zagora weekly souk - soul of nomads

A Guide to Moroccan Markets: What to Buy in Zagora

Zagora may not be as crowded as Marrakech or Fes, but its markets (souks) are full of local treasures, handmade crafts, and authentic Berber goods. Whether you're wandering the lively Thursday or Sunday souk, or exploring a quiet artisan shop, Zagora offers a unique shopping experience rooted in desert culture.

TRAVEL GUIDES

7/30/20252 min read

When and Where to Go Shopping in Zagora

  • Main Souk Days: wednsday & Sunday

  • Best Time to Visit: Morning, before noon

  • Where: Central Zagora (near Avenue Mohammed V), plus roadside stands on the way to Tamegroute or M’hamid

zagora weekly souk - soul of nomads
zagora weekly souk - soul of nomads

What to Buy in Zagora Markets

1. Berber Carpets (Zrabi Amazigh)

  • Handwoven by local women

  • Patterns tell stories of the tribe, desert, and daily life

  • Great for a home with a boho or ethnic style

👉 Tip: Ask if the carpet was made in nearby villages like Tamegroute or Amezrou for authenticity.

2. Green Pottery from Tamegroute

  • Unique to the Draa Valley

  • Made using ancestral firing techniques

  • Popular items: bowls, tagines, candle holders

3. Traditional Jewelry & Silver Work

  • Especially Tuareg and Saharan styles

  • Antique silver, coral beads, and fibula brooches

  • Visit artisans in the Jewelry Quarter of Amezrou (5 minutes from Zagora)

4. Spices & Desert Herbs

  • Cumin, saffron, ras el hanout, and dried desert mint

  • Also: healing plants used by nomads, like harmel or desert sage

  • Perfect for food lovers or wellness seekers

5. Leather Goods

  • Camel or goat leather

  • Handmade sandals, bags, belts

  • Smell of natural tanned leather is part of the charm

6. Dates from the Draa Valley

  • Fresh or dried, harvested in October

  • Sweet, soft, and packed with energy

  • Buy them loose or in handmade palm-leaf packaging

7. Handmade Baskets & Palm Weaving

  • Used by locals for daily market shopping

  • Made from local palm fibers

  • Eco-friendly and beautifully rustic

Supporting Local Artisans

By buying directly from the source—especially in smaller towns like Zagora—you support local families and help keep traditional crafts alive. Many artisans also work with cooperatives or women’s associations.

Final Tips for Market Shopping in Zagora

  • Bring cash (dirhams), many vendors don’t accept cards

  • Carry a reusable bag or small backpack

  • Don’t rush—half the experience is in the conversations

  • Ask questions about how things are made

  • Avoid mass-produced souvenirs—Zagora is best for handmade goods