🌿 Paradise Valley: what I really think

If you're in Taghazout and want to see something other than waves and beaches, I highly recommend visiting Paradise Valley. It's one of the most famous places around here, a small, steep-sided valley with natural pools, cliffs, vegetation... A complete contrast to the coast.

Okay, I'll be honest: there isn't as much water as there used to be. Photos from 10 years ago show a true aquatic paradise, but today it's quieter and the water levels have dropped. But that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. I highly recommend going if you like walking, swimming, or just chilling in a unique natural setting.

Expect to see this kind of landscape now. You'll see the pools in the video below.

🥾 How to get there?

You have two options:

Go with a guide: there are several who organize this. Type “Paradise Valley tour from Taghazout” into Google, and you'll easily find excursions with transportation, a guide, and a picnic stop.

Go solo with a private taxi: this is my favorite option. You leave when you want, and you negotiate with the driver to wait for you or come back to pick you up at a specific time. The ideal plan is to leave in the morning, hike, swim, and enjoy a delicious meal with your feet in the water on the way back.

🍴 Where to eat?

You'll find several small restaurants along the river. Really. Terraces set right in the riverbed. My advice: hike first, eat later. Take your time on the way there, follow the trail, enjoy yourself, and save the gourmet experience for last. That way, you can linger in the little spots where you want to stop without rushing.

💧 What you shouldn't miss

I recommend continuing beyond the point where most people stop. Pass the main pools and follow the gorge: that's where you'll see the real hidden spots. You'll encounter fewer people, more peace and quiet, and frankly, it's worth the detour.

And if you're feeling brave, you can jump into the natural pools—but always check the water levels first, as they change quickly depending on the season. Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, because it's slippery and the path is sometimes uneven.

Oh, and here's a fun fact: Jimi Hendrix is said to have hung out here in the 1970s. I don't know how true that is, but it adds to the charm of the place.

📅 Avoid weekends

If you want peace and quiet, avoid Saturdays and Sundays. Locals come here to relax too, so it can get crowded quickly. There's a parking lot at the entrance, you leave a small coin for the guards, and you're off on your adventure.

🛏️ And from the hostel?

What we love here is that you're independent, but never alone. Want to go to Paradise Valley? We'll explain how to get there, help you book a taxi if needed, and share our local tips with you. Nothing is organized down to the minute, just enough to make sure you're well prepared... and come back to enjoy a relaxing evening with the hostel vibe. Simple, human, and always in the right flow.