Atlantic coast & southern morocco

Our driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in Agadir. We then drive north out of town along the coast for a day excursion in the beautiful Paradise Valley for an easy hike amongst its lush vegetation and waterfalls. We will take lunch at Immouzer in the valley and return to Agadir in the late afternoon/early evening. Sunsets on the Atlantic are spectacular, so we recommend you get down to the seafront or up to Agadir’s former Kasbah for the best vantage point! You might like to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants along the waterfront at the beach and marina.

Stay: Boutique hotel with pool Meal plan: None

After breakfast, you will drive 4 hrs north along the rugged Atlantic seaboard, passing surfers’ hotspots around Taghzout and the Cap Rhir lighthouse. In summer, we will stop at the picturesque and secluded fishing port of Immsouane (around 2.5 hours from Agadir) for lunch in a seafront simple cafe/restaurant (SUMMER ONLY) and reach Essaouira by sunset. (In winter you will arrive earlier in Essaouira in time for a late lunch). The road passes through some bustling market towns as well as Morocco’s unique argan forest. Argan trees only grow in this region of Morocco, nowhere else in the world, and the oil derived from the nuts is known for its beauty and culinary properties. There is a great choice of restaurants in Essaouira for dinner this evening.

Stay: Riad in medina or guesthouse near beach Meal plan: Breakfast

This morning, you will have half-day guided tour of Essaouira, when you will visit the port, medina, skala (fortified battlements) and the mellah (Jewish quarter) and learn about Essaouira’s heyday as Morocco’s main port, run by the Sultan’s Jewish traders. You might like to have a fish lunch near the port. The afternoon is free, but we can arrange activities and excursions and the driver is at your disposal. You may wish to relax at the beach or browse the shops of the medina. If you are feeling energetic, we can arrange quad biking, camel or horse riding or water sports instruction. A sunset camel, horse or quad bike ride around the Cap Sim promontory and the ruined Sultan’s Palace is not to be missed!

Stay: Riad in medina or guesthouse near beach Meal plan: Breakfast

A second free day in Essaouira to relax and enjoy the chilled out vibe, shopping, cafes, art galleries, restaurants and fresh fish! Perhaps you would like to take part in a cookery class, take a half-day walking tour in the countryside or have a guided tour of the UNESCO-registered medina? Or is a stroll on the beach followed by a hammam or spa more appealing? We will be happy to make reservations for you at 48hrs notice (all activities subject to availability).

Stay: Riad in medina or guesthouse near beach Meal plan: Breakfast

Today, our journey continues north from Essaouira along the Atlantic coastal road for 2 hrs. We pass some of the rugged, windswept points along the coast and you might see windsurfers and fishermen pitting themselves against the elements. We will stop for a simple fish lunch on the clifftop at Sidi Bouzdid in Safi, famous for its Portuguese heritage and its colourful, decorative pottery. We then continue for another 1.5 hrs along the coast to reach the small fishing town of Oualidia, famed for its oysters and tranquil lagoon. Tonight seafood is on the menu!

Stay: Guesthouse near beach or in a luxury 5-star classic hotel Meal plan: Breakfast &dinner .

We have the morning free in Oualidia to relax, swim, surf or take a trip on a fishing boat on the lagoon to observe local wildlife and birds. We suggest lunch in Oualidia at the fish barbecues on the beach before we continue our Atlantic coastal adventure. In the afternoon, we drive north through the fertile Doukkala region to El Jadida, stopping for photos along the way (drive time – 2 hours). On arrival, you will have time to explore this city, which, like other cities you have visited along the coast, has a Portuguese heritage as well as previously having sizable Jewish and Christian communities. The ancient Portuguese cistern is a feat of engineering and not to be missed. We spent the night in El Jadida and there were plenty of options for dining in the old medina and new city to suit all budgets.

Stay: Boutique and classic 3-star hotels are available Meal plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive 2 hours to Casablanca. We will arrive by lunchtime for an airport /train station drop-off or to continue your journey in Morocco. We can arrange your hotel in Casablanca or further onward transfers if required. You can also choose to continue your holiday in Morocco with us by adding-on one of our Suggested Morocco Adventure Tour Itineraries.

Stay: N/A Meal plan: Breakfast