Taroudant is a historic town located in southern Morocco, which is believed to have a similar appearance to Marrakesh, though it’s smaller and less hectic. It is set against a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by well-preserved, reddish-brown walls that give it a fortified, medieval feel. Unlike Marrakesh, it’s less touristy, offering a more authentic experience of Moroccan life.
Taroudant’s history stretches back to ancient times, with its origins likely rooted in a Berber settlement. The town gained prominence in the 11th century during the Almoravid dynasty, which used it as a military base due to its strategic location in the Souss Valley. However, it was during the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century that Taroudant truly flourished. The Saadian sultan, Mohammed ash-Sheikh, transformed the town into a key administrative and military centre. He constructed the impressive city walls and fortifications that still stand today, and Taroudant became a thriving hub of trade and culture, benefiting from its position on important caravan routes linking the Sahara to the Atlantic coast. In the centuries that followed, the town experienced periods of decline, particularly after the capital was moved to Marrakesh. However, Taroudant retained its regional importance, especially as a centre for agricultural production, thanks to the fertile lands surrounding it.
How to get there?
By Air:
The closest major airport to Taroudant is Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA), about 65 kilometres away. You can take a taxi, arrange a private transfer or rent a car from the airport to Taroudant. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
By Bus:
Regular buses run from Agadir to Taroudant and are operated by companies like CTM and Supratours. There are also bus services from Marrakech; the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours.
By Car:
The drive from Agadir to Taroudant is straightforward, and scenic, and takes about 1,5 hours (82 km). From Marrakech, the journey is around 3.5 to 4 hours (270 km).
If you decide to start from Agadir, I recommend using the service of Click’n’Go Car Rental. Amiable guys and easy to contact on WhatsApp. I rented a Renault Clio for the whole month and got a nice price.
By Taxi:
In Morocco, shared taxis also known as ‘grand taxis’ operate on longer routes between cities. You can take one from Agadir or Marrakech directly to Taroudant.
By Train:
There is no direct train service to Taroudant. The nearest train stations are in Marrakech or Agadir, after which you’ll need to take a bus, taxi, or car to reach Taroudant.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Taroudant is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly warm with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 20C and 30C, making it ideal for exploring the town and its surroundings.
Winter (December to February) can also be a good time to visit, as temperatures are cooler, especially in the evenings, but still mild compared to many other destinations.
Summer (June to August) is generally hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35C, which might be uncomfortable for some travellers. However, this is also a low tourist season so you might find fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.
Where to stay?
I stayed in Chambres d’Hôtes les Amis. It is located within walking distance of the city walls and if you have a car, you can park it in the narrow street beside the building. The room was clean and cosy and so was the shared bathroom. A good breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. The only negative point was the weak WIFI signal in the room.
How long to stay there?
One full day is enough to discover the city comfortably and even fit a few hours’ trip out of town to Tiout Kasbah if you feel like it.
How to get around?
The medina is inside impressive city walls and can be easily discovered on foot. To get to Tiout Kasbah, you will need a rental car or negotiate a taxi ride.
What to see in Taroudant?
From my accommodation, the first significant sight I approached when heading towards the city centre was Bab Taryunt, the historical west entrance to Taroudant. A few hundred meters further following Boulevard Mohammed V is Place Assarag. It’s a traditional Moroccan square with mall stalls, preachers, restaurants, and horse and carriage rides. It is said to be a mini version of Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech.
Another square worth mentioning is 20 August Place, located just outside the city wall. You can find there a large area with a fountain in the middle. Nearby is Bab El Kasbah, an impressive city gate.
Constructed by Moulay Ismail, the historic Kasbah section is now a poor but safe residential neighbourhood with narrow streets and low arches leading to small squares and dead ends. Kasbah Garden was created by Hotel Palais Salam but it seems not to be maintained anymore.
I went for a stroll in Brahim Roudani Garden and checked out Fontaine Passage Palmeraie. Nice and relaxing spot, but the fountains don’t seem to be working for a while.
All in all, the best that Taroudant has to offer is its walls. Walking along them, admiring magnificent city gates, having a mint tea at one of the cafes and simply observing local life going on will make for a worthy day in town.
What to see around Taroudant?
Tiout Kasbah
Standing atop a hill, this majestic kasbah is a remnant of the Saadian period (16th century). At the base of the Kasbah is the genuine maze-like palm forest. You can stroll among orange, pomegranate, carob, and more than 20,000 palm trees as you follow the irrigation canals. As soon as you arrive, you will be offered guided tours or donkey rides. Some guides are very persistent! There is also a panoramic restaurant serving traditional Berber dishes. The Kasbah is located 30 km from Taroudant on the route to Tata.
