9 Best Day Trips from Agadir
Experience the Best Around Agadir
The best day trips from Agadir will take you to some of Morocco’s most impressive beaches, souks, and sights. With the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert extending into this region, there are some incredible natural wonders to discover. The Atlantic coastline also offers some spectacular beaches for surfing and other watersports.
The towns near Agadir are steeped in history and will give you a real glimpse of Berber local life. Be sure to visit the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area, too. A day trip from Agadir will show you there’s much more to Morocco than Marrakech.
1. Marrakesh
A cultural oasis rich with sensory delights
Good for: Shoppers, History
As one of Morocco’s largest and most captivating cities, there’s a lot to experience in Marrakech. A 3-hour drive from Agadir, this vibrant city offers an unforgettable day trip filled with rich culture and history. Known primarily for its bustling souks, aromatic food stalls, and stunning Islamic architecture, Marrakech is a sensory paradise.
Stroll through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where performers enchant visitors as the sun sets, and marvel at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its lush gardens. Tour the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and lose yourself in its labyrinth of narrow alleyways. For an authentic experience, don’t forget to test your bargaining skills at one of the colorful souks.
Marrakesh
2. Paradise Valley
Crystal-clear pools and majestic rocky landscapes
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Just a 45-minute drive from Agadir, Paradise Valley is a natural oasis in the High Atlas Mountains that entices nature lovers with its crystal-clear pools and dramatic rocky landscapes. Ideal for a refreshing dip or a leisurely hike, the valley offers scenic trails with beautiful rock slides and verdant palm groves.
While the beginning of the route is bustling with restaurants, it becomes quieter as you venture further, allowing for serene strolls through the breathtaking terrain. Bring sturdy footwear for the rocky paths and prepare for a day filled with both relaxation and adventure.
Location: Paradise Valley Agadir, Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane, Agadir 80000, Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane 85000, Morocco
Phone: +212 6272-36441
Paradise Valley
3. Taroudant
An adventure in “Little Marrakech”
Good for: Shoppers, History
An hour’s drive from Agadir, you’ll reach Taroudant, an ancient Moroccan city nestled between the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. Referred to as “little Marrakech,” the city is home to some of the best souks in Morocco for spices, clothing, leather goods, and decorative homeware. It also has a more laid-back vibe than its namesake, so you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere as you shop.
Taroudant boasts many historical sights and is famous for its incredibly well-preserved 16th-century city walls, which encircle the entire medina. Plus, you can trek into the glorious, unspoiled Atlas Mountains with several hiking trails starting in Taroudant.
Taroudant
4. Tiout
A palm-filled oasis and ancient fortress
Good for: Families, Couples
Head inland from Agadir to discover the rural town of Tiout, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This peaceful, palm-tree-filled oasis is the perfect starting point for a trek into the mountains or a sand buggy adventure in the Sahara Desert.
An ancient fortress frozen in time, the Kasbah of Tiout is the town’s primary attraction. Be sure to arrange a tour of the interior and enjoy some staggering 360 views from the terrace. Or hunt for bargains in the souks, taste delicious local delicacies, or enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam experience.
Tiout
5. Taghazout
Chilled-out surf mecca north of Agadir
Good for: Couples, Families
Just a short drive up the coast from Agadir, Taghazout makes for a great day trip for sun worshippers. There are several incredible, sprawling beaches that are popular with surfers. Plus, you can try other water and beach activities, such as quad bikes and jet skis.
Taghazout has a relaxed atmosphere and is a fantastic place to take some time out. You can practice yoga or indulge in a hammam spa experience, as well as explore the winding streets and souks of the medina. Make sure you sample some authentic Moroccan street food at one of the many delicious traditional restaurants.
Taghazout
6. Tiznit
Home to one of the largest jewelry souks in Morocco
Good for: Shoppers, History
Get off the beaten track with a visit to Tiznit, situated to the south of Agadir. The town is famous for its expert silversmiths, and the jewelry souk is one of the largest in Morocco. There are several floors of traditional Berber jewelry on display, and you can watch the makers in action, as well as buy an original piece for an affordable price.
Beyond the jewelry souk, the Tiznit medina boasts many more artisanal handicraft markets. The town also has some interesting historical sights to see, such as the Kasbah of Aghanaj and the “Blue Spring.” Be sure to visit the main city square, Place El Mechouar, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Tiznit
7. Essaouira
Laid-back beaches, souks, and sights
Good for: Couples, Families
Essaouira is a beautiful coastal town situated to the north of Agadir. There are several stunning beaches that are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the coastal winds. You’ll find a pretty fishing port too, where you can sample fresh seafood and enjoy the sunset.
With a laid-back, artsy vibe, Essaouira makes a great alternative to the crowds of Marrakech. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich cultural heritage. You can meander through the winding streets, take in the historical sights, bag a bargain at the colorful souks, or visit an art gallery or boutique.
Essaouira
8. Sidi Ifni
A taste of Spain
Good for: History, Families, Couples
To the south of Agadir, Sidi Ifni is a former Spanish colony, which was only reclaimed by Morocco in 1969, and still has a distinctly Spanish feel. It’s famous for its striking Art Deco architecture. You can see many beautifully designed whitewashed buildings with splashes of bold color, often blue, as you wander the streets.
Sidi Ifni has an enviable location, sandwiched between the Anti-Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic Ocean, and the town has a dramatic coastline. Be sure to check out Legzira Beach, where natural arches have formed in the red cliffs.
Sidi Ifni
9. Tamri
Surfing and sandboarding on the Atlantic coast
Good for: Families, Unusual
Tamri is a surf town, located just an hour’s drive from Agadir, with a rugged coastline and wide expanses of golden sand. A nature-lover’s paradise, the Oued Tamri estuary is home to lush banana plantations and many diverse species of birds and reptiles.
The beaches at Tamri are popular with surfers, and there are plenty of other wind-powered water sports to try, such as kite- and windsurfing. Thrill-seekers can have a go at adventurous sports, with several companies offering sandboarding and quad biking lessons and tours on the sand dunes. Or join a game of beach volleyball before cooling off in the sea.
Tamri
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