Situated east of coastal Agadir and south of Marrakech, Taroudant is an off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination that is well worth exploring. Encircled by imposing ramparts, it feels like a miniature version of Marrakech and is far more relaxed in its pace. The ramparts date back over five centuries when the city briefly served as the capital of the Saadi Dynasty, before they moved their seat to Marrakech.
Located on centuries-old caravan routes, Taroudant is a vibrant market town that we love visiting as a day trip from Agadir. Its souks are alive with activity as merchants hawk their wares, which range from locally crafted leatherwork to brightly coloured Amazigh jewellery. Beyond the ramparts lie the lush and fertile landscapes of the Souss Valley and the snowcapped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, giving you plenty of reasons to stay for a few days.
If you're wondering: "Is Taroudant worth visiting? you've come to the right place. In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Taroudant, discover what makes the city a worthwhile trip from Agadir or a convenient stopover on a longer Morocco itinerary. I’ll cover everything from things to see and do, inspiring accommodation options and the best time to visit.
Want to visit Taroudant on a guided tour? This highly-rated half-day trip from Agadir takes in all of the city’s sights, with a knowledgeable local guide at the helm.
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BEST TOURS TO TAROUDANT
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Taroudant tour recommendations:
Things to do in Taroudant
Wander through the medina
Framed by imposing walls, Taroudant’s historic medina features narrow winding streets that are a pleasure to wander. Here, you can soak up the sights, sounds and aromas of daily life, without the touts that often accompany an exploration of the more touristy Marrakech medina. The magnificent ramparts encircling the city stretch over six kilometres in length and are studded with fortified towers and elaborately carved gates.
Taroudant's historic medina is a testament to the city's history as a former capital of the Saâdian dynasty and provides an immersive insight into Moroccan culture. Simply getting lost in its streets and chatting with locals over a cup of tea - these are among the best things to do in Taroudant.
Enjoy the views from Bab El Kasbah
The most ornate and architecturally striking of Taroudant’s fortified towers is Bab El Kasbah, which is considered the main gate to the city. Approached via a stately avenue lined with fragrant orange trees, its three horseshoe arches create a dramatic facade - this is a Taroudant sight not to miss!
Steps inside the gate lead up to the ramparts, allowing access to a walkway along the top. From this vantage point, you can gaze out over the rooftops of the medina, as well as appreciate the strategic location of Bab El Kasbah, which historically controlled access to Taroudant’s citadel.
Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of Taroudant's markets
Taroudant is home to two open-air souks where you can enjoy an immersive shopping experience amongst the locals. Stretching between Place Assarag and Place Talmaklate is the Arab Souk (also known as Kissaria) where artisans peddle locally made handicrafts such as ceramics, metalwork and fine leather goods. Take time to admire the many small treasures found here, like the silver filigree jewellery or ceremonial daggers and rifle butts, painstakingly crafted and etched by Amazigh artisans.
Just across the square is Jnane Jamaa (also known as the Berber Souk) where local farmers and vendors gather to sell mounds of fresh produce, spices and household items under canopied stalls. Shoppers will find baskets bursting with ripe fruits and vegetables alongside stacks of tagines and other kitchenware. Here, you can also see local men recycling used plastic and rubber into practical farming implements, such as water troughs and saddles for pack animals.
Is Taroudant worth visiting?
Explore the tannery
Unlike the sprawling tanneries of Fes, the Taroudant tannery offers a more intimate look at the time-honoured traditions of Moroccan leather production. Here, you can get up close to the stone vats filled with colourful dyes that transform ordinary hides into sought-after leather goods. While lacking some of the scale and photogenic qualities of Fes, the Taroudant tannery makes up for it with its accessibility - there are no restricted viewing areas.
Afterward, head to the tannery’s cooperative shop where you can shop for leather bags, jackets, poufs and babouche slippers, all of which are crafted onsite. It's the perfect place to pick up a unique, artisanal souvenir that is infused with memories, making it one of my top things to do in Taroudant.
Visit the Palais Musee Claudio Bravo
Occupying the former home of Chilean hyperrealist artist, Claudio Bravo, this splendid palace provides a glimpse into his private world and is one of the best things to do in Taroudant. Guided tours wind through the interior galleries, where Bravo's magnificent paintings hang alongside his personal collection of works by notable friends like Picasso. Bravo's technical mastery is on full display in the life-like portraits and still-life paintings that earned him fame.
While entry to the palace itself requires a ticket, visitors can freely stroll through the sprawling gardens and grounds. A network of reflecting pools, fountains and flower-lined pathways unfolds across the property. In the heat of summer, guests can take refuge in the breezy pavilion overlooking the central man-made lake while being served traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Visit the Oasis of Tioute
Just 30 kilometres south of Taroudant is the oasis of Tioute, which can easily be visited during a day trip from Agadir. This enchanting palm grove provides respite from the searing heat of a Moroccan summer, offering cooling shade and fresh irrigation canals that crisscross the bountiful crops growing here.
At the heart of the oasis stands a magnificent kasbah, or fortified palace, dating back to the 16th century Saâdian rule. Beyond the oasis, the landscape transforms into mineral-hued hills dotted with small villages perched precariously along the ridge tops. A visit to the Oasis of Tioute offers a chance to connect with the countryside and Morocco’s rural culture.
Travel guide to Taroudant
How to get to Taroudant
By car
Taroudant is located around 80 kilometres from Agadir, with the journey taking 1.5 hours. From central Agadir, simply drive towards Agadir Al-Massira International Airport and keep on going! Private transfers from Agadir to Taroudant are also available.
If you’re coming from Marrakech, it’s a 3.5-hour drive to Taroudant.
To learn more about driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here. I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
By bus
CTM runs daily buses from Agadir to Taroudant that leave in the morning and continue on to Ouarzazate. If you’re coming from Marrakech, you’ll need to change buses in Agadir to reach Taroudant.
By grand taxi
Grand taxis frequently travel between Agadir and Taroudant and depart once full. If you’re coming from Marrakech, grand taxis also make the journey, although you may have to wait longer for them to fill as it’s not a popular route amongst locals.
Best places to stay in Taroudant
Dar al Hossoun $$$
Best luxury hotel in Taroudant
Set amidst fertile farmland just beyond the ramparts, this luxury Taroudant hotel is an elegant sanctuary that pays homage to traditional Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. It has been meticulously constructed using natural materials like wood, clay and stone to create a contemporary oasis with a respectful nod to the past.
Beyond the buildings, acclaimed landscape architects Eric Ossart and Arnaud Maurières designed the estate's contemporary gardens, which have been featured in numerous magazines. Winding gravel pathways meander through lush groves of citrus trees and beds of indigenous plants chosen to evoke Morocco’s diverse landscapes. For a luxury stay in Taroudant, Dar al Hossoun is your best choice!
“The grounds are so pretty and the food is five stars.” - Bina (read more reviews here)
Dar Zahia $$
Best affordable hotel in Taroudant medina
Hidden within Taroudant's historic medina, Dar Zahia is an oasis of Amazigh-inspired tranquility and receives rave reviews from guests. Just a short stroll from the bustling souks, this mid-range Taroudant hotel exudes an aura of relaxed elegance with its neutral colour palette and open-air patios.
Step inside and you'll find airy rooms accented by handcrafted furnishings and textiles in soothing earth tones. Wake up each morning to the aroma of mint tea and freshly baked bread, then head up to the rooftop terrace to savour a hearty breakfast under the shade of date palms and grape vines.
“If we ever return to Taroudant, we wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else!” - George (read more reviews here)
Best boutique riad in Taroudant medina
Stepping through the large wooden doors of this boutique Taroudant riad and into its inner courtyard will immediately transport you into a world of calm . An ornate mosaic fountain burbles gently in the centre of the courtyard while intricate zellige tilework in shades of blue, green and white adorn the walls.
The riad's eight guest rooms open onto the courtyard, each one uniquely decorated with hand-carved wooden furnishings and colourful textiles. Mornings begin with an ample breakfast spread on the rooftop terrace featuring Moroccan specialties, fresh fruits and pancakes. In the evenings, guests can relax by the outdoor fireplace or request a home-cooked Moroccan meal.
“My best stay so far in Morocco.” - Oliver (read more reviews here)
Best budget riad in Taroudant
Built in a traditional style around an open-air courtyard, this colourfully decorated riad is a great choice for a budget stay in Taroudant. Upstairs, the seven guest rooms are an inviting escape, lovingly furnished with handcrafted wooden pieces and Amazigh rugs.
Beyond the rooms, Riad Amnay features common spaces for relaxing and socialising, plus a long dining table where home-cooked Moroccan meals are served. Its location in the medina also makes it easy to step back out and sample the city's bustling energy, with restaurants, shops and historic attractions mere steps from the front door.
"A perfect place to spend a few days in Taroudant.” - Sheila (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Taroudant
Dar Les Dattiers offers a tranquil oasis for weary travellers and is another affordable place to stay in Taroudant. Upon entering through an arched doorway, guests are greeted by a serene inner courtyard surrounded by sunny rooms with views of the lush gardens.
After a day exploring the souks and winding alleys of the medina, you can relax poolside on the sunny terrace or curl up with a book next to the crackling outdoor fireplace. Hosts Hassan, Mahjoub and Chadia receive praise from previous guests for their hospitality and will ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable.
"A perfect place for a longer stay - peace and quiet, a wonderful garden.” - Anna (read more reviews here)
Is Taroudant worth visiting?
Best time to visit Taroudant
The spring months of March through May are one of the best times to visit Taroudant, with daytime highs hovering comfortably in the mid-20s Celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit). The sunny skies and low humidity make this an ideal time to explore Taroudant's winding medina, as well as embark on day trips into the Souss Valley.
If you struggle with the heat, then the summer months of June, July and August are best avoided when the average high temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) nearly every day. Autumn heralds in pleasantly cooler weather, although intermittent showers can put a damper on outdoor excursions and activities. While winter nights can get chilly, Taroudant is relatively quiet outside of the Christmas/New Year holiday period and this is a great time to visit if you want the medina largely to yourself.
Is Taroudant worth visiting?
If you're based in Agadir or looking for a quieter alternative to Marrakech, then I think Taroudant is worth visiting. This relaxed market town is picturesque, surrounded by the peaks of the High and Anti Atlas mountain ranges, and framed by remarkably well-preserved walls. Unlike many other tourist-saturated cities in Morocco, Taroudant has managed to maintain its authenticity and, for me, that is a big part of its appeal. It may not have any big-ticket attractions but if you're into wandering at your leisure and chatting with friendly locals, then Taroudant will tick all the right boxes.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.