Morocco's Atlantic Coast: A Road Trip from Agadir to Essaouira

Endless beaches, camels on the road, small fishing villages, colorful markets, charming cities and exceptional handicrafts – all this makes Morocco one of our favorite destinations.

Dreamlike sleep

Our last road trip took us along Morocco's Atlantic coast in a small rental car – from Agadir to Essaouira. Since Agadir is a bit too touristy for our taste, we stayed just outside the city and found an oasis of peace – the Villa du Souss.

The charming owner inherited the property and villa from his father and gave up his job in Paris to devote himself to renovating the property and his guests. We received a very warm welcome and immediately felt at home. You'll quickly feel at home here – the large garden invites you to stroll and linger, the large library room is perfect for reading and relaxing, and the impressive reception room is a great place to sample the delicious tagines, freshly prepared with ingredients from the property's own garden. The villa is still a real insider tip, so don't hesitate!

Villa Du Souss Eco-Lodge
Dr. Fouk Jerf Temsia, Agadir

Taghazout

The small fishing village by the sea has retained its original charm. However, construction is rampant along the coast, and one tourist complex is springing up next to the next in the tourist zone. However, you can still find peace here, stroll along the beach, and watch the many surfers.

The most beautiful coastal route in Morocco



An absolute highlight is the route from Taghazout to Essaouira. It's not for nothing that it's considered one of the most beautiful stretches of the Atlantic coast. Serpentine roads lead into seemingly endless landscapes, only to open up again in the next moment with breathtaking views of the sea. It seems almost deserted here, as the coast is largely uninhabited. It's a perfect panorama for short stops (we stopped quite often) and for taking great photos. You should allow plenty of time for this route. Not only is the route challenging, but unforeseeable obstacles can occur at any time. We were first stopped by a police checkpoint, and then, in the middle of nowhere, a caramel caravan crossed the road quite naturally. And that can take a while ;)

The closer you get to Essaouira, the more often you encounter cooperatives and "stalls" on the street. They all sell the finest argan oil, produced by women from the surrounding villages. Even though you don't get fancy packaging, but rather a simple bottle, the contents are just as good, but considerably cheaper than in the cities.

Essaouira

And then it appeared, the city by the sea. Along the coastal road, past the red city walls, to one of the main gates, the "Bab Marrakech."
This was our way into the heart of the city and Essaouira enchanted us from the very first moment.

There is much more to tell about Essaouira, so we will summarize our experiences and travel tips in further city guides: