Paradise Valley Day Trip from Agadir: Palm Gorge, Natural Pools & Argan Cooperative

Less than an hour from the beaches of Agadir, the road climbs into the foothills of the High Atlas and Paradise Valley appears: a narrow gorge of red rock where the Tamrakht river runs between palm trees, oleanders and natural pools of clear turquoise water. On this private day trip you drive through argan forests and Berber villages, stopping at a women's cooperative to see how argan oil is made by hand, from cracking the nuts to pressing the paste, and to taste amlou, a spread of argan oil, almonds and honey. In the valley you walk about 30 minutes along the river to the pools, where you can swim, jump from the rocks if you dare, or simply relax in the shade. Lunch is at a small restaurant in the palms, with tajine or grilled meat. In the afternoon you return slowly to Agadir, with photo stops over the valley. A perfect break from the beach.