02 Anti-Atlas Mts and Atlantic Coast

Suggested Itinerary Number : 02

Anti-Atlas Mts and Atlantic Coast

Explore the lesser-known south west of Morocco with a circular journey through the Souss Valley, into the High Atlas and then the spectacular Anti-Atlas mountains and on to the Atlantic coast.

Overview: 7 to 14 nights. March – November (December – February is rather cold). Flights to Agadir (or possible from Marrakech):

• 3-6 nights Taroudant
• 2-4 nights Tafraoute
• 2-4  nights Mirleft
• Option of stay in foothills of mountains near Agadir

Transport options: Transport included for Real Morocco activities in Taroudant; for the rest of the holiday taxi or car (self-drive or with driver).

Extension options: East to the High Atlas and/or Sahara desert and then to Marrakech; north to Essaouira and option of Marrakech.

Activity options: A wide range of outings and experiences in Taroudant - the 'Real Morocco'; trekking and mountain biking in the Tafraoute region; surfing, paragliding, diving and hang gliding in the Mirleft region.

This itinerary includes some of the most attractive countryside in Morocco as well as, surprisingly, some of the least visited areas.

Taroudant

Just 1 hour east of Agadir, Taroudant is often known as “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists,  providing an authentic experience of everyday life. It is much closer to two mountain ranges and the sea than Marrakech, making it an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

The Anti Atlas Mountains

The stunning drive south along the winding mountain road from Ait Baha (south of Agadir) to Tafraoute is slow but worthwhile with picturesque hilltop Kasbahs en route.

Tafraoute

Set amongst a lush oasis in the Anti Atlas Mountains overlooked by very dramatic boulder-strewn pink cliffs, Tafraoute serves as a market town for almonds. A delightful time to visit is late January to February when the beautiful pink almond blossom is at its peak. Nearby are wonderful rock formations like “Napolean’s Hat” and the amazing “Blue Rocks” painted with the help of local people by Jean Veran, the artist. Located 89 miles south east of Agadir and 63 miles east of Tiznit, the town is accessed by breathtaking winding mountain roads from both directions.

Mirleft

A friendly, busy little village with several cafes, near to a fabulous unspoilt beach on the Atlantic coast, just 30 km south of Tiznit, the area is ideal for surfing, paragliding, diving and hang gliding. There is not much of note in the village itself, but the air is fresh and the isolation fantastic. From here you can enjoy visits to interesting places Sidi Ifni, the Spanish Art-Deco village with a Sunday souk, Tata Oasis and hot springs at Abbainou or  the Saturday camel market at Goulimine on the edge of the Sahara.

Essaouira

Boasting a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site), this charming town - 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech - built by the Portuguese, offers a wide range of shopping in traditional souks, a good range of restaurants and a large range of activities for all the family. It is a great place to relax or be as energetic as you wish, and offers a number of water sports related courses on a huge sandy beach a short walk from the medina.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.  From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

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