If you’re planning a vacation to Morocco in the near future, you might have wondered “Is Agadir worth visiting?” This southern city lies where the Atlas Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean and it has garnered a reputation as one of the premier beach resorts in the country. More than that, it’s also a hub for Amazigh culture, with more than half the population speaking Tamazight, and has risen from the rubble following a devastating earthquake in 1960.
As someone who is married to an Agadir local and has lived nearby, I’ve spent a fair bit of time in this city and know its pros and cons. While it’s best known as a destination for lazy, sun-soaked days at the beach, it’s also home to a sprawling market and some fascinating museums that are well worth a day away from the water. Not only that, but you’re on the doorstep of incredible surf and a paradisiacal valley - there really is a lot about Agadir to love.
That being said, the answer to the question “Is Agadir worth visiting?” might not be the same for everyone, depending on their interests. To help you determine whether to add this beachside city to your Morocco itinerary, I’ve put together this article detailing 8 reasons why Agadir is worth visiting and what it offers as a tourist destination.
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8 reasons why Agadir is worth visiting
It offers a quintessential beach vacation experience
With its long stretch of golden sand and restaurant-lined promenade, Agadir is a classic beach resort destination. While some travellers feel the city lacks an authentic Moroccan ambiance due to the absence of a centuries-old medina, others are drawn to its modern energy and the lure of sun, surf and sand. Agadir is a place where you can spend endless hours lazing in the sun and participating in water sports, alongside a tourist clientele that is mainly European but also Moroccan.
Many love the fact that Agadir boasts an incredible choice of beachfront hotels and resorts, many of which offer all-inclusive stays. Aside from being just steps from the sand, you can take advantage of onsite swimming pools, cultural classes and live entertainment, as well as all-you-can-eat experiences at the property's globally-inspired restaurants. If your idea of a Moroccan vacation is a hassle-free week of fun in the sun, then Agadir is definitely worth visiting!
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For more inspiration, check out my article detailing 5 of the best all-inclusive hotels in Agadir.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
The outdoor pools at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir (photo courtesy of Expedia)
It’s a great place to learn about Amazigh culture
As Morocco’s "capital of Amazigh culture," Agadir is one of the few places in the country where the Tamazight language is spoken by more than half the local population. Throughout the year, this city celebrates its Amazigh traditions with a lively calendar of cultural festivals and music celebrations, the most prominent being the grand New Year festivities on January 13th.
Even if your visit doesn't coincide with one of these events, you can still learn about Morocco’s Indigenous cultures at the Agadir Amazigh Heritage Museum, which showcases a remarkable array of artefacts. Here you can admire handcrafted jewellery, textiles and pottery, along with objects that provide insight into the everyday lives of the local Amazigh community.
You can learn more about Agadir’s best museums here.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
It’s home to a huuuuuugee market
Souk El Had is the largest market in Agadir and let me tell you, it’s big!! There are around 6,000 stalls within its bounds and it’s the place for locals to come and shop for everything from fresh produce to homewares and ready-to-eat meals. What I love about Souk El Had is that it feels authentic, particularly when compared to the handicraft-focused markets of Fes and Marrakech, which are designed specifically for the tourist market.
While we don’t do our weekly shopping here as we have a market closer to home, Souk El Had is somewhere we’ll venture into when we’re visiting Agadir and want to pick up groceries and have lunch all at once. It can be overwhelming, with so much choice it's hard to know where to start. What I particularly love about Souk El Had is the food court area, which does amazing tagines and grilled fish, all at affordable, local prices.
Top tip: When you enter Souk El Had, take note of the gate number you’ve come through so you can find your way out at the end.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
The impact of the 1960 earthquake is still felt today
In 1960, Agadir was impacted by a devastating earthquake that left much of the old city in ruin. More than 12,000 people died and many locals still remember the terror of the experience. If you want to learn more, you can visit the Memoire d’Agadir, which explores the city’s history before and after the event. Located within Jardin de Olhão, it features an engaging array of photographs and newspaper articles that capture the essence of Agadir in the early 20th century.
Alternatively, head to La Medina d’Agadir, an open-air museum that recreates the Agadir Medina as it appeared before the earthquake. As you stroll through the atmospheric streets, you can admire the distinctly Amazigh architecture and see traditional artisans crafting goods in period workshops. While it doesn't have the "pulse" of the Fes or Marrakech medinas, it is a wonderful place to admire traditional architecture in a relaxed setting.
You can learn more about Agadir’s best museums here.
It’s on the doorstep of Morocco's best surf
If you’re interested in surfing in Morocco, then chances are you’ve heard of Taghazout. Located just 25 kilometres north of Agadir, this once tiny Amazigh village is surrounded by some of the best surf breaks in Morocco. While you can stay in one of the boutique guesthouses or hostels that dot Taghazout, it’s also possible to access the surf from a base in Agadir.
Most famous of Taghazout’s waves is Anchor Point with its steep takeoffs and powerful barrels testing even the most skilled surfers. Close by, you'll find Boilers and Hash Point, as well as La Source - perfect for intermediate surfers. At the southern end of Taghazout, Panoramas presents a beautiful point break while closer to Agadir is Cro-Cro, a friendly beach break that’s ideal for beginners and popular with the local surf schools.
To learn more about staying and surfing in Taghazout, check out my detailed article here.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
It’s within easy reach of Paradise Valley
Fed by the crystal-clear waters of the Tamraght River, this serene gorge is just an hour’s drive from Agadir and makes for a wonderful day trip. A trail leads you on an easy hike through this picturesque landscape, where you're greeted by cascading waterfalls and inviting pools perfect for swimming and splashing on a hot day.
Throughout the gorge, you'll find eateries offering glasses of freshly squeezed Moroccan orange juice and slow-cooked tagines where you refuel in between swims. My advice would be to order a tagine on the way in so that it’s ready when you’re hungry in an hour or so. With no public transport available to Paradise Valley, a guided trip is the most convenient option.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
It’s home to Africa's only museum dedicated solely to meteorites
Is Agadir worth visiting? If you’re interested in meteorites, then the answer is a firm “yes”! as it’s home to an outstanding museum dedicated to rocks originating in outer space. The team at the University Museum of Meteorites is led by Professor Abderahmane Ibhi, who possesses extensive expertise in these cosmic artefacts and the recently discovered Imilchil-Agoudal impact crater in the High Atlas mountains.
Run by the Ibn Zohr University'sastronomy club, the museum invites visitors to explore a varied collection of meteorites, tektites and other impactites sourced from across North Africa. It features engaging documentaries and hands-on exhibits, as well as being a great place to have suspected meteoritic materials examined by experts in the field.
It’s the gateway to birdwatching in Souss-Massa National Park
Located a short drive south of Agadir, Souss-Massa National Park spans over 80,000 acres of lush wetlands, rugged woodlands and dunes. It offers the closest thing you'll get to a safari in Morocco, with 4x4 trips giving you the chance to spot oryx, gazelles and North African ostriches, which have recently been reintroduced.
The park’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Oued Massa, a river delta that attracts hundreds of species of rare and exotic birds, making it one of the best places to visit in Morocco for twitchers. Bird watchers come here to catch a glimpse of the magnificent flamingos, graceful cormorants and elusive sandgrouse as they gather along the river's edge, as well as the endangered northern bald ibis.
Guided trips to Souss-Massa National Park will allow you to make the most of the experience with the help of a knowledgeable local.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
Is Agadir worth visiting?
If you’re looking for fun in the sun with a dash of culture and nature experiences nearby, then I think Agadir is definitely worth visiting. While the city doesn’t have a historic medina like Fes or Marrakech, there’s a modern pulse that feels refreshingly authentic. It’s an energised place to experience Morocco through a contemporary lens and discover that Moroccans love spending time at the beach just as much as everyone else!
I also think Agadir does the all-inclusive Moroccan vacation better than any other city. You can stay within the tranquil grounds of a beachfront resort and have all the hustle and bustle of the city right outside. When you want a break from lounging poolside, you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Souk El Had or embark on a safari through Souss-Massa National Park.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.