From Agadir to Essaouira it is about 175 km, or 2 hours 45 minutes of non-stop driving on the N1, which follows the Atlantic for the first half of the journey and then crosses the argan forest. It is one of the most beautiful drives in southern Morocco, and it is a shame to do it in one go: with three or four well-chosen stops, allow four to five hours instead. Here is the road kilometre by kilometre, the stops that are worth it, and the transport options, from the bus to a private transfer.
The road, stage by stage
Agadir to Taghazout (20 km)
You leave Agadir through Anza, then pass Aourir, nicknamed “Banana Village” for its roadside stalls of small local bananas. Tamraght and Taghazout come next, with their surf spots and cafés facing the waves. If you are staying in Taghazout or Tamraght, the journey starts here and takes about twenty minutes less.
Taghazout to Cap Ghir (20 km)
The road climbs above the cliffs, with one viewpoint after another over the ocean and the empty beaches below. The Cap Ghir lighthouse marks the spot where the Atlas meets the Atlantic; there is not much to visit, but the view is worth a five-minute stop.
Cap Ghir to Tamri (20 km)
Tamri is a farming village at the mouth of a river, with banana plantations and a lagoon. The area between the cape and the village is one of the last wild refuges of the northern bald ibis, a rare bird that birdwatchers come to see. For most travellers, it is mainly a good place to stop and buy fruit.
Tamri to Imsouane (30 km, plus a 10 km detour)
Imsouane is a fishing village that became famous among surfers for its long right-hand wave, one of the longest in Morocco and ideal for learning or improving on a longboard. Even if you do not surf, the harbour, the blue boats and grilled fish at lunchtime make it the perfect lunch stop. The detour from the N1 takes about twenty minutes there and back.
Imsouane to Tamanar and Essaouira (85 km)
After Imsouane the road leaves the coast and enters the argan forest. Around Tamanar and Smimou, women’s cooperatives produce argan oil and welcome visitors for a demonstration. This is also the stretch where you see the famous goats perched in argan trees.
Shortly before Essaouira, a road branches off to Sidi Kaouki, a surfing and kitesurfing village about fifteen minutes from town, if you are staying there.
The stops at a glance
| Stop | Distance from Agadir | Suggested time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aourir and its bananas | 15 km | 10 min | Everyone |
| Taghazout | 20 km | 20 to 30 min | A coffee facing the waves |
| Cap Ghir | 40 km | 5 to 10 min | Photographers |
| Tamri | 60 km | 10 min | Fruit, birds |
| Imsouane | 90 km plus the detour | 1 to 1.5 hours | Lunch, surfing |
| Argan cooperative | 120 to 140 km | 30 min | The curious, shopping |
Transport options
The bus
CTM and Supratours link the two cities in about three and a half hours, for around ten euros per person. It is simple and comfortable for a solo traveller or a couple travelling light. The limits: no stops on the way, fixed times, and arrival at Essaouira bus station, from where you walk or take a petit taxi to your riad. Our article on CTM and Supratours buses explains how they work.
The grand taxi
Possible, but rarely direct: you often have to change vehicles on the way and negotiate each leg. With suitcases it quickly becomes tiresome.
Private transfer
The driver picks you up from your hotel in Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght and drops you as close as possible to your riad in Essaouira. You choose your stops: Imsouane for lunch, an argan cooperative, a coffee in Taghazout.
- Premium SUV, up to 3 people: €100.
- Mercedes Vito, up to 7 people: €110.
- Mercedes Sprinter, 8 to 16 people: €170.
The Agadir to Essaouira private transfer is booked at a fixed price per vehicle. With four people, that is under €30 each, with the coast road as a bonus.
Arriving in Essaouira
Cars cannot enter the medina. Your driver stops at one of the gates, often near the harbour or Bab Sbaa depending on where your riad is, and porters with handcarts take your luggage to the door for a few dirhams. Let your riad know your arrival time: many send someone to meet you.
One more thing: Essaouira is the windy city. Especially from April to September, the trade wind blows hard in the afternoon. Bring a jacket, even when it is 30°C in Agadir.
The other way round
The Essaouira to Agadir journey works exactly the same way, with the stops in reverse order. It combines well with a flight home from Agadir airport: allow about thirty extra minutes to reach the airport, south of the city. For the rest of your stay, the Agadir airport transfer and our article on day trips around Agadir and Taghazout may help.
In short
- 175 km, 2 hours 45 non-stop, four to five hours with stops.
- Imsouane for lunch, an argan cooperative, and Taghazout for a coffee.
- The bus for tight budgets, a private transfer for stops and door-to-door service.
- A jacket is essential in Essaouira in the afternoon, even in summer.
