Things to Do Beyond Surfing

Paradise Valley — Hiking & Natural Pools

Paradise Valley (Tagharte in Berber) is the crown jewel of non-surfing activities in the Taghazout area. Just 45 minutes inland from the coast, the landscape transforms from arid hills to a lush oasis of palm trees, natural rock pools filled with crystalline turquoise water, small waterfalls, and dramatic canyon walls. It is the perfect rest-day destination — an antidote to the salt and sand of the Atlantic.

The main trail starts from the car park and follows a well-trodden path along the riverbed. Depending on recent rainfall, you will encounter a series of pools of varying depths — some perfect for swimming, others deep enough for cliff jumping (check the depth first — water levels change seasonally). The most popular pool, about a 20-minute walk from the car park, features natural rock platforms for sunbathing and a small waterfall. Continue further up the valley for quieter pools and fewer people. A small café near the main pool serves tagine, mint tea, and fresh orange juice.

Practical info: Free entry. Open year-round. Best time: spring and autumn; go early in summer to avoid heat. Wear sturdy shoes or trainers (the rocks can be slippery). Bring swimwear, a towel, water, and sun protection. A half-day guided hike costs 150–250 MAD through most surf camps.

Essaouira Day Trip — Wind, Culture & Seafood

Essaouira is one of Morocco's most beautiful coastal cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a whitewashed medina, a bustling fishing port, and a windswept beach that draws windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world. It is about 2.5 hours north of Taghazout and makes an excellent day trip or overnight stay. The drive is part of the experience: the coastal road winds through argan tree country past dramatic cliffs and sandy coves.

In Essaouira, wander the medina's narrow streets — they are calmer and more relaxed than Marrakech's, with a strong artistic and musical culture. Visit the Skala du Port (the 18th-century sea bastion with cannons and spectacular ocean views), watch the fishing boats come in at the port, and eat grilled sardines at the outdoor fish stalls — some of the freshest, cheapest seafood you will ever eat. The medina is filled with artisan workshops producing thuya wood marquetry, silver jewellery, and textiles. Essaouira is also the wind capital of Morocco — if the surf is flat, bring a kiteboard or windsurfer.

Agadir Souk El Had — 3,000 Stalls

Souk El Had in Agadir (20 minutes from Taghazout) is the largest market in the region — a sprawling labyrinth of over 3,000 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to leather goods, carpets, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. Unlike the tourist-oriented markets in Marrakech, Souk El Had is where locals do their shopping, and the prices and atmosphere reflect that. It is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), and the best time to visit is in the morning when it is less crowded and cooler. The market is organised into sections: produce, meat, spices, household goods, clothing, and crafts. Getting lost is part of the experience — follow the flow and see where it takes you. Haggling is expected; see our section on haggling etiquette in the Customs & Etiquette article for guidance.

The Hammam Experience

No visit to Morocco is complete without a hammam — the traditional steam bath that has been part of Moroccan life for centuries. It is part cleansing ritual, part social experience, and part deep physical relaxation. There are two types of hammam: the local neighbourhood hammam (authentic, communal, inexpensive at 10–20 MAD) and the spa hammam (private, pampered, more expensive at 100–300 MAD). For first-timers, a spa hammam is recommended — you will have a private room and an attendant who guides you through the process. The ritual involves: undressing to underwear or swimwear, spending 10–15 minutes in the steam room to open your pores, being scrubbed head to toe with black soap (savon beldi) using a rough exfoliating glove (kess), rinsing, and optionally a ghassoul (mineral clay) body mask. Your skin will feel softer than it has ever felt. Surfers, in particular, benefit from the hammam — the salt, sun, and wetsuit chafing that accumulate over days of surfing melt away in the steam.

Camel Rides on the Beach

Camel (technically dromedary — the single-humped variety) rides along the beach are a popular tourist activity near Agadir and south of Taghazout. A typical one-hour ride along the shoreline, often timed for sunset, costs 150–250 MAD per person. The experience is memorable — the swaying gait of the camel, the sound of the Atlantic surf, and the golden light on the sand. Book through your surf camp or a reputable operator — they can recommend providers who treat their animals well. Morning rides are cooler and less crowded; sunset rides are more atmospheric.

Sandboarding — Desert Dunes

The sand dunes at Taboga, about 30 minutes from Taghazout, offer a fun alternative to surfing on water. Sandboarding here is less developed than in famous dune destinations like Peru or Dubai — expect simple wooden boards and a self-guided experience rather than a polished resort setup. The dunes are scenic, the views stretch to the Anti-Atlas mountains, and sliding down a sand dune is universally entertaining. Half-day excursions are available through surf camps and local operators for around 200–350 MAD, including transport and board rental. Combine it with a visit to the nearby flamingo-filled Oued Massa estuary for a full day of non-surfing adventure.

Marrakech Day Trip — The Red City

Marrakech is about 3 hours from Taghazout via the new motorway. It is doable as a long day trip (leave at 6 AM, return around 10 PM) but is much better as an overnight stay. Marrakech is the sensory overload capital of Morocco: Jemaa el-Fna square with its snake charmers, storytellers, juice stalls, and food markets; the labyrinthine souks of the medina; the stunning Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque; the Majorelle Garden; and rooftop cafés overlooking it all. It is a completely different world from the relaxed surf villages, and experiencing both makes for a richer Moroccan journey. Grand taxi from Taghazout to Marrakech costs 800–1,200 MAD one way. Comfortable CTM buses run daily for less (about 150 MAD). Book accommodation in the medina for the full experience — a riad with a rooftop terrace is the classic choice.

Argan Cooperatives & Roadside Discoveries

The road between Agadir and Essaouira passes through the heart of Morocco's argan-growing region — the only place in the world where argan trees grow naturally. You will see women's cooperatives along the roadside producing argan oil using traditional methods: cracking the nuts by hand and grinding the kernels with stone mills. Many cooperatives welcome visitors and offer demonstrations. It is an opportunity to see a centuries-old craft, support women's economic empowerment (most cooperatives are women-run), and buy authentic argan oil directly from the source at fair prices. Goats in argan trees are also a common roadside sight — they climb the trees to eat the fruit, and their presence signals that you are in true argan country.

Quick Reference — Distances & Costs