Medina Shuffle

Surf and Explore Rabat with Ilyana Surfhouse

Rabat, Morocco, is much less touristy than, say, Fez or Marrakech. The pace is steady, and the mindset is liberal. You can walk the narrow streets of the old city, and every now and then, peek over the ancient wall to watch waves rolling in. In a place where you least expect it, right at the vibrant heart of the medina in Rabat, you’ll find a laid-back surf retreat: Ilyana Surfhouse.

A DREAM PLAN

It’s 2015. A curious, adventure-loving Dutch student named Nina is travelling across Morocco. During a stop in Rabat, she knocks on the doors of Medina Surfing – a surf hostel in the old city. Her surf instructor is Ilyass – a local lad born into a surfing family and a surf competitor. His passion for surfing, the ocean, and Rabat soon rubs off on Nina, and their love for each other blooms. 

During their first year together, Nina and Ilyass live in Tamraght, a village next to Taghazout, the well-known surf town in the south of Morocco. While Ilyass works as a surf instructor, Nina’s doing a tourism internship at a surf camp. It turns out to be a valuable learning period during which their shared ideas take shape.

They dream of their own surf house. Not too big. Just a relaxed place where people feel at home and can truly progress in their surfing. They also feel that southern Morocco isn’t the place where they want to build a life and business centred on surfing. 

Ilyass grew up in Rabat and knows the area well. In their dream plan, they want to show their guests the daily Moroccan lifestyle here, in a vibrant city with events, street food and market stalls, where tradition blends with modernity effortlessly. There are plenty of things to see and do in Rabat, besides or even after surfing.

KEEN TO REALISE

Fast forward a few years, and Ilyass and Nina find themselves neither in the north nor the south of Morocco. They’d chosen the seaside, surfy town of Scheveningen in the Netherlands, where Ilyass works as a surf teacher, and at least they can enjoy some beach time. And yes, they have fun… until the cold, grey months arrive.

After two Dutch winters, they’re keen to realise their dream. And so, Ilyana Surfhouse, version 1.0, is born: from an idea and an Instagram page to summers in Scheveningen and winters in Rabat. They set up the surf house in Rabat for six months each year in a rented house, working with limited resources yet staying highly motivated.

Slowly, the Ilyana dream begins to take shape.

A HOUSE FOR ILYANA

A few years ago, after three seasons of balancing Ilyana Surfhouse and working at Hart Beach in Scheveningen, they discovered their ideal surf retreat. Nestled in Rabat’s historic Medina, just a 10-minute walk from the surf spot, a nearly 15-year-abandoned building awaited renovation. It lacked toilets and showers but featured traditional Moroccan Zellij and useless yet charming fountains.

The couple restored the house to what it is now: rich in history and culture, blending Moroccan heritage with a modern, surf-inspired vibe. (Including toilets and showers, don’t you worry ;-))

Nina and Ilyass live in the surf house and welcome their guests in just five rooms, which contributes to a truly personal experience. A place where they say ‘guests feel at home instantly and often leave as friends’.

SURF AND STAY AT ILYANA – WHAT TO EXPECT

With over 10 surf spots within an hour’s drive, surfing in this part of Morocco is amazing. Most of the time, you’re with Moroccan surfers who have known Ilyass since childhood, exploring empty line-ups suitable for all levels. Rabat Beach is within walking distance, and when the waves are small in the protected bay, a 40-minute drive takes you to Bouznika’s point break or the empty beach break at Plage des Nations. 

For surfers of all levels, Ilyana Surfhouse offers personal, high-quality experiences in the water, coaching, and video analysis. Solo travellers, couples, friends, and families are welcome, whether you surf or not, or want to explore the surroundings.

Passionate about surfing, Ilyass and Nina prioritise the surf culture and Moroccan values over party-vibe experiences. They offer flexible activities like Moroccan cooking classes and artisan workshops, without fixed schedules for sunrise yoga – although you can choose to salute the sun on your mat anytime!

Evenings are mellow: playing games, sipping Moroccan tea, chatting, watching surf films, and resting up for the next surf day.

JOIN ILYANA AND SURF UNCROWDED WAVES… FOR FREE!

Are you inspired by their story and curious to meet Ilyass and Nina? Do you want to discover Rabat and uncrowded surf spots in northern Morocco?

• You can now win a six-day stay for two people, including breakfast, dinner, five surf lessons, a daily lunch box and equipment. Here’s what’s included and the terms.
• I Love the Seaside throws in a mighty fine Morocco travel pack (two books, two thermos flasks and a surprise). So, one for you, one for your friend.
• And our friends from Protest Sportswear offer a cool summer beach package for two.

Wow. That’s a sizzling price, worth over 1200 euros!

Head over to our socials to see when, where and how.