Taroudannt
Africa · Morocco
See also
Agadir
Morocco30.43°N 9.60°W · 74 m
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Taghazout
Morocco30.53°N 9.70°W
Amizmiz
Morocco31.22°N 8.25°W · 1,004 m
Imlil
Morocco31.13°N 7.92°W
Tafraoute
Morocco29.72°N 8.97°W · 995 m
Overview
Taroudannt is a walled market town in Southern Morocco, 72 km inland from Agadir, often called 'little Marrakech' for its similar medina atmosphere. Unlike Marrakech, it remains largely unspoiled by tourist touts.
Languages: Arabic, Berber
Why Go
Taroudannt is a walled market town in Southern Morocco, 72 km inland from Agadir, often called 'little Marrakech' for its similar medina atmosphere. Unlike Marrakech, it remains largely unspoiled by tourist touts. The town is notably conservative and attracts many conservative tourists, particularly from Saudi Arabia.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Taroudannt is located 72 km (45 miles) inland from Agadir. The main transport options are buses and grand taxis connecting to Agadir, Marrakech via the scenic Tizi n'Test mountain pass (2100m elevation), Ouarzazate, and Tafraoute. CTM buses from Agadir stop in Taroudannt on their way to Ouarzazate.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Taroudannt is small enough to explore on foot. Petit taxis (small taxis) operate with fixed prices: 8 dirhams during the day and 10 dirhams at night per person, with no meters. They line up at the bus/grand taxi station, city centre, and near souks, and can be flagged down easily. Bicycle rentals are available for exploring the narrow streets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The pigeon-shooting season ends in mid-August. The town can be visited year-round, though summer months can be hot. When visiting, dress more conservatively than in nearby Agadir due to the town's conservative nature.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
The best budget hotels are found at Place al-Alaouyine (Place Assarag in Berber). Hotel Roudani offers rooms from 50 dirhams for shared facilities during low season, with views over the main square. Dar Randigaba is a B&B outside the city walls offering fast WiFi, breakfast included, and English-speaking owner who arranges tours. Palais Salaam is a converted palace with 100-year-old gardens and two swimming pools.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Restaurants in Taroudannt have been modernized with large interiors at reasonable prices. Recommended restaurants include Complexe Al Kassbah, Restaurant Attadamoun, and Restaurant Coin d'or. For quick bites, Snack Royal offers fast food. Place Assarag has coffeeshops with musical performances, while Place Talmaklat features street vendors selling fresh cold orange juice.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Climb the historic city wall for panoramic views at Bab Targount or Bab Salsla (free). After sunset, visit the three famous fountains outside the city walls: Place 20 Aout, Jardin Brahim Roudani (with large gardens), and Place Bab Lahjar (with new sculpture park). Rent a bicycle to tour the narrow streets, especially in the evening after 18:00. Horse-drawn carriages offer city tours at negotiable low rates.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Taroudannt is more conservative than nearby Agadir. Visitors should dress more conservatively than they might in coastal resort towns. The conservative atmosphere attracts tourists from Saudi Arabia, so modest dress is advised for everyone, especially women.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Marrakech is accessible via the scenic Tizi n'Test pass through the High Atlas (2100m), taking 4½-5 hours by car or requiring grand taxi changes via Oulad Berhil. Agadir has regular buses and shared taxis. Ouarzazate is reached via CTM buses from Agadir that stop in Taroudannt. Tafraoute offers a beautiful drive via a well-maintained road through the Anti-Atlas mountains.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Dar Randigaba
A nice B&B just outside the city walls; fast WiFi and a very good breakfast are included. The owner speaks English very well and will arrange tours for you and cook for/with you upon request.
Recorded price: from €15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Roudani
The rooms are tiny, but most of them overlook the main square and the terrace is a lovely place to observe locals gathered at the square in the evening. Beware, that most rooms don't have wall sockets.
Recorded price: Rate is as low as 50 dirhams for room with shared shower/toilet during low season
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
La Maison Anglaise
The guest house is staffed by experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking staff who offer guests traditional hospitality and authentic food and a wide range of activities that offer an insight into culture and environment in a clean, 9-bedroom guest house, located for visits on foot to places of interest in the town and the wider region of scenic mountains (the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas, the parched range which borders the Sahara), valleys and the Atlantic coastline. Holidays are tailored to visitors interests; special interest group holidays in a subjects as diverse as dancing, art, wildlife, bird watching and yoga amongst others. Special diets catered for.
Recorded price: £25
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Palais Salaam
The old palace has 100-year-old gardens and 2 swimming pools. The rooms off the banana court have a stunning setting. This grand old lady got a little run down but is now gradually being done up by the new owners.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Complexe Al Kassbah
Modern restaurant with large interior offering good-value Moroccan cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurant Attadamoun
Recommended restaurant with modernized interior and reasonable prices.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurant Coin d'or
Popular restaurant offering good meals at reasonable prices in a renovated space.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Snack Royal
Fast food option for quick, affordable meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget hotels cluster around Place al-Alaouyine; rooms from 50 dirhams with shared facilities in low season.
Culture
Conservative town requiring modest dress, more so than Agadir. Many Saudi tourists visit.
Etiquette
Dress conservatively. The town is more traditional than tourist-oriented cities like Marrakech.
Food
Restaurants offer good value with modern interiors. Fresh orange juice at Place Talmaklat street vendors.
Packing
Most Hotel Roudani rooms lack wall sockets; bring a power bank if staying there.
Transport
Petit taxis charge fixed rates: 8 dirhams daytime, 10 dirhams nighttime per person. No meters are used.