Essaouira & Souss Valley

If your destination is the beach, head south along the Atlantic coast. The coastal town of Essaouira has earned admirers for its white-washed walls and laid-back hippy vibe; and Oualidia is a tiny fishing village famed for its oysters. At the other end of the spectrum, southern Morocco's principle port and premier resort is Agadir, a sun and sand destination that caters to package tourists. Inland, the Souss Valley offers some of the country's most exciting birdwatching opportunities, especially in the Souss-Massa National Park. The region's Berber capital is Taroundannt, a traditional town surrounded by red-mud walls and back by the ...

If your destination is the beach, head south along the Atlantic coast. The coastal town of Essaouira has earned admirers for its white-washed walls and laid-back hippy vibe; and Oualidia is a tiny fishing village famed for its oysters. At the other end of the spectrum, southern Morocco's principle port and premier resort is Agadir, a sun and sand destination that caters to package tourists. Inland, the Souss Valley offers some of the country's most exciting birdwatching opportunities, especially in the Souss-Massa National Park. The region's Berber capital is Taroundannt, a traditional town surrounded by red-mud walls and back by the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. This is the starting point for hikes to the flower-filled fields of the Tichka Plateau or the volcanic landscape of the Jebel Siroua.

About the Expert

Mara Vorhees has written or contributed to many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including Brazil and Morocco.