Day Trips
Agadir
Agadir is a convenient point to make daytrips, great beaches, the Atlas mountains, with beautiful Paradise Valley, and
the ancient town of Taroudannt. Gives you an impression of what Agadir will have been like before the earthquake. The Massa
Lagoon is the largest bird habitat of Morocco. Many flamingoes, ducks and other water birds. If you do not have your own transport
you will probably end up hiring a grand taxi from Inexgane for the whole day. Paradise Valley The waterfalls at Ida Ouatanane
and the valley, known as Paradise Valley, is one of the nicest things to do from Agadir. It does involve some real traveling
and it is wise to go for a two day trip. It is possible to stay in Immouzer. The best day to go is probably on thursday, when
there are more buses and taxi's due to the fact that it's market day in Immouzer.
Taroudant - Day Trips
Taroudant is a beautiful place to stop explore the enchanting souk, take in some of the best preserved walls in Morocco,
and eat some of the best cooking in the south. The city is enclosed by medieval walls which look best at dusk, when the gold,
pink and orange colors are brought out by the setting sun. Olive and orange groves surround the walls and spread in all directions.
On a clear day you can see the High Atlas towering over the walls, an impressive sight. The walls and the groves are best
seen by bike, which can be rented from Hotel Salem and from a shop near Hotel Taroudant. Another option is taking a horse
drawn carriage at sunset. The towns ambiance reflects its past splendors as it was once one of the most important towns in
Morocco (and in the 16th century the capital of the Saadian empire). It remains a friendly Berber market town and has more
of an African than a Mediterranean identity. Try to be there on a market day (Thursdays and Sundays)look for Berber handicrafts
especially jewelry but try to avoid the groups of tourist coming for a day trip from Agadir. The town is also a convenient
base for trekking into the Western High Atlas or Djebel Sirwa.
Essaouira - Day Trips
Essaouira is one of Moroccos most enjoyable and attractive towns on the coast. Its charm is undeniable with its white
washed and blue shuttered houses, art galleries, wood workshops, fishermen and colorful boats all enclosed by ancient red
walls. The town faces a group of rocky islands and is surrounded by an expanse of empty sandy beaches and dunes. Everything
in the small center is within walking distance and the beaches are quite clean. In summer many people from the big cities
come for a day or two to escape the heat and tension of Casablanca and Marrakesh. Interestingly, it is also the city that
contains the "castle" from Jimi Hendrix's song "Castles in the Sand" and it is melting into the sea, on
a beach, on the ourskirts of town. Many tourists are attracted by the constant wind, good for windsurfing and surfing. The
windy city has become internationally famous for its contests and has brought windsurfers from all over the world. Shopping
Essaouira is good for souvenirs. There are many tuya wood souvenir shops with reasonable prices. In the market you can also
buy Argane oil, which is delicious, it can be quite expensive, but I think it is worth it. Essaouira is also the city of art.
There are quite a few good Art galleries, the most famous one being that one run by mister Damgaard. There is a government
artist collective locally. Prices are fixed (though you may be able to haggle a little still) While you might not get the
best deal, at least you know you wont be getting ripped off. all Tuya Essaouira is a great place to buy Tuya wood. They make
the most fantastic sculptures of the stuff.
Sidi Ifni - Day Trips
The Spanish atmosphere and the Art Deco architecture are two reasons to visit this coastal town. It was not too long
ago, 1969, that Spain relinquished its enclave. It sits on a cliff top and is full of fantastic architecture and ironwork.
Wander in the Andalusian garden and tiled fountain in the main square, Place Hassan II. Dont miss the buildings, the Spanish
consulate, which is now closed, makes the city look like it belongs in a country of itself. All of the buildings are painted
in pastel shades and are in quite good condition. The PTT and the lighthouse are other examples of this towns unique art deco
architecture. There is a Sunday souk, filled with storytellers and musicians in an abandoned airstrip near town. The beaches
are ok, but not great. The overall relaxed atmosphere of the town makes for a pleasant visit.
