What to do in Témara: beaches, nature and local tips
Beaches, forest, the national zoo and a lively seafront: our local guide to Témara, and how to enjoy the town and its surroundings at your own pace, by car.
Often dismissed as a suburb of Rabat, Témara is in fact a genuine seaside destination, with its own beaches, forest and the region's big zoological park. Here are our favourite spots, and how to enjoy them freely with a car.
Témara’s beaches
This is Témara’s great strength: a string of beaches within just a few kilometres.
- Témara beach (Les Sablettes): family-friendly, lifeguarded in summer, with cafés and fish restaurants.
- Harhoura and Sables d’Or: very popular at weekends, perfect for a family day out.
- Contrebandiers: wilder and more open, a favourite with surfers.
With a car you can easily hop from one beach to the next until you find the one that suits you, without relying on bus timetables.
The national zoological park
On the edge of Témara and Rabat, the National Zoological Garden is one of the best family outings in the region: Atlas lions, giraffes and large shaded grounds. Allow a good half-day, and come early in summer to beat the heat.
Forest and nature around town
The Témara forest, which runs along the coast, is ideal for a quiet walk or a picnic in the shade of the eucalyptus trees. It’s also a handy starting point for the Skhirat coast a little further south, with its quieter beaches.
Eating and strolling
The seafront is lined with grilled-fish restaurants and cafés with a view. In town, the market and small Moroccan eateries are well worth it for a relaxed lunch.
Témara also makes an excellent base: Rabat is minutes away, and Salé and both airports stay easy to reach.
Getting around Témara and beyond
The highlights are spread along the coast and towards Rabat, so without a car you quickly lose time. A daily or weekly rental with unlimited mileage is the most flexible way to see everything at your own pace.
Ihssane Car is based in Témara and delivers your car free of charge to your home, hotel or the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best beach in Témara?
It depends on what you want: Les Sablettes and Harhoura are family-friendly and well equipped, while Contrebandiers is wilder and popular with surfers. With a car you can compare them all in a single day.
Do I need a car to visit Témara?
It’s strongly recommended: the beaches, forest and zoo are spread apart. A rental with unlimited mileage lets you explore everything freely, without being tied to timetables.