The Taghazout Guide

Shopping and Markets Near Taghazout

· 5 min read · Practical Info
Colourful market stalls at Aourir souk near Taghazout

Contents

  1. 1.The Weekly Markets (Souks)
  2. 2.Argan Oil
  3. 3.Surf Gear and Equipment
  4. 4.What to Buy
  5. 5.Practical Notes
  6. 6.FAQ

Taghazout village is small and the shopping options reflect that — a handful of surf shops, a few convenience stores, and the informal economy of vendors around Hash Point. The serious shopping in this part of the coast happens at the weekly souks in nearby towns, and along the argan oil cooperatives on the N1 road.

Here’s what’s worth knowing.

The Weekly Markets (Souks)

The biggest draw for anyone spending more than a few days in the area. These aren’t tourist markets — they’re working weekly souks that have supplied surrounding communities for generations. Fresh produce, live animals, household goods, second-hand clothing, and a proportion of crafts and spices aimed at the traveller trade. The scale and energy of a proper Moroccan souk morning is worth experiencing.

Aourir (Banana Village) — Wednesday The closest and most accessible souk to Taghazout, and one of the best in the region. Aourir market runs every Wednesday and draws vendors from a wide area. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the draw — the banana stalls are the reason the town earned its nickname, but in season you’ll find everything from argan oil and honey to live poultry, herbs, fabric, and household goods. Get there before 10am for the best energy and produce.

Getting there from Taghazout: grand taxi south, 10 minutes, around 5–10 MAD per person. Ask to be dropped in Aourir.

Tamraght — Tuesday Upper Tamraght runs a weekly Tuesday market from 8am, located behind the big mosque. Smaller and more local-focused than Aourir, but worth combining with a Tamraght cafe morning. Fresh produce, basic goods, and a good way to get a sense of daily life in the village.

Agadir Souk Al Had The largest souk in the region, held daily (but most active Thursday to Saturday) at the Souk Al Had district in Agadir. Enormous scale — thousands of stalls across multiple sections covering clothing, food, electronics, crafts, and everything else. The textiles and leather goods section is particularly good. Grand taxi from Taghazout to Agadir, then local taxi to Souk Al Had. Budget a full half-day.

Argan Oil

The Taghazout area sits at the edge of Morocco’s argan forest biome — the trees that produce argan are native to this region and nowhere else on earth. Every village along the N1 road seems to have at least one argan oil cooperative, and this is genuinely one of the best places in the world to buy it.

What to look for: Women’s cooperatives (cooperatives féminines) produce the best quality argan oil and the profits go directly to the women who make it. Look for the cooperative sign and expect to pay 150–300 MAD for 100ml of good culinary argan oil.

Culinary vs cosmetic: Culinary argan oil (roasted, darker, nutty) is different from the cosmetic version (cold-pressed, lighter, for skin and hair). Both are good; make sure you know which you’re buying.

Amlou: The local argan product worth taking home even if you don’t want oil — amlou is a paste of ground argan kernels, almonds, and honey, closer to a luxury nut butter than anything else. Buy it at the Aourir market or any cooperative.

On the road to Paradise Valley: The road towards Immouzzer passes through dense argan forest with a string of cooperatives. If you’re doing the Paradise Valley day trip, stop at one of these on the way back — prices and quality are excellent.

Surf Gear and Equipment

Taghazout has a functional surf retail scene concentrated around Hash Point and the main village street.

Rasta Surf Shop — General surf equipment, rentals, and some retail. Good stock of wax, legropes, and basic hardware.

Single Fin — Next to Hash Point. A tighter curation of boards and accessories.

Anchor Point Surf Shop — Up the coast near the break. Equipment, wax, gear repairs.

For more variety in boards and wetsuits — particularly if you’re buying rather than renting — the surf shops in Agadir are better stocked. Worth a trip if you need specific hardware.

What to Buy

Argan oil and amlou — From a cooperative, not a tourist shop. The quality and provenance are better and the money goes to the right people.

Fresh produce from the Aourir souk — Particularly the seasonal fruit: blood oranges and mandarins in winter, mangoes and watermelon in summer.

Thuya wood products — If you’re day tripping to Essaouira, buy thuya there rather than here — the quality and variety are superior and you’re buying it at source.

Djellaba or local textiles — Available at the Agadir souk at considerably better prices than tourist-facing shops.

Don’t bother: Standard tourist goods (keychains, painted ceramics, generic “Moroccan” items) are the same quality everywhere and cheaper in Marrakech or Essaouira. Skip these unless you specifically want them.

Practical Notes

  • Cash only at markets and most small shops. Bring MAD, not euros or dollars (though euros are often accepted at a bad rate).
  • Bargaining: Expected in souks for non-food items. Not expected at cooperatives (fixed prices). Not needed in surf shops.
  • Carrier bags: Plastic bags are banned in Morocco. Bring a tote bag or buy one at the market.
  • Early = better: For fresh produce, early morning (7–9am) is when the best stock is available. Markets wind down significantly by noon.

FAQ

When is the Aourir market?

Every Wednesday. Get there before 10am for the best experience and produce.

Where is the best place to buy argan oil near Taghazout?

A women’s cooperative along the N1 road between Agadir and Taghazout, or at the Aourir Wednesday market. Avoid tourist shops in Taghazout village — the markup is significant and provenance is uncertain.

Is there a market in Taghazout village itself?

There’s no dedicated weekly souk in Taghazout village — the main market in the area is at Aourir (Wednesdays). Taghazout has convenience shops and surf retail but no souk of its own.

Can I buy fresh fish near Taghazout?

Yes — fish vendors operate along the coast road most mornings, and the Aourir market has a fish section on Wednesdays. For the best fresh fish experience, the harbour at Imsouane (40 minutes north) has a proper fish market and grills.

Last updated: March 2026

Aourir town guide Tamraght town guide Paradise Valley day trip — argan cooperatives on the road Day trip to Essaouira — thuya wood and medina souks