Situated in the western part of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Tiznit is an atmospheric town that remains well off Morocco’s beaten tourist track. It was founded in 1881 by Sultan Hassan I and has garnered a reputation for its high-quality gold and silver handicrafts. For my husband and I, Tiznit holds special significance as it was here that we bought our engagement rings!
Tiznit is historically significant as the birthplace of the Almoravid dynasty, which ruled Morocco during the 11th and 12th centuries. It served as a military stronghold during campaigns that sought to control the Amazigh inhabitants of the Sous River region. After its medina was established in the late 19th century, Jewish silversmiths settled in the area.
Ringed by fortified walls, Tiznit now serves as a bustling market town, with farmers and pastoralists selling their goods in the local souks. The iron deposits in the surrounding mountains have enabled Tiznit’s artisan industries to flourish, with everything from jewellery to inlaid daggers crafted here.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Tiznit, discover everything you need to know about visiting the town, including things to see and do, how to get there and the best places to stay.
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Things to do in Tiznit
Explore the medina and jewellery souk
Begin your visit by strolling through the medina, which is ringed by a wall containing five significant gates: Bab Aglou, Bab el Khemis, Bab Targa, Bab el Maader and Bab Oulad Jerrar. Influenced by the Alawite tradition, these gates bear a striking resemblance to those found in Essaouira.
As you explore the narrow streets, be sure to visit the jewellery souk to watch its skilled silversmiths in action. It holds a special place in my heart as this is where we bought our wedding rings! As you wander between its columns and courtyards, be sure to admire the souk’s architecture and stop in to visit any workshops that capture your attention.
Visit the “Blue Spring” of Aïn Zerka
One of Tiznit’s most famous landmarks is the “Blue Spring”, a water source that played an important role in Tiznit’s settlement. Also known as Aïn Zerka, it attracted nomadic tribes in the late 19th century, prior to the town’s founding. Today, a garden surrounds the basin, reminiscent of the numerous gardens that flourished here in the early 20th century.
The “Blue Spring” is associated with the story of "Lalla Zninia", a fisherwoman who found strength and redemption at the site. In response, Allah made a crystalline water source spring up at her feet. The tomb of Lalla Zninia can be found near the spring, within the city's oldest mosque.
Admire the Kasbah of Aghanaj
Overlooking the “Blue Spring” is the impressive Kasbah of Aghanaj, named after Caid Mohammed Aghanaj El Hahi (1792 – 1822). Engaged in military activities around Oued Massa, the Caid strategically positioned his troops near Tiznit’s main water source to ensure easy access.
The Kasbah of Aghanaj served various purposes throughout history, including as an administrative prison, a training centre and a municipal park. Enclosed by a large wall with five towers, it remains a central part of Tiznit's community life and has undergone extensive restoration efforts in recent years.
Gaze up at the minaret of the Great Mosque
While the Great Mosque of Tiznit isn’t accessible to non-Muslims, its unusual minaret can be admired from outside. It features protruding wooden sticks reminiscent of mosques found in the Sahel, such as the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu. According to local legend, this is where the souls of the deceased gather, although it’s more likely that the masons who constructed the minaret left them there to aid in climbing and re-plastering the tower.
Outside the Great Mosque is signage in French, Arabic and Tifinagh (a script used to write Amazigh languages) detailing the site’s history.
Relax on Aglou Beach
A 15-kilometre-drive west of Tiznit will take you to Aglou, a charming fishing village surrounded by white sandy beaches and impressive dunes. It provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience, with a range of beachside amenities and a scenic corniche that’s perfect for leisurely strolls.
In the summer months, you can rent an umbrella and sun loungers to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, with more local families than tourists frequenting the area. Aside from being a desirable beach location, Aglou is a popular surfing destination throughout the year.
Birdwatch in the Oued Massa Nature Reserve
Tiznit makes an ideal base for visiting the Oued Massa Nature Reserve, an ecologically diverse protected area around 40 kilometres away. The main attraction of the reserve is the Oued Massa lagoon, which is protected due to its abundant plant life and diverse bird species. One of the notable species found in this area is the northern bald ibis, which has a breeding colony within the reserve.
Aside from exploring the Oued Massa Nature Reserve with the help of a local guide, you can visit the nearby Souss Massa National Park. It provides a habitat for dama gazelle, scimitar oryx and white antelopes, as well as the recently reintroduced North African ostrich.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Tiznit
How to get to Tiznit
By car
Tiznit is just under 100 kilometres from Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours. For more information about visiting Agadir, including things to do and places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Agadir.
If you’re looking to rent a car in Morocco, I recommend Discover Cars, which compares deals from over 500 suppliers. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
Private transfers from Agadir to Tiznit are also readily available.
By bus
CTM buses travel to Tiznit from both Agadir and Marrakech, offering a comfortable experience accompanied by magnificent views across the Moroccan countryside.
By grand taxi
Grand taxis also make the journey from Agadir to Tiznit and leave once full. They depart from the taxi parking area behind the Bab Doukala bus station.
By tour
Tiznit is a popular day trip destination from Agadir, with several tours available. I highly recommend this Tafraoute and Tiznit private tour, which offers a wonderful full-day experience in the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Tiznit
Best places to stay in Tiznit
Best Tiznit hotel for families
Located just a stone’s throw from the souk, this mid-range Tiznit hotel is a great choice for families with its triple and quadruple rooms. Each room at Maison du Soleil showcases traditional architecture, complete with wrought-iron beds and soothing colour schemes. While some have private bathrooms, the more affordable rooms have shared facilities.
"The place is absolutely amazing, especially with a wonderful staff that makes it even more amazing.” - Abdelkebir (read more reviews here)
Best Tiznit hotel with pool
Situated within the city's historic walls, this beautiful Tiznit riad features a charming garden with a courtyard terrace. Guests can unwind on the sunbeds by the outdoor pool or admire the medina views from the rooftop sun terrace. Each of the air-conditioned rooms is adorned with traditional Moroccan decor and comes complete with an ensuite bathroom.
"Beautiful accommodation within walking distance of the centre. Very friendly staff. Beautiful and comfortable rooms. Great pool.” - Jiri (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Tiznit
With its affordable rooms (some with private bathrooms), this cheap hotel in Tiznit is great for a budget stay. It receives rave reviews for the friendliness of its staff, as well as the quality of the tagines served at the onsite restaurant. Riad Assriir features a traditionally decorated lounge where you can socialise with other guests or relax with a book from the well-stocked library.
"I liked everything here, the breakfast, the staff who helped me a lot, the location, especially the dinner tajine.” - Bernard (read more reviews here)
Ultimate Travel Guide to Tiznit
Best time to visit Tiznit
Tiznit is most enjoyable to visit in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, as the weather is pleasant and mild. While the summer months can be extremely hot, the winter months can be quite chilly, especially at night.
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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.