Agadir is fantastic for beach lounging and surfing, but because the city was entirely rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, it lacks the ancient, winding medinas that Morocco is famous for.
If you want to experience traditional Moroccan architecture, bustling souks, and centuries of history without enduring the exhausting 3-hour bus ride to Marrakech, Taroudant is the answer.
Why visit Taroudant?
Taroudant was actually the capital of the Saadian dynasty briefly in the 16th century before they moved to Marrakech. The city retains its spectacular, 7-kilometer-long mud-brick ramparts, which are beautifully preserved and turn a brilliant golden-red at sunset.
Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant has not been overwhelmed by mass tourism. The souks are authentic markets where locals buy spices, vegetables, and household goods, rather than just souvenirs. The pace of life is slower, the shopkeepers are less aggressive, and the backdrop of the often snow-capped High Atlas mountains is stunning.
Things to see and do
Taroudant is not a city of major monuments or museums; the city itself is the attraction.
- Walk the Ramparts: You can take a horse-drawn carriage (caleche) ride around the entire perimeter of the 16th-century walls, which is especially magical in the late afternoon.
- The Two Souks: Taroudant has the "Arab Souk" (specializing in handicrafts, jewelry, and leather) and the "Berber Souk" (which sells spices, vegetables, and everyday goods). Both are located around the central Place Assarag.
- Place Assarag: This is the main square. Grab a mint tea at one of the cafes, sit on the terrace, and watch the world go by. It’s a great place to people-watch.
- Tiout Oasis: Many people combine Taroudant with a visit to the nearby Tiout Oasis, a lush palm grove about 30 minutes away, offering a stark contrast to the dry plains.
How to get there from Agadir
You have three main options for traveling the 85 kilometers from Agadir to Taroudant:
1. Shared Grand Taxi: The cheapest option. You catch a shared taxi from the Batoir taxi rank in Agadir. You buy a single seat and wait for the taxi to fill up (usually 6 passengers in an old Dacia) before it leaves. It costs about 40 MAD per person, but it is cramped and hot.
2. Local Bus: ALSA operates a regional bus (Ligne 37) to Taroudant. It is very cheap but stops frequently and takes considerably longer than driving.
3. Private Driver (Recommended): For couples and families, hiring a private driver is by far the best option. For a fixed price, a driver will pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned car or minivan, drive you to Taroudant, wait for a few hours while you explore the souks, and drive you back. It offers total flexibility and comfort.
Going directly from Agadir Airport to Taroudant
A little-known geographical fact: Agadir Al Massira Airport is actually halfway between Agadir and Taroudant.
Because the airport is located to the east of Agadir, it is only a 45-minute drive to Taroudant. If you are planning to spend a few nights in a traditional Riad in Taroudant before heading to the beach in Agadir, it makes perfect sense to go there straight from the airport.
There are no direct buses from the airport to Taroudant. You must pre-book a private airport transfer to have a driver waiting for you upon landing, ready to whisk you straight to the ancient walls of the Little Marrakech.