on the waves and you might see some passing dolphins.

Check out the beaches in Essaouira

the beaches are great in Mirleft with kids. Cliff top view

Surfing:

With consistent waves and less crowded shores, Mirleft is a great place for surfing.

Local surf schools offer lessons for all ages, making it easy for the whole family to catch some waves.

Much quieter waves than in Taghazout and Tamraught.

You can also hire body boards and wetsuits (the water can be very chilly). We spent the day surfing with Hey Ola and it was fantastic.

Highly recommend Moha and has team!

Catching a wave in Mirleft. A great place for kids surfing

Explore Legzira Beach:

A short drive away, Legzira Beach is famous for its dramatic rock arches.

It’s a fantastic spot for a family outing and a great place for photography. You can also take a camel ride, if you fancy it.

With stunning cliffs and clear turquoise waters, it’s like something straight out of a postcard.

The huge, white sandy beach and cool rock formations make it a great place to explore.

Admittedly, we all had a mini panic when walking through the rock formation.

Horseback Riding:

Experience Mirleft on horseback. There are a few stables to try. We rode with Ranch Les 2 Gazelles. If you visit this stables, take a walk down to the beach and you will find a little local secret…

Visit the Sand Dunes:

Sand dunes in Mirleft, right by the sea — Worth the climb

Surprisingly, this seems to be a little undiscovered gem and didn’t appear on any map. These sand dunes drop down to the beach but we all had lots of fun running, and rolling down them.

Paragliding:

From the sand dunes and other places, there is an option to paraglide. This isn’t something we tried but were told the kids could take part too.

Visit the Ruins

From the centre of Mirleft you will see ruins on top of a hill. This is the old Spanish military fortress which was built in 1935, when Morocco was colonized by the Spanish. You can see the Spanish influence in most hilly streets and buildings in the town. Spain continued to control Mirleft for 12 years after Morocco gained independence in 1957. The kids loved climbing around here, it’s a great hide and seek place. Be cautious with little ones, it’s definitely a ‘ruin’.

Visit Local Markets:

Explore the local souks to find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and spices. It’s a great way to immerse yourselves in the local culture. There is a bigger market on Wednesdays.

Discover Sidi Ifni

Just a short drive from Mirleft, Sidi Ifni is a small town with a unique blend of Spanish and Moroccan influences. We had big plans for exploring this little town however, we ended up with a visit to the local hospital…more on that later.

Explore the Architecture:
- Wander the streets to see the town’s art deco buildings and colourful facades that reflect its Spanish colonial past. It’s a very tidy little town.
Visit the Souk:
- On Sundays, the local market comes alive with vibrant stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, offering a true taste of local life.
Enjoy the Seaside:
- Sidi Ifni’s coastal location means you can enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and the town’s laid-back vibe is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Cultural Experiences:
- Visit the former Spanish Consulate, now a cultural center, to learn more about the area’s history and enjoy art exhibitions.

We visited the market with Jak’s mum who was visiting. Unfortunately, a combination of uneven floor and bright sun meant she took a tumble.

We headed to the hospital, a short walk from the centre, a quick x-ray and 30GBP later and the all clear was given.

Where to Eat in Mirleft

Mirleft offers a variety of dining options that showcase the flavours of Moroccan cuisine.

Enjoy delicious tagines, fresh seafood, and traditional couscous at local eateries.

Here are a few family-friendly places to consider:

Tifawi n: A cozy spot that serves up delicious Moroccan dishes, one of our favourites for breakfast and lunch. They brought Indi a birthday cake. Very sweet guys who run the place.
Tilila: Another, quick and delicious stop. Recommend their salads!
Chez Aziz: A casual place to enjoy local dishes, including fresh seafood and flavourful tagines.
Our favourite tagine place was…Restaurant El Msaydira. This was very much street food style but honestly, it may rank as our all time favouirte Moroccan food.

How to Get to Mirleft and Getting Around

Getting to Mirleft:

By Car: By far the easiest way to reach Mirleft is by car. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Agadir, which is the nearest airport.
By Bus: Public buses and shared taxis run from larger cities like Agadir and Tiznit to Mirleft. This is a budget-friendly option, though it may take a bit longer.

Getting Around Mirleft:

Walking: Mirleft is a small town, and most places are easily accessible on foot. Walking around is a great way to explore and soak in the local atmosphere. There are a lot of roadworks/path works going on, watch out for holes and piles of bricks.
Taxis: Local taxis are available for short trips or if you prefer not to walk. They’re affordable and can take you to nearby attractions.

Places to Stay in Mirleft

Mirleft offers a range of accommodations to suit different family needs, for longer stays we recommend an apartment.

You will find a few on airBnB but can negotiate much better prices through local contacts.

Join facebook groups such as Worldschooling in Morocco.

Otherwise:

Auberge Dar Najmat: This beachfront hotel offers family-friendly accommodations with stunning ocean views, a pool, and easy access to the beach.
Kasbah Tabelkoukt: A luxurious option with beautiful views, spacious rooms, and amenities perfect for families looking to relax in style.
La Maison du Soleil: A budget-friendly guesthouse that offers comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for families seeking a homey feel.

Important things to note

Temperatures

In Mirleft, summer temperatures usually range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The sea breeze helps keep things a bit cooler, but it can still get pretty warm.

Water Shortages

During the summer, water shortages can be a bit of a challenge in Mirleft and other parts of Morocco. The town can face water supply issues, especially during dry spells or busy tourist seasons.

To stay prepared:

Bring Extra Water: It’s smart to carry some bottled water with you, particularly if you’re out and about for a while.
Check for Updates: Keep an eye on any local notices or ask your accommodation about water availability and any restrictions.
Be Water-Wise: Try to use water sparingly and follow any local tips to help manage the town’s water supply.

Should you visit Mirleft with kids?

Just a two-hour drive south of Agadir, Mirleft enjoys great weather year-round, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway whenever you need it (although you might need a wetsuits for the sea before May).

It’s definitely on it’s way to development with land being grabbed by big hotel groups.

Head there quick to make the most of this chilled surf town with kids.