Agadir is a beach city, but the most interesting parts of southern Morocco start just outside it: walled market towns, a wild Atlantic coast, the granite valleys of the Anti-Atlas and, a little further, the Sahara. Here are the trips we recommend most, with how long each one takes.
Taroudant (half a day to a full day)
About 85 km east of Agadir, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes away, Taroudant is often called “little Marrakech”: a market town inside some of the best-kept earthen ramparts in Morocco, with lively souks, a traditional tannery and far fewer visitors than Marrakech. Combine it with the palm oasis and kasbah of Tiout. See our Taroudant Day Trip from Agadir.
Mirleft, Legzira and Sidi Ifni (full day)
South of Agadir the coast turns wild. Tiznit has a walled medina and a silver jewellery souk; Mirleft is a small village of coves and surf beaches; Legzira beach has a huge red sandstone arch (best at low tide); and Sidi Ifni, a former Spanish town, has blue and white Art Deco buildings above the ocean. It is about 170 km each way, so a long but beautiful day. See the Mirleft, Legzira and Sidi Ifni Day Trip.
Tafraoute and the Anti-Atlas (2 days or more)
Tafraoute sits in a valley of pink granite boulders surrounded by almond trees and the villages of the Ameln Valley. It is possible as a very long day trip, but much better as part of a loop. Our 4-Day Southern Coast and Oases Tour combines Mirleft, Legzira, Sidi Ifni, the palm oases of Guelmim and Taghjijt, the cliff-top granary of Amtoudi and Tafraoute.
Essaouira (full day)
About three hours up the coast, Essaouira is a relaxed walled port with blue fishing boats and a UNESCO-listed medina. On the way you pass argan trees, sometimes with goats in their branches. See our Essaouira day trip.
The Sahara from Agadir (4 to 5 days)
The big dunes are far from Agadir, so the desert needs several days. There are two good options:
- Erg Chigaga, the wilder desert, via Taroudant, Taliouine and a 4×4 crossing of Lake Iriki: 4-Day Erg Chigaga Tour from Agadir.
- Merzouga, the taller dunes, via Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges: 5-Day Sahara Tour from Agadir.
Not sure which desert to choose? Read Erg Chigaga or Merzouga: which Sahara desert should you choose?
Tips for day trips from Agadir
- Start early: most of these trips involve 1 to 3 hours of driving each way.
- For Legzira, ask us to time the visit with low tide so you can walk under the arch.
- Bring a light jacket: inland and in the mountains it is cooler than on Agadir’s beach, especially in winter.
All our trips are private, with your own driver and vehicle, and pickup from your hotel in Agadir or Taghazout. Send us your dates on WhatsApp.
Written by Hda Abdou, founder of Morocco Cultours.
