Morocco is a land of contrasts, filled with colors, fragrances, and diverse landscapes, from the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean to the bustling Atlantic, from the lush valleys of the Atlas Mountains to the desert plains of the south. Reflecting this multitude of facets, we offer you tours that will take you from Agadir and the beaches of Taghazout to the dunes of Erg Chegaga.
The Desert Adventure from Agadir
It is possible to access the desert from Agadir easily while embarking on a beautiful circuit in southern Morocco, allowing you to explore some of the must-visit destinations in the country.
This rapidly expanding city is well-connected with regular international flights. It attracts Moroccans and visitors alike for its modernity, with a touch of a French seaside town atmosphere, providing a breath of fresh air during the summer.
While Agadir may not match the cultural richness of Morocco's imperial cities, there are several points of interest that are worth visiting. We recommend five essential visits to make in Agadir and its surroundings
Agadir's Main Beach:
Stretching over 6 kilometers of fine sandy beach, you can fully enjoy the seaside and its beautiful promenade. Numerous water activities are available, such as boat trips, jet skiing, and swimming.
Souk El Had in Agadir:
This large covered souk is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. You'll find everything you need, from local souvenirs to everyday items: spices, leather goods, pastries, fruits and vegetables, clothing, and much more. Take your time to wander through the alleys, as you'll always end up coming across one of the entrances surrounding the souk.
Agadir's Medina:
Built in 1992 by Italian architect Coco Polizzi, Agadir's new medina follows the model of the old medina, which was destroyed by the 1960 earthquake that struck the city. You'll find a labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional architectural styles with meticulous attention to detail. The size of the place is impressive and transports you to another world, like a movie set. Away from the city's noise, it offers a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the coolness of the covered alleys and explore the artisans' workshops. You can reach Agadir's Medina by taxi or with a special shuttle that departs from various locations in the city.
Agadir Oufella Kasbah:
Located on the heights of Agadir, the kasbah was originally built in 1540 and was reconstructed twice, in 1752 and 1960. Its ramparts once served as a protective and surveillance point against invasions and also housed the city's oldest district. Today, this place is appreciated for its spectacular panorama overlooking the ocean, providing breathtaking views of the beach, port, and city. You can access it on foot or, since 2023, via a cable car. It's a beautiful outing to enjoy at sunset or after dark.
Paradise Valley:
Located 25 kilometers north of Agadir, Paradise Valley earns its nickname thanks to its enchanting scenery. Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this valley offers stunning waterfalls and natural pools. After a 30-minute hike, you can access this natural gem. It's best to visit between January and March to ensure that the pools are full.
Taghazout: A Fishing Village Near Agadir, ocean to desert
Taghazout is a small seaside village located just 30 kilometers from Agadir and arountd 7 hours by road to desert. It's an interesting stop to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. You can easily reach it by car while hugging the coastline, and the road offers beautiful panoramas where you can take the time to make some stops for incredible views. Regular bus connections also link Agadir to Taghazout.
This village, which has been developing its tourism in recent years, offers a diverse range of accommodations. You can find homestays, luxurious resorts, and small hotels that specialize in hosting surfers and people coming for yoga retreats.
Things to do in Taghazout
Renowned for its surf spots, you can easily find a club offering surf lessons or stand-up paddleboarding in various coves north of the town.
Taghazout is best enjoyed by strolling along the coastline. Enjoy the central beach, observe the return of the small blue fishing boats where fish is sold directly on the spot. Many small restaurants and cafes allow you to have tea by the water for a relaxing moment facing the ocean. savor a delicious fish tajine and all the local specialties based on fish.
As you walk through the lower part of the village, you can browse the small shops selling Moroccan handicrafts. You will also find small shops that sell excellent homemade pastries.
Since 2022, the Taghazout Surf Expo, a surf festival that takes place in October, has been hosting surfers from around the world as well as promising young Moroccan surfers for competitions and the promotion of "surf culture."
What is the best season to visit Taghazout?
Thanks to its seaside location, Taghazout offers a mild climate all year round. Winters can be quite cool, but you'll find ideal temperatures from March to November. Summer sees a strong influx of tourists, both Moroccan and international, seeking relief from the heat. Therefore, it's best to opt for spring and autumn if you're looking for tranquility.
From Taghazout to Taroudant
Taghazout, located about 25 kilometers north of Agadir, requires you to pass through Agadir to head west in Morocco and reach the main road that connects to Taroudant. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to travel from Taghazout to Taroudant.
Things to Do in Taroudant
Taroudant is a charming city often called the "Little Marrakech," where you can find all the beauty of Morocco's ancient cities.
Explore the Ramparts: The city is surrounded by impressive ramparts, which are one of its main attractions. You can enjoy a carriage ride around them, with your coachman providing explanations about the city's secrets. It's an unusual and relaxing way to explore, perfect for families.
Authentic Medina: You can easily stroll through the medina, where you'll experience the authentic life of the residents, away from mass tourism. Each alley is filled with vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, including the famous oranges of the region.
Visit Tiout: Take a detour to Tiout, a beautiful palm grove that offers a refreshing escape under date palm trees. You can visit the women's cooperative producing argan oil and its cosmetics, handmade using traditional methods. The region is renowned for argan cultivation and its precious oil, highly sought after worldwide. Overlooking the palm grove, an old kasbah has been converted into a restaurant where you can savor delicious tagines and couscous.
From Taroudant to Taliouine
The journey between Taroudant and Taliouine takes about 1.5 hours. The road is in excellent condition and easy to drive. Just continue straight to reach Taliouine. Along the way, you can admire the Middle Atlas Mountains bordering plains dotted with small villages.
Things to Do in Taliouine
The village of Taliouine is built around the main road and is renowned for its saffron production. Therefore, it's an opportunity to stop and savor saffron-based dishes. For instance, you can visit the Safran Inn where you can also spend the night. In the town center, you can purchase this precious spice from the cooperative, ensuring its freshness and ethical, local production.
Taliouine is also the starting point for numerous hikes and multi-day treks in the mountains.
From Taliouine to Tazenakht
After crossing several mountain passes, you will reach the vast plateau that leads to Tazenakht. Known as the capital of Berber carpets, you will find numerous shops and cooperatives selling handmade carpets crafted by the women from the surrounding villages. These carpets are made from wool and dyed with natural pigments such as turmeric or saffron, resulting in vibrant colors that maintain their brilliance over time.
From Tazenakht to Foum Zguid
From Tazenakht to Foum Zguid, you will head further south and descend into the Zguid Valley, lined with palm trees. Foum Zguid is approximately a 1-hour drive from there.
Things to Do in Foum Zguid
Foum Zguid is a small town at the gateway to the desert. The desert atmosphere is quite prevalent here, with locals wearing traditional attire such as cheches and gandouras. Take some time to enjoy tea or a meal in the town center, where you can watch desert expeditions preparing to head into the desert and appreciate the peaceful life of its residents.
You can also take a stroll in the palm grove or visit the old kasbah. We provide more details on what to see in Foum Zguid in this article.
Heading into the Desert from Foum Zguid
In Foum Zguid, we welcome you to embark on 4x4 adventures into the desert. Whether it's bivouacs, treks, or excursions, we offer you the chance to experience the vast natural wonders of the Sahara dunes. Take the time to live a unique adventure that you absolutely must experience at least once in your life. Our guide takes care of everything, and all you need to do is appreciate the surrounding nature and open your heart to share wonderful moments with the nomads. You can choose to explore the wild dunes of Erg El Mhazil or the better-known towering dunes of Erg Chegaga, with options for wild bivouacs or comfortable ones, 4x4 circuits, camel rides, visits to oases, or prehistoric rock engravings. There are numerous possibilities that you can explore in our sections on Bivouacs and Circuits, Treks and Hikes, or day trips.
How much time should you plan for a circuit between Agadir and the Chegaga Desert?
3-Day, 2-Night Circuit from Agadir to the Desert
Between Agadir and Foum Zguid, you should plan for a 5-hour drive with a lunch break. Therefore, you have the option to start the journey in the morning and head into the desert in the afternoon. We recommend spending 2 nights in the area to truly take your time and savor the experience. We can offer you one night in our guesthouse near the desert and one night in a bivouac, or 2 nights in a bivouac. If you have very little time, it's possible to spend just one night in a bivouac and return to Agadir the following day.
5-Day, 4-Night Circuit from Taghazout to the Desert
If you want to take your time exploring the different cities we mentioned, you can spend your first night in Taghazout, then one night in Taroudant. Afterward, you will quickly reach Foum Zguid, where you can stay either in Foum Zguid or in our guesthouse. Finally, spend one night in a desert bivouac. You can then make the direct return journey to Agadir.
7-Day, 6-Night Circuit in Southern Morocco
For a comprehensive journey in southern Morocco, we recommend adding a return route further south from Foum Zguid, passing through Tata and then Tafraoute. You can find more details about this itinerary in our article here.
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