Souk El Had, argan, Amazigh ta…
Discovery
souss-massaargantaginetafraouttaroudantpatrimoine
Souk El Had, argan, Amazigh tagine: hidden treasures of the Souss-Massa region
GadiWaze March 3, 2026 7 min
Agadir's Souk El Had
Considered one of the largest souks in Morocco with more than 6,000 shops and stalls, Agadir's Souk El Had (Sunday souk) offers total immersion in local life. Spices, leather, fabrics, Amazigh crafts, fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, babouches... everything is here. Open Sunday to Friday, it is at its peak on Sunday morning from 7am.
The real Agadir is not on the beach. It is at Souk El Had.
Liquid gold: argan oil
The argan tree only grows in south-west Morocco — you are at the heart of the region. Argan oil is produced by women's cooperatives using artisanal methods passed down through generations. Distinguish clearly:
- Culinary argan — roasted seeds, intense hazelnut flavour. Drizzled on couscous, salads, and used in amlou.
- Cosmetic argan — unroasted seeds, golden colour. For skin and hair.
Buy directly from a cooperative to guarantee authenticity and support the women producers.
Taroudant: the little Marrakech
1.5 hours south of Agadir, Taroudant is a medieval city surrounded by well-preserved ochre ramparts. Unlike Marrakech, it sees few tourists: the souks are authentic, prices are local, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Visit Place Assarag for morning coffee and the Berber souk for silver jewellery.
Tafraout and the Almond Blossom Moussem
2.5 hours from Agadir in the Anti-Atlas, Tafraout is a village surrounded by spectacular pink rocks. In February-March, the almond trees in blossom create a landscape worthy of the finest paintings. The Almond Blossom Moussem attracts thousands of visitors each year. The painted rocks (the work of a Belgian artist in the 1980s) add a surrealist touch to the landscape.
Igoudars: fortified collective granaries
Unique to the region, igoudars (plural of agadir in Tamazight) are fortified collective stone granaries, perched on the heights of villages to protect food and valuables. Some date back to the 10th century. Agadir Id Aïssa and Inouar are among the best preserved — an absolute must-see for understanding Amazigh defensive architecture.
The Amazigh tagine
Different from the tourist tagine found in Agadir's restaurants, the Amazigh tagine is slow-cooked over embers with local seasonal vegetables, dried meat (khlia) or mountain lamb. The best addresses are in mountain villages. Look for restaurants without menus displayed in French or English — that is a good sign.
How to organise your circuit
A 3-day circuit is recommended to cover the essentials:
- Day 1: Agadir (Souk El Had) → Taroudant (overnight)
- Day 2: Taroudant → Tafraout (overnight)
- Day 3: Tafraout → Tiznit (silver market) → return to Agadir via the coast
For the Anti-Atlas, an SUV (Duster or equivalent) is recommended — some tracks to igoudars or natural sites are not tarmacked. Book your car →
GadiWaze
Premium car rental in Agadir, Morocco
