One of the many things that the coastal city of Agadir is good for is cycling. Whether you’re pedalling through the streets of this friendly city or exploring further afield, this is a great place to visit.

You can hire bikes and a local guide at many places in Agadir, then head out to see some of the finest parts of Morocco. The Souss-Massa National Park is 30 miles away, containing over 33,000 hectares of green spaces, water and a variety of birds and native animals. Alternatively, visit an Amazigh village or a Douar to get a glimpse of the traditional Moroccan way of life.

Serious cyclists should take a longer trip to the High or Anti-Atlas mountains. Remote trails, challenging yet spectacular landscape and stunning untouched flora and fauna await you as you ride on- and off-road through both lush green valleys and rocky canyons.

Take to two wheels when you visit Essauoira and ride through winding alleys, picturesque squares and past whitewashed houses. Africa’s ‘Windy City’ may resemble a French town on the outside, but is Moroccan to its heart, with sprawling souks, the aroma of spices and Gnaoua singing everywhere you go.

When you decide to pedal outside the city you can cycle across the seven artificial lakes at the seaside resort, or head to Essaouira’s outskirts and ride on well worn paths shaded by lines of almond trees.

Mountain bikers aren’t left out either; the nearby Atlas mountains provide you with all the tracks you could need, and if you’re really feeling up for a challenge then take on Djebel Hadid: the Mountain of Iron.

Overlooked by the towering Zalagh and Tghat mountains, Fez is a perfect place for some off-road biking. As you climb away from all the hustle and bustle of the city life, you’ll find yourself in the midst of wild lavender, pine trees and olive groves, exploring gorgeous places that are virtually untouched by tourism. As in many Moroccan cities, hiring bikes is easy and there are many locals who will act as a tour guide for your trip, providing you with fun and insightful facts about the area. On your ride you can expect to discover lush green valleys, cedar forests and thermal springs. And don’t worry; there are routes for everyone, from beginner bikers to the more advanced riders.

One of the most rewarding ways to explore Marrakech and its surroundings is on two wheels. Whether you like to explore on a touring bike or prefer to leave the roads behind and seek your thrills on the mountain trails, Marrakech has something for you.

There are many businesses that organise cycle trips, both road and off-road. They’ll provide you with all the equipment you need, plus a guide to lead you on the most exciting routes.

Hit the tarmac around Marrakech and you’ll soon find yourself away from the bustle of the city and sailing through typical Moroccan villages. For the serious rider, the Marrakech Atlas Étape takes place every April with four routes covering between 60-140km that ascend high into the mountains

Off-roaders can enjoy a light adventure on the small byways and tracks through palm groves and local villages, but the real fun is in the Atlas mountains riding across streams, over rocky paths, through dense woodland and always in stunning scenery.

Enter the old imperial city of Meknes through the stunning Bab Monsour gate and you’ll be in a place with plenty to see and do, but without the frantic hustle and bustle you’ll find in Fez, the city’s larger neighbour. Meknes is a mix of old and new, and a bicycle is one of the best ways to negotiate the narrow streets and alleys that characterise this historic place.

Pedal outside the city limits and you’ll soon be riding through a varied landscape. This is Morocco’s agricultural heartland and fields of olive trees and vineyards spread out in a patchwork before giving way to forests of cedar and oak. A good destination for cyclists to aim for is the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the nearby Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find the extensive ruins of a Roman settlement.

Cycling in this part of the world is an amazing experience. Unlike the towns and cities, cycling around Merzouga means you can really get in touch with the massive landscape that surrounds you.
See the gorgeous sunrise while sitting on a sand dune, or camp under one of the clearest, most star filled skies you have ever seen. Either way, be prepared for stunning desert scenery where sand, wind and sun come together to produce unbelievable views. You’ll cycle past beautiful oases and sand dunes as tall as minarets, and the only people you will meet, apart from the residents of the small villages along the roadside, are nomad families and the occasional fellow traveller.

Ouarzazate, otherwise known as the Door of the Desert, connects the N9 route over the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara. It’s the perfect place to start a cycling journey or to visit when coming over the mountains from Marrakech. On this path you get to enjoy one of the best descents Morocco has to offer down towards Ouarzazate.

In town, you will find it easy to rent a bike and excursions with a local guide into the desert or mountains are easy to book. Make sure to tour the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a fortress of red clay, or the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, just five miles from Ouarzazate.

The area around Zagora is ideal for enjoyable winter and spring riding. The weather at this time of the year is warm, but not overpoweringly hot, and riding in the desert under the Moroccan sun is an amazing experience.

The roads in the area are mainly good quality and work is ongoing to ensure that all roads are maintained. Once outside the town the road climbs gently up the Draa Valley, a lush valley lined with palm trees and greenery. As you approach the high points, make sure you take time to enjoy the stunning views of the area.

If you’re more of an off-roader then you’ll find all the challenge that you could ever want, whether it’s dried up lakebeds, steep valley sides, or the sand of the Sahara itself.