01Nature
The argan forest & landscape
The argan belt around Essaouira is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a dry woodland of gnarled trees that has shaped the region for centuries. Driving the Marrakech or Agadir roads, you pass through it almost at once.
Essaouira, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Things to do · Essaouira
Things to do in Essaouira
The countryside around Essaouira is the heartland of the argan tree, a thorny, drought-hardy species that grows almost nowhere else on Earth and gives this coast its golden oil. Women's co-operatives on the roads inland turn the nuts into culinary and cosmetic oil by hand, and a visit is one of the most rewarding half-days from town. Here is what to see and how to buy well.
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02Craft
Hand-cracking the nuts
At the co-operatives, women demonstrate the labour-intensive process: cracking the hard argan nuts between stones, then grinding and pressing the kernels. Seeing it makes clear why genuine oil is never cheap.
03Produce
Culinary vs cosmetic oil
Culinary argan oil, made from lightly roasted kernels, is nutty and used over salads and bread; cosmetic oil is unroasted and used on skin and hair. Co-operatives let you taste and smell the difference before buying.
04Food
Amlou, the argan spread
Amlou blends argan oil, ground almonds and honey into a rich, peanut-buttery spread eaten at breakfast. It is a delicious, very local thing to carry home and a co-operative staple.
05Community
Women's co-operatives & fair trade
Many argan co-operatives are run by and for local women, giving income and training in rural communities. Buying from a recognised co-operative helps ensure your money supports the people doing the work.
06Curiosity
Tree-climbing goats
You may spot goats perched in the argan branches feeding on the fruit — a genuine local sight, though be wary of staged roadside setups that exist mainly for paid photos.
Frequently asked
Where can you visit an argan co-operative near Essaouira?
Women's argan co-operatives line the main roads out of Essaouira toward Marrakech and Agadir, often within 20 to 40 minutes of town. They welcome visitors to see the hand-cracking and pressing and to taste and buy the oil.
What is the difference between culinary and cosmetic argan oil?
Culinary argan oil is pressed from lightly roasted kernels and has a nutty taste for food; cosmetic argan oil uses unroasted kernels and is used on skin, hair and nails. Co-operatives sell both and will let you smell and taste the difference.
Why is argan oil only from this region?
The argan tree grows almost exclusively in southwest Morocco, in a belt around Essaouira and Agadir that UNESCO has designated a biosphere reserve. Its rarity, plus the labour of hand-cracking the nuts, is why the oil is prized and priced accordingly.
Is it worth buying argan oil from a co-operative?
Yes. Buying from a recognised women's co-operative means you see the process, get genuine oil rather than diluted product, and support local livelihoods. It is more reliable than buying from anonymous roadside stalls.
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