Paradise Valley Morocco: A Half-Day Plan from Taghazout

In short: Paradise Valley is a palm-lined gorge with natural rock pools in the foothills of the Atlas, about an hour by road from the coast. Leave early, walk 20 to 30 minutes to the pools, swim, eat lunch at a café in the valley and head back before the afternoon. Here is the plan we would follow.

What Paradise Valley is

Paradise Valley is a stretch of the Tamraght river valley inland from Agadir, on the road towards Imouzzer Ida Outanane. The river has cut a narrow gorge through the rock, with palm trees, turquoise pools and flat rocks to lie on. It is one of the most popular day trips from Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, and a good break from the sea after a few days of surfing.

The half-day plan

1. Early morningLeave the coast. The drive inland takes about an hour, along a winding mountain road with views of the valley. Going early is the single best tip: tour groups tend to arrive around midday.
2. ArrivalPark and pay the small parking fee. Have some small change in dirhams ready.
3. 20 to 30 minutesWalk to the pools. A paved path follows the river down into the gorge. It is easy, but parts are rocky and can be slippery near the water.
4. Late morningSwim and relax. Find a flat rock, swim in the pools and watch the braver visitors jump in from the rocks. Only jump where you can see that the water is deep and others have done it safely.
5. LunchEat in the valley. A café and small stalls along the path sell food and drinks, so you do not need to carry lunch.
6. Early afternoonHead back. Leave as the crowds arrive and you are back on the coast in time for an afternoon surf or a sunset by the sea.

Water levels: check before you go

How much water you find depends on the rain. After a wet winter the pools are full and the river flows; in a dry summer some pools can be low. If swimming is the main reason you are going, ask locals about recent rain before you set off.

What to bring

• Shoes with good grip (sandals with straps, or trainers you do not mind getting wet)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Cash in dirhams for parking, food and drinks: cards are rarely accepted
• Sun cream, a hat and water
• Respectful clothes for the drive and the villages on the way

How to get there

• Organised trip: the easiest way. Tours from Agadir and Taghazout are widely sold, typically at around 250 to 300 dirhams per person.
• Taxi: agree the price and the waiting time with the driver before you leave.
• Rental car: the road is paved but narrow and winding; drive slowly.

On some of our packages the trip is included: the Premium week combines surf lessons and yoga with trips to Paradise Valley and Imsouane. Our Paradise Valley trip also stops at an argan oil village on the way. For more ideas see our list of things to do in Taghazout.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Paradise Valley from Agadir and Taghazout?

About an hour by road, inland towards Imouzzer Ida Outanane.

Is there always water in Paradise Valley?

No. It depends on the rain. After a wet winter the pools are full; in a dry summer some can be low.

What is the best time to visit?

In the morning, before tour groups arrive around midday, ideally after a rainy period.

Sources

• MarocMama: Paradise Valley, Agadir
• Journal of Nomads: Paradise Valley