Paradise Valley Excursions

Inland from Agadir, the road climbs into the foothills of the western High Atlas, the homeland of the Ida Ou Tanane. Here a river has carved Paradise Valley: towering cliffs, palm groves and natural rock pools of green-blue water. It lies on the road towards Imouzzer Ida Outanane, roughly an hour from Agadir, along a route locals call the Honey Road.

Highlights

• Palm-lined gorge — walk between red rock walls and thick palm groves.
• Natural rock pools — a chance to swim or cool your feet — water levels depend on recent rainfall.
• The Honey Road — the Imouzzer area is known for its beekeeping and honey.
• Amazigh villages — small villages and terraced fields along the way.
• Mountain air — a change of scene and temperature from the coast.

What to expect

After the drive into the hills, a walk of around a quarter of an hour on uneven paths usually leads down to the first pools. There is time to swim, picnic or simply sit in the shade of the palms, then return along the same paths.

Paradise Valley is a natural site, not a park. After dry periods the pools can be low; after heavy rain, paths may be muddy or closed. We give you an honest picture of conditions when you write.

Where it is

Paradise Valley lies north-east of Agadir in the Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane prefecture, on the winding road that climbs from the coast near Aourir towards Imouzzer Ida Outanane, a mountain village known for its waterfalls and honey.

Good to know