cycling trips through Morocco

UPCOMING TRIPS

 Six days of cycling through a magical region where the hills of the Atlas Mountains meet the ocean waves. The route runs through paradise valleys, argan groves, palm plantations, and the Atlantic coast in its various forms – from rocky cliffs and dunes to endless sandy beaches.

13-20 janvier 2024

Along the Atlantic Coast from Essaouira to Taghazout GRVL

 

  • Flight - No
  • Airport transfer - Yes
  • Transfer from Wadi Sus to the High Atlas - Yes
  • Bike transfer on mules to the Tizi Oussem pass - Yes
  • Insurance - Yes
  • Full board (3 meals) - Yes
  • Coffee, tea, water - Yes
  • 7 nights' accommodation - Yes
  • Guide - Yes
  • Mechanic/technical support - Yes
  • Technical bus - Yes
  • Local attractions (Guide in Essaouira, Hammam, Surf lessons in Imsouane) - Yes
  • Bike rental - No. Extra charge of approximately 35 EUR/day

Arrival in Marrakech from Warsaw on Wizzair flight, January 13, 2025, 06:50 > 11:55, transfer to Essaouira

Day 1 (January 14) – Essaouira > Sidi Kaouki
Day 2 (January 15) – Sidi Kaouki > Tefedna
Day 3 (January 16) – Tefedna > Imesouane
Day 4 (January 17) – Imesouane > Tamri
Day 5 (January 18) – Tamri > Taghazout
Day 6 (January 19) – Taghazout > Taghazout via Honey Valley

January 20, 2025 – Transfer to Marrakech airport, flight RAK-WAW 12:40 > 17:40

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 1

We wake up in a charming riad in the medina. We start by exploring Essaouira, once known as Mogador – a city with a long and fascinating history, traces of which can be found at every turn. Mogador’s roots date back to antiquity when the city was an important trading port for the Phoenicians. In the 18th century, Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah transformed it into a key trading center by building a port designed by a French architect, linking Africa with Europe.

Today, Essaouira impresses with its monuments that reflect its turbulent past. It’s worth visiting the medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the defensive walls with the Skala de la Ville fortress, and the fishing port with its characteristic blue boats. Essaouira is also home to museums, numerous art galleries, and bazaars, where you can truly experience the Moroccan atmosphere.

After lunch, we head to the surfer’s paradise – Sidi Kaouki, passing through mysterious dunes, which, according to legend, were frequented by Jim Morrison, the frontman of The Doors.

Route length – 30 km (mostly paved)

Elevation gain: 300 m+

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 2

5Sidi Kaouki is not only a paradise for surfers. The town is also an excellent choice for those who seek peace and quiet, close to nature. Long, pristine beaches invite you to take walks, swim, and relax. The surrounding dunes and the region’s characteristic argan trees create a picturesque landscape that will captivate anyone who appreciates tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Our cycling route follows the beach, then turns inland and leads through the hills to a scenic descent, ending at Tafedna beach for the night.
 

Route length – 55 km 

Elevation gain: 1050 m+
Our cycling route follows the beach, then turns inland and leads through the hills to a scenic descent, ending at Tafedna beach for the night.
 

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 3

Life in Tafedna moves at a peaceful pace, dictated by the rhythm of the sea. Fishing is the main source of livelihood for the locals, and the daily sight of fishermen heading out on their boats and returning with their catch adds an air of authenticity to the place. Here, you can taste freshly caught fish and seafood, which are also staples of traditional Moroccan cuisine.
The route to Imsouane winds through argan-covered hills, mostly along gravel roads.
 

Route length – 84 km 

Elevation gain: 1400 m+ 

Trasa  do Imsouane wiedzie przez arganowe wzgórza, głównie drogami szutrowymi.

Długość trasy: 43km

Przewyższenie: 530m+

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 4

Imsouane is especially known for its incredible waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. Sometimes, the waves can reach lengths of up to 1 km, making this one of the best surfing spots in Morocco. If there’s a place to try surfing, it’s here!
Before lunch, we try to catch some waves, and afterward, we hop on our bikes and head toward Tamri.
 

Route length – 30 km 

Elevation gain: 320 m+

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 5

Tamri is another bay with a sandy beach. What sets it apart from other coastal towns in Morocco are its banana plantations. The warm, humid air and rich soil create ideal conditions for growing these tropical fruits. The banana plantations play a significant role in the local economy.
This will be our longest ride. We’ll head inland, climbing into the hills to around 700 meters above sea level.
 

Route length – 60 km 

Elevation gain: 1400 m+

To nasz najdłuższy przejazd. Wjedziemy w głąb lądu na wzgórza ok. 700m.n.p.m.

Długość trasy: 60km

Przewyższenie: 1400m+

Along the Atlantic Coast

Day 6

Taghazout is a picturesque surf town with beautiful beaches. From here, we set off on our final route through the surrounding hills, heading toward the Honey Valley.

We will face many steep climbs, but they will reward us with breathtaking views of the endless ocean and the argan-covered hills.

Route length: 60 km
Elevation gain: 900 m+

To end our stay, we will visit a traditional Moroccan bath, known as a hammam, to go through the cleansing and renewal rituals according to ancient traditions.