Swim in the pools
At the bottom of the gorge, freshwater pools with turquoise tones let you cool off. Water level and temperature change with the season and recent rain.
Excursion · Nature
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley, natural pools and a palm-lined gorge
An easy walk, clear pools between the rocks and the shade of palm trees: the perfect nature outing from Riad Asmaa.
45 min to 1 h
By car from Agadir
20 to 30 min
Walk from the car park
April to October
Best season
Swimming and an easy walk
Ideal for
Paradise Valley is a gorge and oasis tucked into the Atlas foothills, in the commune of Imouzzer Ida Outanane. At the bottom, natural freshwater pools shaded by palm and argan trees draw swimmers and walkers.
It makes a perfect nature day away from the beach: an easy walk, a swim, a simple lunch by the water, then back to the quiet of the riad in the late afternoon.
What to do in Paradise Valley
Walk the gorge
From the car park, a 20 to 30 minute walk leads to the valley floor. The path is easy; closed shoes or water shoes are recommended.
The palm grove
Palm and argan trees shade the valley and its stream: an unexpected oasis among the mountains.
The red rocks
Walls of red and ochre rock, carved by water, make a spectacular backdrop all along the walk.
The Imouzzer waterfalls
Nearby, the village of Imouzzer Ida Outanane is known for its waterfalls, strongest in spring, and for its honey.
When to visit Paradise Valley
The water in the pools and the crowds change with the season.
Best season
April to October
The pools are then at their best for swimming.
Spring and autumn
Fewer people
The valley is quieter, especially if you arrive early.
Summer
Start early
The pools near the road are very busy at weekends.
After rain
Variable level
Water depth, flow and temperature change with rainfall.
Excursion · Nature
Highlights of the valley
Three moments not to miss.
The natural pools
Swimming
Fresh water, smooth rocks and palm shade: the heart of the outing.
The gorge walk
Easy hike
20 to 30 minutes from the car park, on a path most walkers can manage.
Imouzzer and its waterfalls
Village and nature
The honey village, its spring waterfalls and its Thursday souk.
How to get there
From Agadir, take the N1 north to Aourir (about 20 minutes), then follow the "Paradise Valley" signs. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour in all. The road is paved, narrow and winding in places, but an ordinary car is enough: no 4x4 needed.
From Taghazout, allow 25 to 40 minutes.
There is no official entrance fee; the car park is paid, for a modest sum. A guide is not essential, but can take you to lesser-known pools.
Simplest for our guests: we arrange the outing with a licensed tourist transport agency, with an optional guide.
What to bring
Swimsuit, closed shoes or water shoes (no flip-flops), a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Also bring dirhams in cash for the car park and small stops. The path is easy, but rocks can be slippery near the water.
Where to eat
A few small family restaurants and cafes serve tagine, fresh bread and mint tea, in the valley or near the car park. It is simple and unpretentious.
Another option: a picnic bought in Agadir that morning. On the way back, order your dinner at the riad the day before: meals are prepared to order.
Paradise Valley and Taghazout, the ideal day
The two outings combine well: the valley in the morning, before the heat and the crowds, then Taghazout and the ocean for lunch and the afternoon. The drive between them takes 25 to 40 minutes.
Around the valley
To extend the day.
Imouzzer Ida Outanane
The honey village, its waterfalls (strongest in spring) and its weekly Thursday souk.
Taghazout
The surf village on the Atlantic, 25 to 40 minutes away.
See the excursionAourir
The "Banana Village" and its souk, on the road to the valley.
Paradise Valley in pictures
Planning your outing
- The best season runs from April to October. In spring and autumn the valley is quieter.
- Arrive early, especially in summer and at weekends.
- Bring closed or water shoes, a swimsuit, a hat, sunscreen and water.
- Have dirhams in cash for the car park and stops.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourist transport agency, with an optional guide. Mention it in your booking request.
- On Thursdays, carry on to Imouzzer Ida Outanane for its weekly souk.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Paradise Valley from Riad Asmaa?
The valley is 45 minutes to 1 hour by road from Agadir. We can give you the route and arrange transport from the riad.
How do I get to Paradise Valley from Agadir?
Take the N1 north to Aourir, then follow the "Paradise Valley" signs. The road is paved and an ordinary car is enough.
When is the best time to visit Paradise Valley?
From April to October. Spring and autumn are quieter; in summer, arrive early.
Can you swim in Paradise Valley?
Yes, in the natural pools, especially from April to October. Water level and temperature vary with the season and recent rain.
Is there an entrance fee for Paradise Valley?
There is no official entrance fee. The car park is paid, for a modest sum.
Do you need a guide for Paradise Valley?
No, the valley can be visited on your own. A guide can take you to lesser-known pools and tell you more about the place.
Is the walk difficult?
No: allow 20 to 30 minutes from the car park on an easy path. Bring closed or water shoes, not flip-flops.
Where can you eat in Paradise Valley?
Small family restaurants serve tagine, bread and mint tea. You can also bring a picnic.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the trip?
Yes, with a licensed tourist transport agency and an optional guide. Mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Nature
Stay at Riad Asmaa and spend a day in Paradise Valley.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Heather Cowper from Bristol, UK (CC BY 2.0) · CHKOURRACH Larbi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · TerrierMichel (Public domain) · Luminafrica1 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Anthere (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 瑞丽江的河水 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Elyassini yassine (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Kad09 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Younes GOUSSYRA (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France (CC BY 2.0)