Southern Morocco Morocco



Southern Morocco consists of the Anti Atlas and South Atlantic Coast regions. The Anti Atlas is the furthermost part of Morocco where you'll find ancient cities and launch points into the Sahara. This region is far more traditional than others, and therefore out of respect, modest dress is suggested. The South Atlantic Coast is home to some of the most popular and gorgeous beaches in all of Morocco and has an overall laid back vibe.

The climate in the South Atlantic Coast is quite comfortable throughout the year, with summers staying around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and winters in the low 60's. The best months for swimming are July and August, be prepared for crowded beaches though. The Anti Atlas boarders both the Sahara and the Atlantic coast, meaning the western side of the region tends to stay in the 60's throughout the year. While the eastern, Saharan side, of the region can reach the high 80's in the summer and low 60's in the winter.
Sights
In the city of Taroudannt, you'll find a medium sized market town, often considered a smaller version of Marrakech. Spend the day exploring the stalls filled with local produce and beautiful handcrafted goods. For a great alternative to the beaches on the South Atlantic Coast, head to the city of Imouzzer, a small Berber village. Immouzzer is famous for their beautiful waterfalls nestled on a steep mountain with stunning views that are well worth the difficult climb.

Agadir has a few museums, including the unnamed museum on the corner of Avenue des F.A.R. and Avenue President Kennedy which displays exhibits focusing on the earthquake that struck the city in 1960. The hidden gem is at the end of the museum where you'll find Jardin Olhao, a garden complete with a cafe and a children's playground.
Neighborhoods
There are few large cities in these regions, with Agadir in the South Atlantic Coast being the largest and most populous. Agadir is a large resort city on the coast with a wide stretch of beaches and plenty of surfing. North of Agadir is the city of Imouzzer, best known for being home to stunning waterfalls located on the city's edge. The city of Aourir is a small Berber town which has some of the most authentic Moroccan goods instead of the usual tourist knick knacks and delicious produce, especially bananas and avocados.

Tamraght is a small beach town known as a summer home for many Europeans primarily due to their beautiful beaches. Taroudannt is a market town, often called mini Marrakech because of their large markets, where you'll find many goods made from their famous limestone and marble. The city of Tarfaya is a port city best known for being where Antoine de Saint Exupery, author of The Little Prince, was stationed in 1929.
Activities
The most popular activity in Southern Morocco is a day at the beach! There are plenty of areas where you can enjoy everything from surfing, to swimming, and even camel rides on the beach. Expect to pay a small fee for beach chairs and do not walk around town in swimwear, save bikinis and swim trunks for the beach only. Agadir is a great place to enjoy the beaches then head into town to explore the vast souk (market) to pick up some authentic Moroccan souvenirs.

Head to Immouzzer for a strenuous hike up the mountain which rewards you with stunning, panoramic views, and gorgeous waterfalls. If you prefer not to hike, you can take a donkey ride to the waterfalls. In Taroudannt, take an afternoon walk through the sculpture park then at dusk, go on a caliche ride around the walls and through the town to see the fountains alight.
Food and Dining
The majority of food options in Southern Morocco are that of traditional Moroccan food and pastries. Seafood is very popular here; a must try is the Tarfaya specialty, squid and seafood kebab. In larger cities, like Agadir, you'll find less traditional food like pizza and even international fast food restaurants. Keep in mind that the vast majority of Moroccans do not drink alcohol, although it is sold to tourists. If you do plan to go out for a drink, stick to the bars attached to the hotels as city bars tend to be on the seedier side and have a reputation for attracting prostitutes.
Transportation
The best option for getting into most of the cities is by bus, especially with the smaller villages in the Anti Atlas. Agadir has the only international airport in the region, making it a major transportation hub. You can take grand taxis from city to city, which are shared taxis, be sure to set a price beforehand.

The cities are all fairly small enough to travel on foot or by local bus. Local buses can become quite crowded though and are privy to pickpockets. Petit taxis, which are only allowed to drive within city limits, are often available. Like grand taxis, you should agree on a price before getting in or ask them to turn on the taximeter.


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