A Modern Beach Resort: Essential Travel Guide to Agadir

Looking for the best things to do in Agadir or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting around and the best tours in this essential travel guide to Agadir.

Located where the Atlas Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is a lively Moroccan city that’s blessed with golden sands and one of the country’s biggest souks. It’s where my husband’s family lives and a place that I’ve spent a lot of time in over the years.

Though devastated by an earthquake in 1960, this southern city has risen from the rubble. Today, it blends traditional neighbourhoods with the feel of a modern beachside resort. 

Aside from its coastal charm, Agadir is considered Morocco’s capital of Amazigh culture. It’s one of the only cities in the country where Tamazight is spoken by more than half the locals. Throughout the year, Amazigh cultural and music festivals take place, with the biggest being the New Year celebrations on January 13. 

Amongst tourists, Agadir is better known as a destination for lazy days by the beach, interspersed with shopping trips to the souk and excursions along the spectacular coastline to check the surf breaks of Taghazout.

In this Essential Travel Guide to Agadir, discover everything you need to know to experience this coastal city to the fullest, from the best things to do in Agadir and incredible stays to my top tour recommendations. 

If you’re just looking for accommodation, here are some of the best hotels in Agadir for every budget.

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Best things to do in Agadir

Ride the cable car to the hilltop ruins of the Agadir Oufella

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city is this ancient fortress, built in 1540 to guard against Portuguese invaders. Also known as the Kasbah, the Agadir Oufella was destroyed during several earthquakes, with only crumbling walls and an entry portal remaining.

Despite this, the Agadir Oufella is still worth exploring as it offers magnificent views throughout the day and night.

The cable car is a relatively new addition to the city skyline (it’s also the first of its kind in Morocco) and is definitely one of the best things to do in Agadir. It travels 1,700 metres during its six-minute ride, accompanied by wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s promenade and its port.

The Agadir Cable Car is open from 10 am to 10:30 pm daily and round trip tickets cost 120 DH for adults and 90 DH for kids.

Kick back on the sands of Agadir Beach

With its miles of golden sand and calm waters, it’s easy to see why Agadir is one of Morocco’s best beach destinations. Sheltered from the winds that buffet Essaouira’s shores, Agadir’s beach is better suited to leisurely days on the sand. It’s also patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it a good choice for families with young kids.

You can spend your days basking on the sand or frollicking in the sea before dining at one of the cafes and restaurants lining the breezy promenade. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can arrange a boat trip to explore the coastline or try your hand at surfing with one of the local instructors. 

Haggle in Souk El Had

Home to around 6,000 vendors, this sprawling bazaar is Morocco’s largest marketplace and a true feast for the senses. Wandering its labyrinthine lanes is definitely one of the best things to do in Agadir, whether you need to pick up groceries or want to do some souvenir shopping.

Pass through the grand gates of Souk El Had to discover hundreds of vendors selling everything from fragrant spices to seasonal produce and handcrafted tagines, homewares and rugs. As you wander between the artisan stalls, be prepared to haggle for the best deals (fresh produce tends to be fixed price).

Keep in mind that Souk El Had is closed on Mondays but open every other day of the week. If you don’t want to explore independently, there are guided tours of Souk El Had that will help you navigate this mammoth market with ease.

Souk El Had is open from 9 am to 9 pm Tuesday to Sunday and entrance is free.

Visit La Medina d’Agadir

To see what Agadir looked like before the earthquake struck, head to Ben Sergao to admire this impressive recreation. Built in 1992 by Sicilian Beato Salvatore “Coco Pollizzi”, it now functions as an open-air museum.

La Medina d’Agadir is a great place to see traditional Amazigh design, with locally sourced rock and slate from the Atlas Mountains used to craft its buildings.

As you stroll the recreated streets, you’ll find painters, metalworkers and carpenters practicing their crafts, just as they did decades ago. Some people find that’s it’s too much of a “curated” tourist experience but I actually really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

There’s also a restaurant and cafe if your visit to La Medina d’Agadir coincides with lunchtime, plus a small green space with resident peacocks.

La Medina d’Agadir is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and entrance costs 40 DH for adults and 20 DH for kids.

Explore the Musée de la Reconstruction d’Agadir

This newly opened museum delves into Agadir’s history, examining both the period before and after the 1960 earthquake that largely destroyed the city’s medina. It features an extensive collection of photographs and newspaper articles that detail what Agadir was like in the early 20th century, prior to the city’s transformation.

Set across several floors, the displays are organised in chronological order and enhanced by video projections and accounts of those who experienced the earthquake firsthand. It really is quite moving!

The Musee de la Reconstruction d’Agadir replaces the Memoire d’Agadir, which was situated just around the corner in Jardin Olhao.

The Musée de la Reconstruction d’Agadir is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm (closed Mondays) and entrance costs 20 DH.

Embark on a day trip to Souss-Massa National Park

Spanning over 80,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands and rippling dunes, Souss-Massa National Park offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This oasis is home to over 300 species of rare and exotic birds, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in Morocco.

The jewel of the park is the Oued Massa, where flamingos, cormorants and sandgrouse flock to breed. It’s also one of the only places on Earth where you can spot the endangered northern bald ibis in the wild.

Visiting Souss-Massa is definitely one of the best things to do in Agadir for twitchers!

Guided trips to Souss-Massa National Park will allow you to make the most of the experience with the help of a knowledgeable local.

Get up close to reptiles at Crocoparc

Get up close and personal with rare Nile crocodiles at Crocoparc, a wildlife reserve just east of Agadir. Once abundant throughout Morocco, these magnificent creatures have (unfortunately) been hunted to near extinction, so this is one of the best places to see them.

At Crocoparc, they live in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat. You can even see adorable hatchlings in the on-site nursery! An undisputed highlight of any visit is watching a crocodile-feeding session to see their powerful jaws in action.

When you’ve had your fill of croc-spotting, you can meander through Crocoparc’s sprawling botanical garden, home to over 300 plant species. In the Cactus Garden are several green iguanas that can be seen basking in the sunshine.

Crocoparc tours are available with door-to-door hotel service or you can book a return shuttle bus from Agadir on the Crocoparc website.

Crocoparc is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily and entrance costs 90 DH for adults and 60 DH for kids.

Ride the waves around Taghazout

A short drive north of Agadir is this former fishing village, which has transformed into a mecca for surfers. It’s surrounded by some of the best waves in Morocco! The most famous break is barrelling Anchor Point. However, there are waves to suit all levels on the stretch of coastline between Agadir and Taghazout.

Clustered in both Taghazout and Tamraght are plenty of surf shops. Here you can hire boards and wetsuits, as well as book a lesson with a skilled teacher. Beyond the beaches, you’ll find laid-back cafes, artisan stores and surf-centric shops, making this one of Morocco’s most popular backpacker destinations. 

Want to spend a night in the area? Discover my top picks for places to stay in Taghazout and Tamraght.

Swim in the pools of Paradise Valley 

An hour’s drive from Agadir is Paradise Valley, an oasis fed by the meandering Tamraght River. Palm trees frame its beautiful gorge, which features picturesque cascades and inviting pools that are perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day.

An easy hike along the main trail takes you to the heart of the valley. Here, you can spend the day swimming and splashing in the cool waters. Peppered throughout the gorge are several eateries serving freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious tagines.

No public transport is available to Paradise Valley. So you’ll either need to rent a car in Agadir or visit as part of a guided tour to Paradise Valley.

Enjoy an authentic hammam experience

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture than with an authentic hammam experience. It’s a weekly ritual for most locals and something I LOVE to do. Trust me, you will never feel so clean in your life! Plus, there’s a sense of camaraderie stripping off with a bunch of strangers to luxuriate in a steaming hot room.

After the steam has opened up your pores, it’s time to vigorously scrub every inch of your body. This is done with a traditional black soap made with olive oil and laurel. Don’t worry, you can buy it at the entrance to the hammam, along with exfoliating mitts. Then rinse it all off with a bucket of water – it will leave your skin feeling incredible.

To learn more about what to expect at a traditional Moroccan hammam, check out my detailed article here.

If you’re not ready to get naked with strangers (Moroccan hammams are single-sex), you can opt for a private hammam experience. This includes a scrub by one of the hammam’s therapists and is a luxurious twist on this centuries-old cleansing ritual.

Top tours in Agadir

Agadir is a city that’s relatively easy to navigate independently, particularly if you’re staying along the beachfront. That being said, its tourist attractions are scattered all over the place, with some on the city outskirts. As a result, they’re not necessarily within walking distance of one another.

If you don’t want to have to rely on public transport or negotiate taxi fares, then guided tours are a great alternative. They’ll will pick you up from your accommodation and return you there at the end of the experience. It’s a completely hassle-free experience. Plus, you’ll get all the cultural insights and local expertise that tours guarantee!

Below are some of my top picks for tours in Agadir, whether you want to go sandboarding or embark on day trips to Essaouira and Marrakech. You’ll find more tours in Agadir at Viator and GetYourGuide. These include honest reviews from previous guests to help you decide if they are right for you.

Guided city tour

With visits to the Oufella Kasbah, Souk El Had and the Mohamed V Mosque, this half-day tour of Agadir is a great introduction to the city.

Half-day trip to Paradise Valley

Including transport and a guided trek, this is a great way to experience the natural pools and cascades of Paradise Valley.

Private tour to Souss Massa National Park

One for the wildlife lovers, this five-hour tour includes a private experience in Souss Massa, which is home to hundreds of birds species, native reptiles and mammals.

Overnight desert trip + Legzira Beach

A convenient alternative to the Sahara with a night at a desert camp and a visit to one of Morocco’s most photogenic beaches.

Desert sandboarding

A shared half-day experience at a coastal dune system offering wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Half-day quad biking

Get behind the wheel to explore Agadir’s desert surroundings on a professionally guided quad bike adventure.

Camel ride + BBQ dinner

Ride a camel along the banks of the Souss River at sunset and spot migratory birdlife, followed by a multi-course Moroccan dinner.

Day trip to Marrakech

Combining a guided tour of Marrakech with time to explore independently, this full-day excursion from Agadir includes round-trip transport.

Day trip to Essaouira

Beginning with stops in an Amazigh village and at an argan oil cooperative, this full-day excursion from Agadir also includes a guided tour of the Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina.

For more inspiration, check out my article detailing some of the best tours in Agadir.

How to get to Agadir

Fly to Agadir Al Massira Airport

Agadir Al Massira Airport is around 20 kilometres from the city centre and receives flights from destinations across Morocco and Europe.

Outside the arrivals terminal, you’ll find taxis ready to whisk you to your Agadir accommodation or you can book a reliable, fixed-price transfer with the team at Welcome Pickups. Pre-booked private transfers from Agadir Airport are also available at Viator.

If you’re looking for a public bus from Agadir Airport, head out to the main street and flag down number 37. It connects to the town of Inezgane. From here, you can get bus connections into the city centre. 

Bus

Travelling to Agadir by bus is a comfortable and affordable option, with daily connections to cities across Morocco. Regular services connect to the Gare Routiere from Marrakech (3.5 hours) and Essaouira (3 hours). Unlike in some Moroccan cities, Supratours and CTM buses use the same station in Agadir. (the Gare Routiere).

Bus tickets can purchased directly with the companies or you can compare the available options at 12Go and make bookings through the site.

On arrival, metered petit taxis are readily available to transport you from the bus station to your accommodation. 

Private transfer

The most comfortable and convenient way to reach Agadir is by private transfer, especially if you’re travelling in a group. You’ll get door-to-door service directly to your Agadir hotel or resort, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to and from a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.

Marrakech to Agadir private transfer

Essaouira to Agadir private transfer

Best places to stay in Agadir

From beachfront resorts to luxury villas and atmospheric riads, Agadir offers accommodations to meet every traveller’s needs. It particularly shines when it comes to all-inclusive resorts and golfing resorts – some of Morocco’s best can be found in Agadir.

If you’re looking to self-cater, Agadir offers no shortage of holiday apartments to accommodate the whole family. Those on a budget may want to consider heading up the coast towards Taghazout where affordable surf houses and hostels await.

Below are some of my top recommendations for places to stay in Agadir. You can find more here!

Luxury places to stay in Agadir

Tikida Golf Palace

Set on the banks of a river, this luxury Agadir hotel boasts incredible wellness facilities and convenient access to two 18-hole golf courses.

Robinson Agadir

This all-inclusive resort has an adults-only pool, a sprawling spa and multiple restaurants at the southern end of Plage d’Agadir.

Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa

This 5-star beachfront resort boasts a cutting-edge thalassotherapy centre, two outdoor pools and daily wellness activities.

Mid-range places to stay in Agadir

Ocean Atlantic View

With an outdoor pool, hammam and restaurant, this affordable Agadir hotel offers comfortable stays just a short walk from the beach.

Petit Palace Suites Hotel

With its contemporary suites and onsite restaurant, this highly-rated Agadir hotel offers stylish stays in the Swiss City neighbourhood.

Riad Villa Blanche

At the quiet southern end of Plage d’Agadir, this boutique riad hotel features an outdoor pool, a traditional hammam and a hot tub.

Affordable places to stay in Agadir

Hotel Timoulay

Within walking distance of the beach, this budget-friendly Agadir hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa and a restaurant.

Hotel Riad Salam

Located across the road from Souk El Had, this affordable riad hotel offers comfortable rooms and hearty breakfasts.

Best time to visit Agadir

Nestled beneath the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains, Agadir basks in a warm climate year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures, when ocean breezes temper the heat.

But even during the summer months, when temperatures climb into the mid-30s, the low humidity makes the warmth (generally) bearable.

The exception to this is when winds blowing in off the Sahara send temperatures soaring into the high 30s/early 40s. These sirocco winds transform pleasantly warm days into scorching heat waves.

If you’re not a fan of heat or holidaying crowds, avoid visiting Agadir during the peak summer months of July and August. 

Agadir sees little precipitation, with the wettest month, December, only bringing about 2.5 inches on average. At this time, rain showers falling on the peaks of the Anti-Atlas filter down to the coast during brief but intense downpours.

Crowds descend on Agadir during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday period when European tourists are on an extended break. 

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.