Exploring Morocco’s Taroudant: an alternative to Marrakech

As soon as you catch sight of Taroudant’s ring of ancient golden stone walls you can sense this is a special place. The air of faded grandeur hints at its past glories when it was the capital of Morocco for a short time in the 16th century. Today the elegance lingers in this ancient town, in the principal streets and squares of its medina, and its grand fortifications complete with imposing gateways at regular intervals. Taroudant is often called the ‘mini Marrakech’ – and it certainly has the same enticing atmosphere, but it is a far more ‘off the beaten track’ destination.  Enjoy the authentic, bustling souks and encounter the friendly locals without being hassled as you may be in the more popular areas of Marrakech. There is a laid back charm to this Berber market town which for centuries has been the hub of the Souss valley and a key trading post for the crops grown in the fertile valley plains all around. Read on to find out what to do in Morocco’s Taroudant.

1. Follow the walls of Morocco’s Taroudant

Morocco’s Taroudant is entirely surrounded by tall crenellated walls of honeyed stone which have stood for centuries to repel outsiders with conquest on their minds. The walls encircle the entire medina, or old town, and for much of their 7km (four-mile) length remain more or less intact.

Although it isn’t possible to walk on the top of the ramparts apart from at the Bab el Kasbah gate, you can follow the walls on foot or by bike for their entire circumference – best at sunset when the low light makes the stone glow beautifully.

2. Palais Claudio Bravo

Not too far from Taroudant’s walled heart, a 15-minute taxi ride north, you will find the stunning estate of Chilean painter Claudio Bravo. This sumptuous house and grounds is a hotel – museum hybrid, with a handful of truly lovely rooms, inviting pools and glorious grounds to enjoy.

For art enthusiasts the museum holds Bravo’s impressive collection of works, both by his own hand and by several other accomplished artists including Picasso, and guided tours offer a fantastic insight into the life and work of Claudio Bravo as well as the other sculptures, ceramics and artifacts on display. If you do not wish to stay here you can simply visit for the day, perhaps rounding off your exploration of the palace and grounds with a pastry and a coffee at the pavilion cafe.

3. Browse the markets and souks

The two daily souks in Taroudant are both located inside the walled medina to the north and south of the Place en Nasr. The Berber souk is a truly local space, providing for the daily requirements of the people of Taroudant, with stalls selling spices, homewares, fresh produce, clothing and textiles, plus carpets. For an impressive selection of local handicrafts, particularly jewelry from the nearby Anti-Atlas villages, leather goods such as belts, slippers, bags and shoes, and fine carpets, head for the Arab souk.

You can also buy leather goods from the tanneries just outside Bab Targhount gateway – if you can stomach the smell! Every Thursday Taroudant hosts a produce market a short distance outside Bab el Khemis, where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables and sometimes handicrafts direct from the villagers who come into town to buy and sell.

4. Trekking trails

Taroudant’s location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains makes it an ideal base for some hiking in the surrounding unspoiled landscapes. There is great variety here, from the patchwork of farmland which characterizes the Souss valley to the remote crags and oases further afield.

One well-known route is the Paradise Valley trek, which involves a 90-minute journey from Taroudant to reach the start point, from where the trail drops into the gorge and follows the stream in the bottom, where the greenery allows for shade and the scenery is wonderful. This is a good walk for birders as sightings of kingfishers and Bonelli’s eagles are fairly frequent.

The Mentaga Valley is another stunning spot for a walk, with inviting pools for a dip in the gorge section, as well as villages and oases to discover. For longer, multi-day treks around the High Atlas, there are plenty of opportunities which our local experts can help you plan.

5. Place al Alaouyine

The bustling hub of Taroudant’s ancient medina is the busy and agreeable Place al Alaouyine, which is a sleepy plaza by day, but starts to fill up in the late afternoon as the heat of the day subsides and the townspeople come to socialize and take the air. The groups of chaps clustered under the trees in the morning and evening are tradesmen, and locals in the know can tell you which tree hosts plumbers, electricians and so on. Once the sun begins to sink on weekends and holidays the square begins to fill with entertainers – acrobats, storytellers, musicians, herbalists, snake charmers and the like – one of the major similarities with Marrakech although on a smaller and less overwhelming scale.

Practical tips for your visit to Taroudant

When to visit Taroudant

The best time to visit Taroudant is in the cooler months, from October to April. Particularly from March to April and October to November, you’ll find some of the best weather conditions.

In summer, you can expect intense heat that often exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making exploring outdoors more challenging. Winter brings mild temperatures during the day and cooler nights, which is perfect for strolling the souks or taking a day trip, while spring also offers beautiful, blooming landscapes.

If you want an authentic cultural experience, consider visiting Taroudant during Ramadan or Eid. During this time of year, Morocco takes on a special atmosphere with lively celebrations and traditional feasts.

How to get to Taroudant

Most travelers arrive in Taroudant via Agadir, the closest major city. Agadir–Al Massira Airport (AGA) is about an hour’s drive away via a well-maintained highway. From Agadir, you can take a grand taxi (shared long-distance taxi), rely on a private driver, or rent a car for more flexibility. Buses also run from Marrakech, taking about four to five hours. A self-guided road trip from Marrakech offers stunning scenery if you’re up for the adventure, with scenic routes available through the Atlas foothills.

Day trips from Taroudant

While Taroudant has plenty to explore, the surrounding region offers fantastic day trips.

• Agadir: If you want a mix of city, nature and beach, Agadir’s picturesque coastline is just over an hour’s drive away. It’s an excellent destination to enjoy fresh local seafood, as well as more exciting hikes off the beaten path.
• Taliouine: Located about two hours away, this small town is Morocco’s saffron capital. You can tour saffron farms and learn about the spice’s cultivation.
• Tiout Oasis: A lush palm grove with natural springs just 30 minutes away, known for its traditional Berber villages and scenic walking trails.

Make it happen

Make the most of Taroudant’s friendly and authentic vibe as you spend a couple of days getting to know this picturesque town. Let our local experts take the strain out of planning your trip to Taroudant: let them know what you have in mind as you send them a few details about your Morocco trip, and they’ll help craft the perfect tailor-made itinerary.