Merzouga Desert Journey
Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara
Grand Morocco in 14 Days
The Saghro Traverse
Atlas lakes to Saghro
Erg Chigaga & Lake Iriki
The Grand Atlantic
From Marrakech
From Fes
From Casablanca
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Boutique riads
Luxury desert camps
Nights under the stars
Our story
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7-Day Southern Atlantic Coast: Essaouira, Taghazout and Legzira
When Marrakech is hot, the Atlantic is where Moroccans go. This journey follows the coast south, where the trade winds keep the days fresh. You start in Essaouira, a walled port town of white houses and blue boats, then follow the cliffs to the surf villages of Imsouane and Taghazout. Further south, past Agadir, the road reaches Mirleft and the red arch of Legzira, one of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco, and the old Spanish town of Sidi Ifni. Two nights in each place, so there is always time for the beach.
Best for: Summer travellers who want sea air, surf villages and wild beaches instead of the heat of the south.
Highlights
- Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and fishing port
- A women's argan oil cooperative on the way to the sea
- The long wave and fishing boats of Imsouane
- Surf, yoga and Paradise Valley around Taghazout
- The red rock arch of Legzira beach
- Sidi Ifni's blue and white Spanish-era town
Day by day
Driving times are honest estimates for the time behind the wheel. Stops for photos, tea and lunch come on top, and you can always ask your driver to stop.
Day 1Marrakech – argan country – Essaouira
Marrakech – argan country – Essaouira
We pick you up in Marrakech and drive west through the argan country, with a stop at a women's cooperative where argan oil is still pressed by hand. In the afternoon you reach Essaouira and walk through the medina to the sea walls for sunset. Night in a riad in the old town.
Day 2Essaouira at leisure
Essaouira at leisure
A free day in Essaouira. Watch the fishing boats come into the port in the morning and choose your lunch from the catch, walk the Skala ramparts, find the wood workers and art galleries of the medina, or spend the afternoon on the long beach, where the wind makes it a favourite place for kitesurfing.
Day 3Essaouira – Imsouane – Taghazout
Essaouira – Imsouane – Taghazout
South along the coast road, between argan trees and the ocean, to Imsouane, a small fishing village with one of the longest waves in Africa. Time for the beach and a fish lunch by the harbour, then on to Taghazout, a surf village of colourful houses above the bay. Night by the sea.
Day 4Taghazout, surf and Paradise Valley
Taghazout, surf and Paradise Valley
A day for the sea. Take a surf lesson for beginners on a sheltered beach, a yoga class, or simply rest. In the afternoon your driver can take you up into the foothills of the Atlas to Paradise Valley, a palm gorge with natural rock pools for swimming.
Day 5Taghazout – Agadir – Tiznit – Mirleft
Taghazout – Agadir – Tiznit – Mirleft
Past Agadir and south through the Souss plain to Tiznit, a walled town known for its silver jewellery. In the afternoon the road returns to the ocean at Mirleft, a quiet town on the cliffs above small, empty beaches. Night in a guesthouse over the sea.
Day 6Mirleft – Legzira – Sidi Ifni – Mirleft
Mirleft – Legzira – Sidi Ifni – Mirleft
A short drive to Legzira, where a great arch of red rock stands in the surf. Walk along the beach at low tide, then continue to Sidi Ifni, a town that was Spanish until 1969, with blue and white Art Deco buildings above the sea. Back to Mirleft for a last sunset on the cliffs.
Day 7Mirleft – Agadir airport
Mirleft – Agadir airport
A slow morning by the sea, then your driver takes you north to Agadir airport or to your hotel in Agadir, where the journey ends.
Where you'll stay
These are our usual choices. If one is full on your dates we book a place of the same standard, and you can ask for an upgrade.
Price per person
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €1,580 |
| 4 travellers | €1,160 |
| 6 travellers | €1,020 |
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Hotels and breakfast are included. Travelling alone, or with 3 or 5? Ask us and we send your exact price within 24 hours.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Hand-picked riads and sea-view hotels, double or twin rooms
- Breakfast every day
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Surf lessons
- Local guides
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Questions about this journey
Do we need to surf?
Not at all. Taghazout and Imsouane are surf villages, but they are just as good for beaches, sea food and slow days. If you want to try, we book a beginner's lesson with a local surf school.
When is the best time for a coastal tour?
From May to October for warm, dry days. The Atlantic stays fresh even in summer, around 18 to 22°C in the water, and the trade winds keep the coast much cooler than Marrakech. The south coast around Taghazout and Mirleft is mild all year, so these journeys also work well from November to April.
Can we swim everywhere?
Not everywhere. The Atlantic has strong currents on some beaches, so your driver-guide will show you the safe, sheltered spots, and lifeguards work on the main town beaches in summer.
Can we add the Sahara or the mountains?
Yes. Every journey is private, so we can add a desert night, a day in the Atlas or extra nights by the sea. Tell us what you would like and we send you a new route and price.
How is the price calculated?
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Travelling alone or with an odd number? Ask us for your exact price.
More journeys
The Old Atlantic Coast
Portuguese fortress towns, an oyster lagoon and the blue port of Essaouira, on the old coast road from Casablanca.
From €1,350 per person
The Mediterranean Coast
Clear water, white towns and the wild Rif coast road to the coves of Al Hoceima: Morocco's other sea.
From €1,350 per person
Essaouira & Oualidia Escape
Four days of sea air away from the city heat: the blue port of Essaouira and the calm lagoon of Oualidia.
From €900 per person
Where will your road begin?
Tell us your dates and who's coming. Abdou or one of the team will send you a route and a price within 24 hours.