Things to do · Agadir
Agadir is the gateway to Morocco's sunny southwest, a modern beach resort within easy reach of palm-filled gorges, walled market towns, surf villages and protected coastal wildlife. From a swim beneath the Paradise Valley palms to a day in walled Taroudant, here are nine excursions you can comfortably do and return from in a single day.
9 experiences
A palm-lined gorge in the foothills of the High Atlas, around an hour from Agadir, Paradise Valley is famous for its natural rock pools and the cliffs that frame them. A walk along the riverbed leads to spots for swimming and jumping into the clear water, busiest in the warmer months.
Often called 'Little Marrakech', Taroudant sits about an hour and a quarter inland behind well-preserved earthen ramparts. Its two souks, tanneries and the loop of the city walls give it the feel of an older Morocco at a far gentler pace than the big imperial cities.
Stretching along the coast south of Agadir, Souss-Massa National Park protects dunes, wetlands and the estuary of the Massa river. It is one of the last refuges of the rare northern bald ibis and a rewarding spot for birdwatching and quiet coastal walks.
About an hour and a half south, Tiznit is a walled town long known as a centre of Berber silver jewellery. The ramparts, the silversmiths' souk and the central Grand Mosque make it a characterful stop on the road toward the Anti-Atlas.
High in the mountains beyond Paradise Valley, the village of Imouzzer des Ida Outanane is known for its seasonal waterfalls and honey. The scenic drive winds up through argan country, with the falls at their fullest after winter and spring rains.
A laid-back surf village around 40 minutes north of Agadir, Taghazout draws surfers to breaks like Anchor Point and visitors to its cafes and beaches. It is an easy half-day for a surf lesson, a beach walk or simply watching the Atlantic swell roll in.
At the southern edge of Souss-Massa National Park, the village of Massa sits near the river estuary among reedbeds and small farms. It offers a tranquil rural counterpoint to the resort, with birdlife, riverside paths and a glimpse of traditional Souss life.
Deep in the Anti-Atlas amid pink granite boulders and almond groves, Tafraoute is a longer day trip of around two and a half to three hours each way. The dramatic landscape, the painted rocks nearby and the palm-filled Ameln Valley reward the drive.
On the edge of Agadir near Drarga, Crocoparc is a botanical and crocodile park set among themed gardens. Easy to reach in under half an hour, it is a relaxed family-friendly outing combining Nile crocodiles with cacti and exotic plant collections.
Paradise Valley is the headline excursion, a palm-lined gorge about an hour away with natural rock pools for swimming. Taroudant, the walled 'Little Marrakech', is the other favourite for those wanting culture and souks rather than nature.
Taroudant is around an hour and a quarter inland by road, making it one of the easiest cultural day trips. The well-preserved ramparts, the two souks and the slower pace make it a popular alternative to a long haul up to Marrakech.
Taghazout, about 40 minutes north, is the best-known surf village on this coast, with breaks such as Anchor Point and plenty of schools offering lessons for all levels. The nearby beaches at Tamraght and Imsouane also draw surfers.
Yes. Souss-Massa National Park, south of the city along the coast, protects wetlands and dunes and is one of the last strongholds of the rare northern bald ibis, making it a prime birdwatching destination, especially around the Massa estuary.
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