Taroudant

Surrounded by 5km of intact medieval ramparts and backed by the snow-capped High Atlas, Taroudant is one of Morocco's most complete walled cities and one of its least touristy. Often called 'little Marrakech', it shares the red-ochre earthen architecture but offers a completely genuine, pressure-free experience of Moroccan medina life.

Taroudant was the first capital of the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century, before they moved north to Marrakech. The Saadians launched their conquest of Morocco and West Africa from here. The city's earthen ramparts — among Morocco's best preserved — date to this period. The surrounding Souss Valley has been the breadbasket of southern Morocco for millennia.

The city has two distinct souks: the Arab souk (spices, textiles, hardware) and the Berber souk (silver jewelry, leather, traditional crafts). The surrounding Souss Valley produces Morocco's finest argan oil, saffron, and almonds. Traditional Souss Berber women wear distinctive colorful headscarves and silver jewelry.

• ✓Only 80km from Agadir — easily a day trip, but deserves an overnight.
• ✓Take a calèche circuit of the ramparts — 45 minutes, negotiate price first.
• ✓The morning market (before 9am) is the most authentic.
• ✓Hotel La Gazelle d'Or is one of Morocco's most beautiful historic hotels — worth visiting for lunch even if not staying.

CTM buses and grand taxis from Agadir (1.5h). No train. Driving from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Test pass (4h) is one of Morocco's great mountain drives.