The best circuits to do from Agadir: Agadir and the north coast to Essaouira
- Desert Foum Zguid
- Mar 22
- 9 min read
You are planning to travel to Morocco arriving in Agadir? It is an excellent choice! Indeed, Agadir is a city to discover and it is also the ideal starting point for many tours with very varied atmospheres. In this series of articles we present the 5 best tours to do in southern Morocco from Agadir:
Circuit Agadir and the north coast to Essaouira
Agadir and the south coast to Tan Tan (coming soon)
Agadir to Marrakech (coming soon)
Agadir to the desert 1 week (coming soon)
Agadir to the desert 10 days (coming soon)
Circuit Agadir and the north coast to Essaouira
The cities to visit between Agadir and Essaouira
Visit Agadir
Agadir stands out from other tourist cities in Morocco as a modern city. It is not part of the imperial cities like Marrakech, Fez, Meknes which have a historical past very present in their architectures and heritage.
It should be known that the city of Agadir was completely destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1960. The city then had to be rebuilt and it was the choice of modernity that was made. Seaside tourism was then one of its strengths with the construction of many hotels by the sea.
We find in Agadir look of a European city but it has kept its art of living Moroccan with a very peaceful atmosphere. This is now one of its charms: it is a quiet city where you can find everything you need, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Marrakech.
In recent years, the city of Agadir has developed a major transport development project. There is a lot of public transport and new roads, beautiful avenues lined with palm trees punctuated by well-kept public gardens.The tourist attractions are also developing with more and more activities proposed and coming soon like the valley of birds or the lions park that will open soon.
Find our article dedicated to Agadir and what to visit in Agadir: Visit Agadir to the desert
Circuit Agadir and the north coast to Essaouira
The cities to visit between Agadir and Essaouira
Visit Taghazout
First essential stop on the north coast of Agadir: Taghazout. This small town has developed around tourism for several years with surfing and yoga. Indeed, in this charming fishing village, you will find many surf schools that offer courses on well-known spots around Taghazout. You can also combine your surf lessons with yoga and meditation classes that complete this philosophy of well-being and harmony with the nature associated with surfing. Taghazout stretches all along the main beach with plenty of charming little restaurants and cafes almost feet in the water. You can stroll along the beach, sit on the sand and enjoy small shops.
It is a cheerful and colorful city, full of charm where it is nice to take your time. For lovers of wilderness, we advise you to walk to Anchor Point, a rocky cape, ideal surf spot, where the ocean comes crashing its waves to cliff sides, accompanied by some very quiet sandy beaches.
Visit Imi Ouaddar
Imi Ouaddar is the town that follows Taghazout. It is even a small village, smaller than Taghazout. This small village is organized around the main axis, the coastal road. It is a very peaceful place where you can enjoy the seaside without being disturbed by the tourist crowds. It is interesting to stop for lunch.
Indeed, on the edge of the beach, there is a small fishing port where boats dock on the sand and then pulled by tractors. The fish is sold directly, extra fresh, and you can taste it directly on site thanks to small restaurants that will offer you to choose the catch of the day directly on the stall then go to grill at the stand next, as you can find it in Morocco with butchers. Direct to the consumer, what better?
On the other side of the road, you will find a restaurant with plastic chairs that looks very classic but offers very good fish tajines and other seaside specialties.
Visit Aghroude (Aghroud)
How to not notice Aghroude by the main road? You will immediately see in the distance these very colorful houses grouped on the beach. Its inhabitants are clever enough to turn this area into a tourist attraction. We come to admire all these beautiful colors, beautifully maintained, creating a perfect photo decor! A good mood break guaranteed!
You can even enjoy a wide beach ideal for swimming with in summer season master swimmers who watch the swimmers. A good way to go to the beach with children safely.
See the dunes of Timlaline, which look like the desert in Agadir
About 30 minutes after Aghroude and 1 hour from Agadir, there are natural landscapes still different from the previous beaches: the dunes of Timlaline. Some speak of a small corner of the desert near Agadir because there is a very large sand dune isolated among the cliffs that surpomblent the ocean.This place is popular with Moroccans for a family picnic and also travelers looking for a point of view stunning at sunset, feet in the sand.At the foot of the great dune, you will find ochre rock formations shaped by time, with the air of Colorado canyons.
Visit Imsouane, the village of surfers
To go to Imsouane is to immerse yourself in a 100% surf atmosphere like the famous movie Point Break! To reach Imsouane, you will first have to walk along the coast with some twists and turns on a road that climbs the rolling landscapes giving off steep cliffs. Do not hesitate to stop before arriving in Imsouane, just opposite, when the road offers a beautiful view of the bay and the village. In Imsouane, we have the impression that time has stopped, rather in the 70s/80s, with a very colorful and very casual style. It is a charming, secluded and quiet place that is worth visiting for a day.
The perched village will allow you to go down on 2 beaches on either side of the cliff. One in the bay, there are apparently the longest waves of Morocco. The other beach seems to suffer the waves of the ocean and does not lack a challenge for seasoned surfers. You will find in Imsouane surf lessons, paddle and other sports with the possibility of taking day classes or surfing courses. You can rent your equipment on site. There are also charming cafes and restaurants offering healthy food and vegetarian menus for the most part. You can stay in guest rooms of all ranges, from the simplest and economical to the most chic.
Do not miss to go down in the middle see the small fishing port and its magnificent wooden boats, frail boats in which we imagine the fishermen leave to the assault of the waves, not without risks.
Visit Sidi M'Bark
Lovers of nature and tranquility will find what they need in Sidi M'Bark! It is a small piece of wild nature really pretty. Several landscapes are mixed: sand dunes on the edge of immense beaches, waterfalls that have created their grooves in beige chalk offering a contrast of greenery, green vegetable gardens dotted with argan trees. It is for these waterfalls that Sidi M'Bark is the best known today.This site is ideal for a day or half-day hike to see the different waterfalls and their source, even better accompanied by a guide who will reveal the secrets.
Visit Sidi Kaouki
This small seaside village has developed into a small-scale resort, just 25 km from Essaouira. Appreciated by travelers looking for peace, the village can be very popular in the summer.You can easily access it by bus from Essaouira for a few dirhams. It is therefore interesting to go there for a day tour if you stay in Essaouira. Arriving on the main beach, you will find a large abandoned white building that arouses the curiosity of visitors. If you go around it at low tide by the beach you will find on the other side of the rock pools where it is fun to dip your feet. You will have to go a little further to enjoy the calm and larger spaces.Beginner surfers will find there an ideal spot to learn. Kite surfers will also find their satisfaction.
Visit Essaouira
Ah the beautiful Essaouira! Often compared to the city of Saint Malo, in France, as a fortified seaside town, we quickly understood why it was such a success. It will even be wise to devote soon an entire article as there is so much to say! Essaouira stands out from other Moroccan cities by its architectural style, surrounded by ramparts, where dark stone mingles with white and blue facades.
How to get to Essaouira from Agadir?
Agadir to Essaouira by car:
Count on a total of 3h30 between Agadir and Essaouira by car passing through the Atlantic coast. The road runs along part of the seafront and then through beautiful walled landscapes.
Agadir to Essaouira by bus:
You can travel easily with the company CTM, with several departures per day, for a total of 100 to 150dh, comfortable and air-conditioned buses. A stop is planned halfway to Tamanar.
Agadir to Essaouira by taxi:
You can opt for a private transport that will adapt to your departure times and allow you to make the desired breaks. Count about 700dh for this trip. If you want to be connected with private drivers, contact us.
How to get to Essaouira from Marrakech?
The undeniable tourist asset of Essaouira is its proximity to the city of Marrakech, with barely 3 hours drive on an easy and straight road. You will also have the choice between rental car, taxis and buses that serve very regularly the city, allowing you to spend just the day there.Imagine yourself fleeing the bustle of Marrakech for the serenity of Essaouira, it is very tempting!
How long to stay in Essaouira?
To take the time to appreciate Essaouira, to go through its small streets, its large beach and return to the favorite places (because yes there will be!), you must be able to devote 2 nights and 3 days.
What to see in Essaouira?
The list could be long so here is a summary of its main strengths:
walk along the ramparts that overpump the ocean. Admire the waves that come crashing down below. Also admirable are the guns left there, facing the ocean, vestiges of the maritime conflicts that have opposed Morocco to Portugal and Spain coveting these coasts. An important page of history for Essaouira that has shaped this city.
visit the traditional fishing port. You can go there early in the morning to see the small fishing boats return from the sea with their loot and sell them directly on the docks of the port. The whole day is animated, both by humans and by seagulls that never seem to get tired of shouting over the heads of fishermen and fighting fish remains.
eat a Moroccan fish speciality. You will find many restaurants serving fresh fish, especially near the port. This is an opportunity to appreciate other ways of cooking them, such as the sardine meatballs cooked in tajine.
strolling in the alleys below the ramparts, in the craft shops. Like all of Morocco, crafts are present in Essaouira and you can find workshops of artisans who work directly in front of you. Below the great ford tower, it is the corner of craftsmen who shape the wood thuya. We recognize it by its dark color like coffee and the small black knots inside. And especially its smell of fir tree that invades the space. If you buy one of these small carved boxes you will be delighted to find this perfume at home every time you open the box.
admire the workshops of artists painters. They are numerous in Essaouira, inspired by the atmosphere so positive, relaxed and colorful. You can really find all styles, bringing a very modern and trendy touch to the city.
sleep in a typical riad and go up on the terrace that surpomble the city. It’s the magic of riads: you feel safe and quiet in its beautifully decorated rooms, set around a patio. Do not be afraid to climb the steps again and again, a good way to stay in shape and especially climb all the way up to discover the panoramas that offer each of these terraces. A 360° view of the city, surrounded by the ocean, punctuated by minarets and with the scent of spray. The morning and evening humidity will make you feel good!
walk along the beach and observe in front of the island of Mogador. Leaving the ramparts you can reach on foot the large sandy beach. Ideal for a swim when it’s hot or simply enjoy the tranquility. Further south, you will be offered camel rides. Further south you reach the dunes and an increasingly isolated coast.
You will have understood, the north coast of Agadir is full of places where it is good to stop for lunch, walk or relax in beautiful landscapes of nature. For an ideal tour where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of these places, plan a minimum of 5 nights, up to 8 nights to dedicate 2 nights in stages and visit around these places between each stage:
5 to 8 day tour from Agadir to Essouira:
1 or 2 nights in Agadir
1 or 2 nights in Taghazout
1 night in Imsouane
2 nights in Essouira