Hello Euphoric ladies! Are you ready for a shopping adventure in Morocco?

Get your purses and passports ready, because we’re about to embark on a colourful, euphoric itinerary of the best souks, fashion shops, carpet sellers, and concept stores in some of the most beautiful and exciting places in Morocco!

Note: This guide is based on my SOUK to SURF 10-day travel itinerary around South West Morocco that you should READ HERE.

Below is my TOP 5 places I think you should visit along this route in pursuit of the BEST Moroccan souks, shops, and textiles:

 

1. Agadir

 

Begin your Moroccan journey in Agadir, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches (further North!) and vibrant Moroccan culture.

Start your shopping spree at the Souk El Had, the largest market in North Africa! Here you can find everything from spices to jewellery to traditional Moroccan clothing. Don’t forget to haggle for the best price!

 

 

I meandered the streets of Agadir for 30 minutes in search for El Had and came across some lovely hidden streets with orange trees, hidden mosques, and berber textiles for sale. I recommend getting a local taxi though to avoid getting lost (like I did!) I paid 20 dirham to get to Agadir beach from the market (that’s only £1.60!) Make sure to arrange the price before getting into the cab.

 

 

SHOPPING TIP : Haggle! Always start with at least HALF the amount you are willing to pay.

Haggling or negotiating is part of the process of shopping in Morocco. The prices first quoted by vendors are deliberately inflated so you will be expected to haggle for a reduction. I personally love haggling, but I realise that it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. I always recommend offering back half of the money quoted. I know it sounds harsh, but don’t worry, you will be eventually raising your offer as the vendor lowers the original price.

 

I was TERRIBLE at haggling when I first found the souk, I was captivated in the first store I walked into and felt obliged to buy the first bag I picked up. I ended up carrying this giant satchel around the market all day … and then saw a better version of it elsewhere.

Lesson learnt. Research the prices!

 

 

SHOPPING TIP :

Scout several shops beforehand to get a feel what sort of prices vendors are quoting. Bear in mind that shops closer to main squares and tourist attractions will quote higher prices, so try and find shops in side alleys that get less tourist traffic for a better chance for a bargain.

A good tactic is to walk away or pretend to walk away and they will most likely call you back to continue the negotiation. Have a number in mind of the maximum amount you’d like to spend and have fun trying to stay below that number.

Most vendors have a great sense of humour and like to have fun in the haggling process. Some may even invite you to sit down for a cup of tea. If you are serious about buying, go ahead and accept the invitation.

But if you are only browsing, feel free to reject the invitation and don’t waste vendors’ time.

 

 

In the afternoon you could also visit the Agadir Oufella Ruins, where you’ll find a smaller, but charming, market.

I personally spent my afternoon relaxing with a beer on the beach of Agadir (awaiting a ride to Taghazout!) however, I was recommended a visit to these ruins. Built in 1541 and restored a couple of centuries later, the Agadir Kasbah Ruins (Agadir Oufella) stands on a hill a little way out of town. Designed as a fortress, the Kasbah once housed hundreds, although all that remains of the structure after the 1960 earthquake is the outer wall. Most travellers visit for the sweeping ocean views and cable car ride.

 

 

 

2.Taghazout

 

Taghazout is a small fishing village that has become a popular surf destination for travellers. It may be known for its surf, but it also has a thriving market scene. Check out the weekly Tuesday Souk in nearby Aourir, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade pottery. The Taghazout main street market is also worth a visit, especially for its small collection of locally made wool rugs and blankets.

Start your day with a sunrise surf on Taghazout beach then walk into town to explore the local surf and souvenir stores. If you decide to travel directly to Taghazout and skip Agadir, the El Had souk mentioned above is only a 20-30 minute drive South.

 

 

In the evening, make sure to visit the outdoor night market along the streets of Taghazout, where you can find handmade jewellery, carpets, clothing, and souvenirs from local artists. (Read my Morocco Souk-to-Surf 10-day itinerary) for the best restaurants and things to do in Taghazout.

I spent several hours enjoying mint tea with a charming local who kept me engaged in his shop by showcasing his ceramics, sharing stories of his travels in Europe, and offering us samples of amber, eucalyptus, and many other spices. (His store is located along the main high street – next to Surf Shop Atlantis. I was tempted to buy my first Berber Rug but instead noted down the price, so I could start my haggling journey up the coast!

SHOPPING TIP : Cash is king!

Only a few vendors accept credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash with you.

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (Dhs), and at the time of writing (May 14) 10 Dhs are approximately $1 USD.

 

 

3.Imsouane

 

Imsouane is a small fishing village, with a very small market scene. It is worth mentioning if you are heading that way for a surf as I picked up most of my carpets here from a lovely man called Mohammed. His shop is directly nextdoor to one of the main surf hire shops in town called Reef Point Surf Shop.

 

 

You can also visit the weekly Souk in nearby Tamri, where you can sample local fruits and nuts, as well as pick up more traditional Berber carpets. The Imsouane market itself has a charming collection of souvenirs and handicrafts.

 

Note – There are no ATMs in this small town. You need to bring cash!

 

4.Essaouira

 

Next stop is Essaouira, a coastal city known for its blue and white buildings, old fortresses, and artistic community. Head into the walled medina and start your shopping adventure at the souks, where you can find a wide variety of items, including spices, textiles, pottery, and traditional Moroccan carpets and clothing.

 

 

Essaouria has a lovely charm about it, as soon as I arrived and entered into the walled city I felt SO excited to get shopping. Carpets of all patterns, colour, and sizes were hung around every corner. Essaouria is the HUB of carpets and rugs if you are looking for an authentic Berber design. Check out Bazar Gomane to kickstart your carpet spree.

 

 

 

Berber carpets are the typical souvenir from any country in North Africa and the Sahara. Usually, the Berber carpets come in traditional and modern designs, which are only distinguished by the knotting patterns, dyes and the textures of the fabric.

The history of these carpets goes back several millennia. Back in the days, tribes created their own carpets and used them as sign for their tribe. I had already bought my carpet for a good deal, but I know exactly where to come back to once I have a house to decorate!

 

 

Note: Berber Moroccan Carpets vary in all sizes, colours, textures, and qualities which of course determines the price. For a 1 metre rug expect to pay anything between $80 – $120 USD!

Most of the people that come to Morocco to find their very own Berber carpets are usually shocked about the prices of these sometimes quite little pieces. However, an original Berber carpet is made by hand and, thus, needs a little investment.

 

 

TIP for carpet hunters: Don’t take the very first one! Read more about shopping for Moroccan rugs here.

For an insight into the history of Moroccan carpets check out the gallery shop: Galerie Khalil.

 

 

Nextdoor to Galerie Khalil is one of my favourite vintage textile shops that I came across in Essaouria! I was invited inside to peruse the antique carpets from various regions of Morocco. See my instagram reel here for all the colours and textures!

 

 

My FAVOURITE store and boutique hotel was SALUT MAROC! THE most colourful, artistic accommodation I came across on my trip. The art based Boutique Hotel has a rooftop restaurant with 180 degree sea views over the Atlantic Ocean, and is situated in the old Medina of Essaouira. It is an inspiring place full of colour and unique patterns on every floor. 

 

 

Head to Mega Loft for a colourful array of vintage berber baskets and bread bowls to ignite your euphoric shopping inspiration.

Mega Loft is a unique destination in Essaouira that combines the vibrant energy of young travellers with the love of textiles and fashion. Located in the heart of the city, Mega Loft is a multi-level space that offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, art exhibitions, live music events, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will be in awe of the impressive collection of Moroccan textiles and handmade crafts that Mega Loft offers. From colourful rugs and tapestries to intricate hand-woven baskets and clothing, Mega Loft showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of Moroccan textiles.

 

In the evening, you should continue to explore the night market and boutique shops in the old city centre, where you can find unique clothing, accessories, and home decor. Get lost and meander down the narrow alleyways and pretend you’re in Game of Thrones!

 

 

 

5.Marrakech

 

Our last stop is marvellous Marrakech, the ‘red city’ of Morocco. This city is incredible!

No wonder it is the most popular destination for tourists in Morocco. Marrakech is known for its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and crazy bustling souks. Start your shopping spree at the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the heart of the city, where you can find a wide variety of traditional Moroccan items, including spices, lamps, and clothing.

If you make your way to the Jemaa el Fna Square, you will find the souks branching out from the square, mostly in a winding labyrinth of narrow alleyways. It can be confusing. The main souk is called Souk Semmarine, and from here you can just wander and come across all the other souks. In Marrakech all the markets interlink like one big shopping festival! The Spice Square is recognisable by the colours and aromas, and Souk el Attarine will be recognisable by the antiques, silver teapots and lamps. When you start seeing shoes, you’re at Souk Smata and when everything smells of leather, you’ll be in the heart of Souk el Kebir.

 

Don’t get too hung up on which souk you are visiting, rather, go with the flow. Keep landmarks in mind so you don’t get too lost, and make sure you always know which direction to head back. If you do get lost, ask shopkeepers as they will always be happy to offer help, and a cup of refreshing mint tea too. You are never under obligation to buy anything, although Moroccan shopkeepers can be persuasive.

 

Favourite spots: Whack Herboriste du paradis into Google Maps to find the most colourful woven berber baskets (see photo below!) I was in EUPHORIC HEAVEN!

 

 

Check out the MORO Concept store and fashion house. 33 Majorelle, is also a trendy concept store in Marrakech that showcases the work of local fashion designers and textile artists. The store offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and homeware that blend traditional Moroccan designs with modern aesthetics.

 

 

Wander back into the streets of souks and aim in the direction for the store Lamper. This is the true Aladdin’s cave of incredible embossed lanterns and interior knick knacks. I love how all the Moroccan lanterns are embossed with hundreds of tiny holes, making a spectacular glow in the dark.

 

 

And there you have it, a hit list of the best shopping spots for textiles in Morocco!

For further planning, read my 10-day Souk-to-Surf itinerary in Morocco here.

Of course, there are MANY more awesome cities in Morocco I would have loved to adventure to (like Fez, Meknes, and Chefchaouen!) but this is my TOP 5 places I would recommend if you are looking to fit in a surf AND a shop!

Don’t forget to have fun and haggle for the best prices, and go enjoy the vibrant culture and beautiful scenery of this amazing country.

Happy shopping and safe travels! x

 

 

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Have you been shopping in Marrakech or Agadir before?

Let me know in the comments where your favourite places are along Morocco’s South West coast!

Love Laura

( The @Adventures.Of.Griffindor ! )

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