Atlantic coast, north of Agadir

Timlaline Dunes

Golden dunes running straight into the Atlantic, with canyons behind them and one of the best sunsets on this coast.

Length: Full day
Time out: About 8 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
From Agadir: 65 km
Drive time: 1h20
Best time: All year round
Phone signal: Phone signal available

North of Agadir there is a stretch of coast where the desert does not stop at the sea — it arrives at it. Golden dunes come down to the Atlantic, with canyons cut into the valley behind and rock formations along the shore.

It is a strange and very good place to be, and it is worth giving it the whole day. The light does most of the work: in the late afternoon the sand goes through half a dozen colours and then the sun drops into the ocean in front of you. We plan the day so you are still there for that.

The area sits beside a protected zone for the northern bald ibis, one of the rarest birds in the world, and there are small fishing villages along the coast. There is plenty to do — quad, sandboarding, camels, horses, a walk of one to four hours — or you can do very little, which is also a legitimate plan.

What makes it special

Dunes that run right down to the Atlantic
Canyons in the valley behind the beach, unlike anything else on this coast
Panoramic views over the ocean
Unusual rock formations
A protected area for the endangered northern bald ibis
Small working fishing villages

What you can do here

Quad biking
Sandboarding
Walking, from one hour to four, as you prefer
Visiting the canyons
Camel riding
Horse riding
Sitting round a fire the traditional way
Eating a local meal
Watching the sun go down over the Atlantic
Camping overnight in tents

Everything here is included in the day if you want it, and nothing is compulsory. Tell us in advance what you are hoping for and we will plan around it.

When to come

Good all year round. The only thing that stops us is strong wind, and we will tell you in advance if the forecast looks bad.

What to bring

Enough water
Comfortable clothes — or desert dress if you want the photographs
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
A layer for the wind, which picks up near the water

Good to know

This coast gets windy. On very windy days we will suggest moving the trip rather than spending it being sandblasted.
The bald ibis is endangered and this is a protected area. If we see them, we keep our distance and do not follow them.
Mobile signal and internet are available here.

Half day or full day

Ait Lahcen Waterfalls

Waterfalls, pools and a palm oasis an hour from Agadir — with an optional climb to a 1 160 m summit looking back at the coast.

Distance from Agadir: 32 km
Drive time: 1h
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Private tripAsk for a price

Half day

Ait Chleuh Valley

A green valley in the Ida Outanane mountains with water running all year, reached on foot through an old Amazigh village.

Distance from Agadir: 43 km
Drive time: 1h15
Difficulty: Easy