Things To Do
in Temara

Temara is a coastal town on Morocco’s Atlantic shore just south of Rabat, blending residential neighborhoods, sandy beaches and pine forests. It serves as a quieter seaside alternative to the capital with easy access to Rabat’s monuments and services. The town is known for its long beachfront, local fishing port and proximity to the extensive Maâmora cork-oak forest.

Visitors find a mix of everyday Moroccan life, seafood-focused cuisine and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh bread, olives, and mint tea. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Temara, admiring the blend of modern and traditional architecture. Visit the local market where you can interact with vendors and observe the vibrant colors of spices and textiles.

afternoon
:

After a delightful morning, head to the nearby beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, tasting fresh catch of the day while soaking in the ocean views. Spend the rest of the afternoon sunbathing or taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the warm Moroccan sun.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to one of the local restaurants known for traditional Moroccan cuisine. Experience a delicious dinner featuring tagine or couscous, complemented by live music that captures the essence of Moroccan culture. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the beach, watching the stars twinkle over the ocean.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the beach for some water sports. Rent a jet ski or try windsurfing to get your adrenaline pumping as you glide over the waves. If you prefer a more relaxed start, consider joining a yoga class on the beach as the sun rises.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon participating in beach games like beach volleyball or simply lounging under an umbrella with a good book. Grab a light lunch from a local beach café, trying out some refreshing salads or grilled fish. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a guided snorkeling tour to explore the underwater life just off the coast.

evening
:

After a fun-filled day at the beach, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner at a restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Take your time to enjoy a leisurely meal, indulging in local specialties while listening to the calming sounds of the waves. Finish your evening with a walk along the shore, collecting seashells and reflecting on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Coffee or mint tea$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride (in-town)$1-4
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-80
🚌Local bus or shared taxi$0.50-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal location with pleasant beaches and seafood
  • Close to Rabat for museums, monuments and transport links
  • Access to Maâmora Forest for nature and outdoor activities
  • More relaxed, local atmosphere compared with larger tourist centers
  • Limited high-end tourist infrastructure and nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Public transport within town can be limited; taxis and cars are often needed
  • Seasonal crowds on beaches in summer
  • Fewer well-known tourist attractions within the town itself
  • "السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)" - Peace be upon you / Hello
  • "شكراً (Shukran)" - Thank you
  • "بسلامة (Bslama)" - Goodbye / Go with safety
  • "بشحال؟ (Bshal?)" - How much?
  • "فين الطريق ل…؟ (Fin t-tariq l…?)" - Where is the road/way to…?
  • "نعم / لا (Naam / La)" - Yes / No
  • "عفاك (Afak)" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Merci (French)" - Thank you (French commonly used)

Places to Visit in Temara

Visit one of these nice places.

Temara Beach Promenade

Long stretch of sandy beach and promenade ideal for sunrise/sunset shots, fishing boats and local life.

Maâmora Forest

Dense cork-oak and pine woodland with shafts of light, trails and peaceful natural compositions—great for wide landscape and detail shots.

Local Fishing Port

Colorful boats, nets and fishermen provide authentic maritime scenes and candid street photography opportunities.

Coastal Cliffs and Viewpoints

Rocky outcrops and cliffs offering dramatic Atlantic views and long-exposure wave photos in the right conditions.

Town Markets and Streets

Bustling souks, shopfronts and everyday street scenes show local culture—good for close-up and documentary-style photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Temara

Temara’s cuisine reflects classic Moroccan flavors with an emphasis on seafood thanks to its Atlantic location. Expect tagines, couscous, grilled fish, pastilla and plenty of fresh salads and mint tea. Meals are often communal and flavor-forward, combining sweet and savory notes with spices like cumin, ginger and preserved lemon.

Temara Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Atlantic Fish

Freshly caught fish grilled simply with lemon and spices; available at port-side grills and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Tagine

Slow-cooked stews with meat, vegetables or fish; try chicken with preserved lemon and olives or a seafood tagine near the coast.

Harira

A traditional tomato-and-lentil soup often served at lunchtime and during Ramadan; comforting and widely available.

Pastilla (bastilla)

A savory-sweet layered pie traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds and spices; more common in larger Moroccan cities but found in reputable restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Fish Market

Small port-side market where fishermen sell the day’s catch—great for photographing and buying very fresh seafood to be cooked at nearby restaurants.

Weekly Souk

A local market selling produce, spices, olives and household goods; perfect for sampling olives, dates and street snacks like fried dough or kebabs.

Climate Guide

Weather

Temara has a temperate Mediterranean-influenced climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winters (Dec–Feb) are cooler with occasional rain and temperatures often between 8–18°C, while summers (Jun–Aug) are warm to hot, typically 22–30°C with coastal breezes moderating heat. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings matter: say 'Salam' or 'As-salamu alaykum' and shake hands when offered (men may avoid initiating contact with women). Use respectful titles and exchange pleasantries before discussing business.

Dress and Modesty

Dress modestly in public—cover shoulders and knees as a courtesy, especially in conservative neighborhoods and when visiting religious sites.

Shoes and Homes

Remove shoes when invited into a private home. Accept refreshments when offered; refusing without a polite reason can be seen as rude.

Bargaining

Bargaining is normal at souks and markets; do so politely. Fixed-price shops and supermarkets are not bargained with.

Safety Guide

Safety

Temara is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime; the primary concerns are petty theft, pickpocketing and occasional scams targeting tourists. Keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and be cautious when swimming—Atlantic currents can be strong at times. Emergency services and police are available in town, and Rabat offers full hospital services nearby.

Tipping in Temara

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: small tips (10–20 MAD, or rounding up) for café service, 5–10% in restaurants for good service, and a few dirhams for porters or cleaners. For tour guides and drivers, 10–50 MAD per day is common depending on service level.

Payment Methods

Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the currency and cash is widely used—carry cash in smaller denominations. Credit/debit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but many local eateries, markets and taxis are cash-only. ATMs are available in Temara and larger nearby cities like Rabat.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot weather (mid 20s–low 30s °C), busy beaches and higher humidity; ideal for swimming and water sports but expect more locals and visitors at the shore.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds; sea is still warm enough for swimming early in autumn and outdoor activities are very pleasant.

Winter

Cooler, wetter months (November–February) with mild daytime temperatures but possible rain and wind—good for forest walks and lower-season prices.

Spring

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, blooming countryside, comfortable hiking conditions and fewer tourists than summer.

Nightlife Guide

Temara at Night

Temara’s nightlife is low-key compared with big Moroccan cities: evenings are centered on seaside cafés, small restaurants and family gatherings. For bars, live music and a wider variety of nightlife options, a short trip into Rabat opens up more clubs, lounges and cultural events. Expect a relaxed, early-evening rhythm rather than late-night clubbing in Temara itself.

Hiking in Temara

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Maâmora Forest Trails

Extensive cork-oak and pine forest with walking and cycling paths, shaded routes and spots for picnics and birdwatching just a short drive from town.

Coastal Cliff Paths

Undeveloped coastal tracks and viewpoints offering scenic walks along rocky headlands and beach-access trails—best explored in calm weather.

Bouregreg Valley (near Rabat)

Accessible from Rabat, the Bouregreg corridor has riverside walks and gentle trails connecting historic sites, parks and quieter natural stretches.

Airports

How to reach Temara by plane.

Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA)

The closest airport, about 20–30 km from Temara (depending on route); offers domestic and some international flights. Ground transport includes taxis and shuttle services to Rabat and Temara.

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

Major international hub approximately 90–110 km south of Temara, with many global connections; accessible by train or road from Rabat and Temara.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Temara and the beachfront are quite walkable, with pleasant promenades and compact streets. Residential and suburban areas can be spread out, so walking between neighborhoods may be impractical; short taxi rides or local buses are often used for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Arab-Berber Moroccan Families

The majority of residents are Moroccan families of Arab and Berber background living in residential neighborhoods and working locally or commuting to Rabat.

Commuters and Civil Servants

Proximity to Rabat means many residents work in the capital’s government and administrative sectors and commute daily.

Fishing and Coastal Communities

Small communities tied to the fishing industry and seaside commerce contribute to local culture and economy.

Students and Young People

A younger demographic is present, attracted by affordable housing and proximity to educational institutions in Rabat.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide; local matches and youth clubs are common and community-oriented.

Surfing and Windsurfing

Thanks to Atlantic swells and coastal winds, surfing and wind-based water sports attract locals and visitors at suitable beaches.

Running and Beach Sports

Jogging along the corniche, beach volleyball and casual team sports are popular for locals enjoying the coastline.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is manageable outside of morning and evening rush hours when commuters travel between Temara and Rabat. Roads near the coast and main arteries can be congested during peak times and summer weekends. Local transport options include small buses, shared 'grand taxi' services and private taxis; for reliable fixed routes use buses to Rabat or a rented car for flexibility. Rabat also offers a tramway and train connections for regional travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Temara.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (salads, vegetable tagines, couscous, lentil dishes), but many places use meat or fish stock—ask specifically for meat-free preparation and point to ingredients if possible.

Vegan

More limited than vegetarian; rely on salads, vegetable stews and chickpea-based dishes and request no butter or animal stock. Carry snacks when exploring remote areas.

Gluten-free

Traditional Moroccan cuisine uses many wheat-based breads and pastries; rice, grilled meats and vegetable tagines are safer bets, but confirm preparation methods and avoid shared fryers.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare clinics and pharmacies are available in Temara for minor ailments and prescriptions. For more advanced medical care, hospitals and specialist services in nearby Rabat are accessible within a short drive. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for visitors.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide