Smimou

Quiet argan village between Essaouira and Agadir in the UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve — home to women's cooperatives, wild Atlantic viewpoints and the world's purest argan oil

Highlights

• Argan Women's Cooperative: Watch the traditional hand-cracking and cold-pressing at the cooperative — buy certified pure argan oil directly from the women who make it
• Ancient Argan Forest: The UNESCO Arganeraie biosphere contains the world's only wild argan forest — trees up to 200 years old with goats famously climbing the branches to eat the fruit
• Atlantic Cliff Views: The P8031 road from Smimou to Cap Sim passes headlands with dramatic views over the wild Atlantic coast that very few tourists ever see

Top places

• Argan Oil Cooperative
• Arganeraie Forest Walk
• Atlantic Cliff Viewpoint
• Pharmacie Essaouira Route