Some transfers are simply a way to get somewhere. The road from Essaouira to Agadir is different: for most of its length it runs between the argan-covered hills and the Atlantic, with surf villages, fishing ports and viewpoints that make you want to stop every twenty minutes. If you are travelling down the coast, it is worth giving this drive a little time.
Here is how the journey works and where to pause along the way.
Essaouira to Agadir: distance and driving time
The two towns are about 175 km apart along the N1 coastal road. Without stops, the drive takes about 2 h 30 to 3 hours, depending on traffic when entering Agadir and on the trucks you meet on the hills. With two or three stops for photos, a coffee and a stroll, plan on half a day.
The road is paved and in good condition, but it is a two-lane road with bends and climbs, not a motorway. It is perfectly comfortable with an experienced driver — and much more enjoyable when you can look at the view instead of the road.
The route, stop by stop
Leaving Essaouira: the argan forest
South of Essaouira, the road climbs gently into the argan forest that covers the whole region. Women's cooperatives line the way, and this is the easiest place to stop and watch argan oil being made by hand — our argan cooperative guide explains what to expect. On the way you also pass the turn-off to Sidi Kaouki, the wild beach we describe in our Sidi Kaouki day trip guide.
Tamanar and the hills
Around Tamanar, the landscape becomes drier and wider, with small villages and goats grazing under the trees. It is a peaceful, open stretch where the road stays inland for a while.
Imsouane: the detour surfers love
About halfway, a side road leads down to Imsouane, a fishing village in a sheltered bay famous for one of the longest waves in Morocco. Even if you do not surf, the port, the blue boats and a grilled-fish lunch make it a lovely stop. Read our Imsouane guide — or, if you want to stay a few nights, book our direct Essaouira to Imsouane transfer.
Tamri and its bananas
Back on the coast road, the village of Tamri is known for its small, sweet bananas, grown in the valley and sold at stalls along the road. Buy a bunch for the car — they taste nothing like supermarket bananas.
Cap Ghir
The road then climbs over Cap Ghir, a headland with a lighthouse where the Atlas meets the ocean. The views back along the cliffs are spectacular on a clear day.
Taghazout, Tamraght and Aourir
The last half hour is the surf coast: Taghazout, Tamraght and Aourir, with their point breaks, surf camps and cafés overlooking the waves. If you are staying here rather than in Agadir, we can drop you on the way. Our Taghazout guide shows what the village is like today.
How to travel from Essaouira to Agadir
By bus
CTM and Supratours run coaches between the two towns every day. They are cheap and comfortable, but you depend on their timetable, need a taxi at each end and cannot stop along the way — the coast becomes a view through the window.
By private transfer
A private transfer collects you at your riad or hotel in Essaouira — or at the gate nearest to it, as cars cannot enter the medina lanes — and drops you at your exact address. Short stops are easy to add: a cooperative, the bananas of Tamri, the viewpoint at Cap Ghir.
At the time of writing, our Essaouira to Agadir transfer costs €100 per vehicle for up to four passengers, €120 for a van for up to seven and €150 for a minibus for up to seventeen. Flying home from the south? Our Essaouira to Agadir airport transfer costs the same and is timed around your flight.
Where to go once you arrive
- Agadir — a long beach, a lively promenade, the marina and the kasbah on the hill. See our Agadir travel guide.
- Paradise Valley — a palm-filled gorge with natural pools in the hills behind Aourir, a favourite half-day escape.
- Back to Marrakech — the motorway takes about three hours; our Marrakech to Agadir guide covers that route.
Tips for the coast road
- Leave in the morning to enjoy the light and to arrive before the evening traffic in Agadir.
- Bring a jacket. The coast is breezy and can be cool, even when the sun is out.
- Tell us about boards. Surfboards travel easily when we know in advance and plan the right vehicle.
- Carry some dirhams for bananas, argan products and a coffee in Imsouane.
The coastal drive from Essaouira to Agadir is the second half of a classic Moroccan route that starts in Marrakech — read our Marrakech to Essaouira guide for the first half. Tell us your dates and where you are staying, and we will suggest the best stops for your trip from Essaouira to Agadir.
