If you’re after a little winter sun but don’t fancy shelling out huge sums of money to reach traditional destinations like the Caribbean and Florida then why not give Morocco a try? The country boasts miles of beautiful sandy beaches, with temperatures even in January hovering around 70oF. These top destinations are the country’s crème de la crème in terms of sun, sea and sand.

Agadir: Possibly Morocco’s most famous beach, Agadir is a sunseeker’s ultimate paradise. Year-round warm temperatures, acres of soft-white sand and plenty to do in terms of watersports and nearby attractions all adds up to a fabulous winter holiday destination. Surfers will also enjoy catching waves at Taghazoute beach, eleven miles down the road.

Mirhleft: For those with a love of water-based adventure, the small network of beaches at Mirhleft is hard to beat. Great for surfing and paragliding, the beaches also enjoy proximity to a small, picturesque town, and boast great views of the Moroccan coastline.

Al Hoceima: Head to the quaint Mediterranean resort of Al Hoceima to sample some of the area’s white-sand beaches. It’s a good destination choice for those who fancy combining a spot of sunbathing with hiking in the Rif mountains and scenic strolls in the surrounding hills. As an added bonus, Al Hoceima has some of Morocco’s best seafood restaurants.

Essaouira: For sheer ‘wow’ factor, you simply can’t beat the beach at Essaouira. This historical fishing port with its whitewashed houses has a thriving luxury tourist trade, with wealthy visitors drawn by the prospect of fine cuisine, all-inclusive guesthouses and Bohemian atmosphere. Windsurfers will also find perfect year-round conditions.

Plage: If you simply want a beautiful place to relax, kick back and feel the sunshine on your skin, look no further than Plage Quemada. Located between Tangier and Algeria, this is one of the most popular beaches in the country. The only downside is that you’ll have to compete with the crowds to find a place to lay your towel. 

Before heading off to your perfect Moroccan beach destination, make sure you’re prepared. Plenty of sunscreen, loose clothing and a basic first aid kit are well worth packing, and it’s also a good idea to take out travel insurance before you leave with an independent provider like Go Travel.