Gravel biking · Morocco
A 7-day gravel journey from the landscapes of Agafay and the High Atlas towards Morocco’s Atlantic coast, finishing in Essaouira.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Distance
520 km
Region
Morocco
Terrain
Gravel
Difficulty
Advanced
Daily average
86 km / 5h45
The journey
A demanding westbound ride through mountain terrain, changing landscapes and the coastal roads of Morocco.
Begin near Marrakech, with a warm-up ride across the rolling landscapes of Agafay. From there, travel through the Oued N’Fis area and climb towards Tizi Oula before taking on the major ascent of Tizi n’Test.
The route then turns west towards the Atlantic. Ride through the landscapes around Taroudant and Agadir, continue north towards Tamri and Imsouane, and follow gravel roads to Essaouira.
The journey brings together mountain riding and coastal terrain, with opportunities to experience local hospitality and Moroccan food along the way. The final destination is Essaouira, where you can enjoy the beach and medina.
Start
Agafay
Through
High Atlas & Atlantic coast
Finish
Essaouira
Tour highlights
A route that moves from inland gravel roads to the Atlantic, with a major mountain pass and a coastal finish.
01
Travel west from the landscapes around Marrakech towards the Atlantic, riding through varied terrain along the way.
02
Take on a major mountain pass, climbing towards 2,100 metres before descending towards Taroudant.
03
Follow the route towards Agadir, Tamri and Imsouane, with the landscapes of the coast shaping the later stages.
04
Reach the coastal surf town after a day of rolling terrain and demanding climbs.
05
Complete the ride in Essaouira, with time to enjoy its beach and medina.
06
Meet local communities and enjoy Moroccan food, including tagines, couscous, fresh juices and tea.
The landscape
From inland gravel terrain to the Atlantic coast, this route crosses a variety of landscapes on the way to Essaouira.
Know before you go
Difficulty
Advanced
Tour rating
3 / 4
This tour is intended for regular riders who are comfortable with consecutive challenging days, long climbs and extended time in the saddle. The stages require fitness and the confidence to manage your own pace.
The route includes varied gravel terrain, sustained climbing and descents. Good bike handling is important, especially on corners and downhill sections.
E-bikes are available on all tours. If you are unsure whether this route matches your experience, contact us before making your plans.
Day by day
Seven days from the Agafay landscape to the Atlantic coast, including the climb over Tizi n’Test and the final ride into Essaouira.
Marrakech · Agafay
Meet at the agreed meeting point in Marrakech before a short transfer south to Agafay, where the tour begins.
Get your bike set up and head out for a short warm-up ride across the rolling terrain. This first stage offers an introduction to the gravel riding ahead.
Stage
Marrakech → Agafay
Oued N’Fis · Tizi Oula · Ouirgane
Leave Agafay and follow the Oued N’Fis before taking on a gravel climb of around 7 km towards Tizi Oula.
The route continues through the changing terrain towards Ouirgane, with the final kilometres on paved roads.
Stage
Agafay → Ouirgane
Ijoukak · Tizi n’Test · Taroudant
After a short transfer to the start in Ijoukak, take on the major climb of the day towards Tizi n’Test. The ascent is around 39 km, reaching approximately 2,100 metres with an average gradient of 2.5%.
After the pass, descend towards Taroudant. This is a long and demanding stage, combining a sustained mountain climb with a substantial descent.
Stage
Ijoukak → Tizi n’Test → Taroudant
Taroudant · Atlantic Coast · Agadir
Head west from Taroudant towards the Atlantic coast. Compared with the previous day, this stage is flatter and faster, with a more gradual profile.
Cover the distance towards Agadir and the coast, continuing the journey west.
Stage
Taroudant → Agadir
Tamri National Park · Imsouane
Ride north from Agadir towards Tamri National Park. The first part of the stage follows around 60 km of rolling terrain.
The route then becomes more demanding, with further climbs before reaching Imsouane, a coastal town known for its surf.
Stage
Agadir → Tamri → Imsouane
Imsouane · Atlantic Coast · Essaouira
Leave Imsouane and continue north on gravel roads. The route begins with a climb out of town, followed by a varied ride along the coast.
After the halfway point, take on another climb of around 9 km before continuing towards Essaouira. Arrive by the beach and explore the medina.
Stage
Imsouane → Essaouira
Essaouira
The tour comes to an end in Essaouira. You can spend more time in the city or arrange a transfer back to Marrakech.
Stage
Tour ends in Essaouira
Distances and elevation figures are shown as supplied for each stage. Day 7 is the departure day.
Beyond the bike
The route is about more than the kilometres. As you travel from the inland landscapes towards the coast, there is time to experience local hospitality and the character of the places along the way.
Enjoy Moroccan food, including tagines and couscous, alongside fresh juices and tea. The route also brings you to Imsouane and, finally, Essaouira, where the beach and medina mark the end of the journey.
Explore another route
Compare this coast-bound ride with our Atlas Mountains Gravel Tour, a route focused on the High Atlas, mountain passes and historic villages.
Marrakesh · High Atlas · Agafay
A challenging gravel journey from Marrakesh into the High Atlas, crossing Tizi n’Tichka and riding through Ait Benhaddou, mountain valleys and the Agafay landscape.
Duration
7 days
Distance
467 km
Level
Advanced
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route, riding level and finish in Essaouira. If you need more detail, get in touch.
Ask us a questionRide The Atlas
Interested in the Marrakech to Essaouira Gravel Tour? Get in touch to discuss the route and whether it suits your riding experience.