An hour from Agadir, at the end of a road that leaves the ocean to climb into the foothills of the High Atlas, a river has carved clear pools between ochre rocks, palm trees and oleanders. Paradise Valley has a slightly promotional name, but the place deserves it, as long as you go at the right time. Here is how to get there, when to go, what the walk to the natural pools is like and what to know before you swim.
Where Paradise Valley is
The valley lies about 50 kilometres north-east of Agadir, in the Ida Outanane region. From Agadir or Taghazout you follow the coast to Aourir, then head inland on the Imouzzer road, nicknamed the honey road because of the beehives and small stalls selling the region’s thyme and euphorbia honey. The road winds through an increasingly narrow gorge, between red cliffs and palm groves.
Allow about an hour’s drive from Agadir, a little less from Taghazout or Tamraght. There is no practical public transport to the pools: most visitors come on a tour, by private car or in a grand taxi hired for the day.
The walk to the natural pools
You leave the car by the road, then a path drops down to the river and follows it upstream between the rocks. The walk takes 20 to 30 minutes and is not difficult, but the ground is uneven: a few stretches over smooth slabs, loose stones and sometimes a ford to cross.
At the end you find a series of emerald-green pools of varying depth, surrounded by flat rocks where people settle for the day. A few makeshift cafés, with mats and cushions in the shade, serve tea, juice and tagines. Further up, quieter pools await those who keep walking.
Swimming: what you need to know
Swimming is the main attraction of the valley, and it is genuinely pleasant from May to October. A few common-sense rules that our drivers repeat on every trip:
- There are no lifeguards and no rescue services on site. Children must be watched by an adult at all times.
- Jumping from the rocks is popular, but the depth of the pools changes from one season to the next. Always check before you jump, and never jump where you have not seen someone swim.
- Wet rocks are slippery: good walking sandals or water shoes prevent most injuries.
- After heavy rain, the river can rise very quickly. We do not schedule the valley on stormy days or just after.
When to go
| Period | Water | Crowds | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| March to May | Plentiful, cool | Moderate | The best season, green landscape |
| June to September | Pleasant for swimming | Heavy at weekends | Ideal on weekdays, start early |
| October and November | Lower | Light | Quiet, lovely light |
| December to February | Cold, sometimes cloudy | Light | A walk rather than a swim |
The water level depends on winter rainfall. After a dry year some pools are low by summer: your driver will tell you what to expect.
Respecting the place
The valley runs through villages where Berber families live. Cover up while walking on the path and keep swimwear for the pools themselves. Take your rubbish home: there is no collection, and the place suffers from its popularity. Finally, buy your tea or honey from local people: it is an important part of their income.
Making a day of it
Paradise Valley combines well with other stops in the area:
- Taghazout, the surf village, for the late afternoon by the ocean and a sunset from the beach. This is the format of our tour.
- Imouzzer Ida Outanane, half an hour further up, with its waterfalls. Note that they are often dry outside winter and spring.
- A honey stop on the road, at a beekeeper’s, to taste the different mountain honeys.
For an overview of the possible outings, our guide to day trips around Agadir and Taghazout compares Paradise Valley with Tafraout, Essaouira and the coast. And if you prefer the mountains, the trip to Tafraout and the Ammeln Valley shows a completely different Anti-Atlas landscape.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and covering clothes for the path.
- Walking sandals or water shoes.
- Sunscreen, a hat and at least a litre and a half of water per person.
- A dry bag for your phone and papers.
- Cash for the cafés, parking and honey.
From a cruise ship?
The trip fits into half a day if you go straight there and back, which can work for a fairly long port call. Our article on Agadir cruise port calls explains how to plan your time ashore without risking missing the ship.
Booking
Our Taghazout and Paradise Valley trip leaves Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght around 9.30 am, with pick-up at your hotel, about four hours in the valley, then the afternoon in Taghazout and a return around 5 pm. Lunch is taken locally, in a café in the valley or facing the ocean. If you have just landed, our Agadir airport transfer takes you straight to where you are staying on the coast.
