Agadir is known for its beach. But a few kilometres from the bay, the mountains begin: mule tracks, palm-filled gorges, waterfalls and Amazigh villages. Here are five walks, from the riad's front door to the Anti-Atlas.
5
Walks
From the riad
Nearest
October to May
Best season
Easy to demanding
Level
Hiking from the riad's door
Riad Asmaa sits in the first foothills of the High Atlas, 15 km east of Agadir. Around the house, mule tracks and hiking trails offer wonderful viewpoints, among flocks of sheep and goats.
No car needed for your first outing: set off on foot after breakfast and come back for the infinity pool. Ask us which paths are best at the moment before you leave.
The walks, from nearest to furthest
Approximate driving times from the riad.
Around the riad
On foot, from the riad
Mule tracks and trails between hamlets, flocks and views over the foothills. An easy half day, at your own pace.
Paradise Valley
45 min to 1 h drive
A palm-filled gorge with clear natural pools. From the car park, an easy 20 to 30-minute walk leads to the bottom of the valley.
Read the articleImouzzer waterfalls
About 1 h 15 drive
Higher up in the Ida Outanane mountains, a region known for its honey. The main fall, called the bride's veil, only flows after rain: the best time is after a wet winter.
Souss-Massa National Park
About 1 h 25 drive
A flat walk between dunes, river mouth and ocean. In winter the park hosts many migrating birds, and it is one of the last refuges of the northern bald ibis.
Tafraout and the Ammeln valley
About 3 h drive
In the Anti-Atlas, Amazigh villages at the foot of djebel Lekst, pink granite and almond trees. Plan a long day.
Read the article
When to hike
From October to May, days are mild: around 21 °C in the afternoon in January, with very few rainy days. Mornings and evenings are cool in winter (about 8 °C at night in January): bring a warm layer.
In summer it is hot inland: start early in the morning and keep the afternoon for the pool. It is, however, the best season to swim in the pools of Paradise Valley (April to October).
With or without a guide
Around the riad and in Paradise Valley, you can easily walk on your own. For longer outings, the riad works with a licensed tourist transport agency, with optional guided, personalised accompaniment.
For an early start, order breakfast the day before. When you get back, a homemade Moroccan dinner awaits, also ordered the day before.
In your backpack
A few essentials for walking in the region.
Good shoes
Mule tracks are stony: hiking boots or trainers with a solid sole.
Plenty of water
Even in winter the sun dries you out quickly. Allow at least a litre and a half per person for half a day.
Hat and sunscreen
The sun stays strong all year round.
A warm layer
For early starts and late returns, from October to March.
Respect for the villages
Say hello, stay on the paths and ask before photographing anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hike straight from Riad Asmaa?
Yes. The riad is surrounded by mountains, with mule tracks and hiking trails that start on foot from the house, among flocks of sheep and goats.
What is the best season for hiking near Agadir?
October to May: mild days (around 21 °C in the afternoon in January) and little rain. In summer, start early in the morning because of the heat.
Do the Imouzzer waterfalls flow all year?
No. Their flow depends on the rain: they are at their best after a rainy winter and can be almost dry at the end of summer.
Do I need a guide?
Not for the walks around the riad or in Paradise Valley. For longer outings, the riad arranges transport with a licensed agency, with an optional guide.
Can I swim during a hike?
Yes, in the natural pools of Paradise Valley, especially from April to October. The water level and temperature vary with the season and the rain.
