Morocco guide: Road trip Atlas Mountains

Written by: Britt van Heekeren

Two girls, one Dacia car, a lot of snacks, a road trip playlist, and the goal of reaching the Atlas Mountains.

We already knew that Morocco has so much diverse beauty to offer, but this part surprised us once again. In between Agadir and Marrakech, you’ll find the Atlas Mountains. Just a short road trip away from either city, you’ll discover the most beautiful hidden valleys, authentic villages, and snow-peaked mountains. As we hosted a surf trip on the coast of Morocco, our first stop was the city of Taroudant. Right at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.

The city of Taroudant
We couldn’t believe that just an hour away from Agadir Airport, we found ourselves in such a different world. Surrounded by the first peaks of the Atlas Mountains and nestled within an oasis of serenity, we arrived at our first stay: Dar Teneghelt. After ringing the bell at a blue gate, Hichem opened the door to this hidden paradise. We were welcomed not only by a lush garden and the cutest bungalow, but also by the best orange juice we had ever tasted. Not to be missed.


It was the perfect destination to unwind by the pool after our surf trip. In the evening, we enjoyed an amazing home-cooked Moroccan dinner, followed by cozy evening chitchats by the fireplace in our living room. Just a short distance from Dar Teneghelt, you’ll find the Medina of Taroudant, worth visiting for the Sunday souk or simply to wander around.

Passing the Tizi n’Test
After a typical Moroccan breakfast, it was time to hit the road again. We drove over the Tizi n’Test, known as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Morocco. We can’t deny it was a bumpy road, but nothing two girls and a Dacia car couldn’t survive. The route was filled with breathtaking viewpoints, after every turn, another view left us speechless.

Waking up in Imlil
Our second destination was the famous mountain town of Imlil, at the foot of Morocco’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal. In the blink of an eye, we found ourselves in yet another completely different side of Morocco.

We stayed at Atlas Prestige, where we enjoyed our mornings on the terrace overlooking the valley, surrounded by snow-peaked Atlas Mountains. We did some work (definitely not the worst place to work from), with the sun peeking over the mountain range. A delicious breakfast prepared by the welcoming staff was followed by a stroll around the village before descending to the final destination of our Atlas Mountains road trip.

Heaven on earth: Villa Quince
Just a short road trip from Marrakech (a 1.5-hour drive), you’ll find heaven on earth in a valley of the Atlas Mountains: the little boutique hotel Villa Quince. The moment you step through the door, this place makes you never want to leave.

Designed by Noor and her family, every little detail has been created with so much thought and love. And that’s exactly what you feel while staying in this beautiful oasis, with incredible rooftop views of the Atlas Mountains. A must-stay stop to add to your Morocco road trip.


Atlas Elevate
At Villa Quince, you can not only relax, they also organize Atlas Mountain hikes and trail runs with Atlas Elevate. You simply can’t leave the region without hiking in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Morocco.

On our second day, Noor took us to an authentic village where we met Mohammed, our guide for a hike up to a beautiful waterfall on the edge of the snowy peaks. During the hike, we enjoyed breathtaking views and meaningful conversations with Mohammed about the Atlas region. On our way back, he invited us for an incredible lunch at his family’s home. What a day.

Road trip itinerary
On our fifth and final day, we drove back to Agadir to fly out of a country we fall in love with a little more each time we visit. The welcoming Moroccans, the feeling of safety as women traveling, the delicious home-cooked meals, and the diverse beauty this country has to offer.

We did this trip in five days, but coming from Agadir, we recommend allowing a bit more time, as the drive alone takes at least a full day. If you start from Marrakech, you can easily do this road trip in five days, skipping Taroudant.

Shukran Morocco! See you next time habibi. 

Salty kisses,

Manon & Britt