Things to Do Around Taghazout When You’re Not Surfing

Paradise Valley, inland from the coast, is known for palm trees, rock pools and a river that cuts through the landscape. It is a popular day trip for swimming and walking, and it is worth asking locally about the best time to visit and how to get there safely.

Souss-Massa National Park, south of Agadir, protects a mix of coast, dunes and wetlands and is known for birdlife, including the northern bald ibis. A visit can be a calm contrast to the lineup.

Agadir is the region’s largest city, with a long beach promenade, a marina and the big Souk El Had market, where you can find spices, argan products, pottery and everyday goods. A hilltop kasbah above the city offers views over the bay.

Taroudant, a walled town inland, has a more traditional feel and is often a day trip for visitors who want to see a market town away from the coast. Essaouira, farther up the Atlantic coast, is a longer outing and is often visited for its whitewashed medina and harbour.

In any market, take your time. Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in many souks, and it works best when it is friendly and unhurried. Ask before photographing people or their stalls, and carry small notes so that change is never a problem.

If you want to stay active without surfing, there is plenty to try. Horse riding along the beach, quad biking through the dunes and sandboarding down sand slopes are popular day activities in the region.

As with any adventure activity, choose a reputable operator, ask about safety equipment and group sizes, and check that the activity fits your experience and fitness. Respect the environment and stay on marked tracks.

Start early. Mornings are cooler, roads are quieter and the light is better for walking and photographs. Carry water, sun protection and a light layer, and wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground, especially in gorges and old towns.

Think about how you will get there and back. Some visitors join organised tours, while others arrange a driver for the day; whichever you choose, agree the plan and the price beforehand, and ask your accommodation for suggestions. Make sure you know when the last return trip leaves.

Respect the places you visit. Dress modestly in towns and villages, take your rubbish with you and follow local guidance in protected areas and around wildlife.

Moroccan food is one of the great pleasures of a trip. Look out for tagines, fresh grilled fish near the coast, salads and plenty of mint tea. Try the local specialities and ask what is in season.

Evenings by the sea tend to be unhurried. Watch the sun go down, share a table and let the day settle before the next session.

A surf trip is more than waves. Rest days, markets, mountains and meals are what turn a week by the ocean into a memory. Leave room in your plans for both, and the coast will take care of the rest.