Agadir is rare among beach resorts in having two completely different natural escapes within easy reach. Just south of the city lies Souss-Massa National Park, a protected stretch of coastal wetlands, river estuaries, cliffs and dunes that is one of Morocco's premier birdwatching sites — home to flamingos, spoonbills and the rare northern bald ibis, with reintroduced ostriches and gazelles in its reserves. It's a gentle, low-altitude, family-friendly nature outing close to the coast. Inland, the land rises fast into the High Atlas to the north-east and the Anti-Atlas to the south, opening up a world of Berber villages, terraced fields, argan forests, gorges and palm-filled valleys such as the route towards Imouzzer and Paradise Valley, or the pink-granite landscapes around Tafraoute. The mountains demand more driving and a bit more effort but reward you with dramatic scenery and authentic village life. Birds and dunes by the sea, or peaks and palms in the hills — both make a brilliant change from the beach.
Option A
Souss-Massa National Park
Coastal wetlands, dunes and rare birds just south of Agadir
Best for
Birdwatchers, nature lovers, families and easy half-day outings
Option B
Atlas Mountains (High & Anti-Atlas valleys)
Berber villages, gorges and palm oases in the mountains inland
Best for
Walkers, culture seekers and travellers wanting dramatic mountain scenery