If you’re planning a Moroccan beach vacation, there are probably two main destinations you have in mind - Agadir or Essaouira. Both offer sun-drenched seaside settings on the Atlantic coast and a taste of Moroccan culture, but they cater to quite different travel experiences. While Agadir boasts some amazing all-inclusive resorts and a sheltered crescent of sand for sunbathing, Essaouira is renowned for its historic medina, bohemian vibe….and windy conditions!
As we’ve lived partway between Agadir and Essaouira over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time in both cities and have a good understanding of what sets them apart. In truth, I think they are completely different in terms of what they offer for a Moroccan beach vacation and they will probably appeal to different types of travellers. Both are well-served by international airports (although Agadir’s is slightly larger) and they are both easily accessible from Marrakech.
While I have my favourite, it might not be the one that’s right for you. So I thought I’d put together this unbiased article Agadir vs Essaouira: Which City Should You Visit? to help you make the right decision for your Moroccan beach vacation.
You can find more information about things to see and do in both cities in my Ultimate Guide to Agadir and Ultimate Guide to Essaouira.
Agadir vs Essaouira
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DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE? I RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING:
VISIT AGADIR if you want a classic beach vacation, with long days on the sand, people-watching on the promenade and after-dark entertainment. You can go completely hassle-free with an all-inclusive stay (families are well catered to) and there’s the opportunity to surf (or learn to surf) right on your doorstep.
VISIT ESSAOUIRA if you’re more into a coastal, cultural experience, with an eclectic choice of cafes, amazing artisan stores and art galleries, plus a lively port where you can feast on fresh sardines. Everything is within walking distance and wind surfers will be in heaven!
Agadir or Essaouira: Which is better?
Agadir vs Essaouira: Reasons to visit Agadir
Agadir is a bustling resort city along Morocco’s southern Atlantic coastline that draws large number of European tourists each winter. This is where my husband is from, so we have spent a LOT of time here. Agadir is fringed by a long sweep of sand lined with high-rise hotels and a breezy seafront promenade, along with a modern marina filled with sleek yachts and colourful fishing boats.
Agadir has a cosmopolitan, almost Mediterranean-like feel, with an enticing array of dining options catering to vacationing tourists. There are lots of bars and clubs for after-dark entertainment - this is one of the best places in Morocco for partying! While the promenade is very walkable, you’ll need to navigate public transport or get taxis to access most of the sights away from the beach, which include one of the country’s biggest markets - Souk El Had.
While Agadir does have some wonderful museums (two of which are dedicated to the earthquake that levelled Agadir in 1960), it’s more of a destination for sun, surf and sand. The surf breaks of Taghazout and Tamraght are within easy reach (25 kilometres to the north) and there are plenty of places in Agadir offering surf lessons. Added to that, the natural swimming holes of Paradise Valley are just a stone’s throw away!
What Agadir may lack in terms of traditional Moroccan charm (found in places like Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira), it more than makes up for it with its unabashed focus on tourism and delivering a classic beach resort experience. It's what draws so many visitors here in the first place! Whether you're travelling with the kids in tow or want a completely kid-free stay, there's a great choice of all-inclusive resorts, and if that’s what you’re looking for, then Agadir is the answer!
Agadir vs Essaouira: Which city to visit?
Agadir vs Essaouira: Reasons to visit Essaouira
Essaouira is a historic Portuguese port that offers a completely different experience from resort-like Agadir. It’s often described as having a bohemian atmosphere, with a lot of art galleries, handicraft stores and creative cafes. It’s here that the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival is held each June (if you can coincide your visit - go!!) and its reputation as a city of the arts permeates the streets.
I have a real soft spot for Essaouira and love wandering through the whitewashed medina (it’s UNESCO-listed), eating freshly caught sardines at the port and watching the sunset from the ramparts. It has more of a quintessential Moroccan feel about it, largely due to the fact that its historic architecture is intact and there are lots of artisanal markets where you can watch makers at work.
Stretching south from the port is a long sweep of sand that’s gorgeous but it can be incredibly windy. Essaouira's primary draw as a beachside destination lies in its world-class wind and kite surfing conditions, fuelled by the almost constant ocean breezes that blow in. However, this means that it’s less appealing for sunbathing or simply relaxing on the sand - I end up feeling completely frazzled! That being said, when you’re inside the medina, you don’t notice the wind as you’re protected by the ramparts and city walls.
In terms of population, Essaouira is much smaller than Agadir, so it may appeal to those who like a small city vibe. It doesn’t have the mainstream bars and clubs that you’ll find in its southern counterpart but it is a great place for watching live music (you can often see Gnaoua even outside of the festival dates). With its laidback pace, artistic energy and eclectic dining options, the holiday experience in Essaouira is more about culture in a coastal setting, rather than a beach resort-style stay.
Agadir or Essaouira: Which is better?
Accommodation in Agadir vs Essaouira
Agadir has firmly established itself as a destination for package holidays, catering primarily to sun-seeking tourists with its large, modern resorts. Backing the beach are whitewashed hotels and holiday apartments ideal for a self-catering stay, as well as all-inclusive resorts with a whole host of facilities. In fact, if you’re into hassle-free holidays where everything is covered, I’d say Agadir is one of the best places for an all-inclusive vacation in Morocco.
Check out five of the best all-inclusive resorts in Agadir here!
That being said, you can still find atmospheric boutique hotels offering more intimate experiences, although these are more commonly scattered throughout the city, rather than being on the beachfront. And if you want to be closer to the surf than the city, there are plenty of characterful hostels and brand-spanking new beach hotels in Taghazout, many of which offer daily yoga classes and wellness facilities.
Discover some of the best places to stay in Agadir for every budget here.
Essaouira also boasts an impressive range of accommodation options to suit all budgets but you won’t get the all-inclusive resorts you find in Agadir. In Essaouira, the focus is more on riads, traditional Moroccan houses centred around a serene courtyard, many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels. In my opinion, staying at a riad is a must-do Moroccan experience and Essaouira boasts some of the most romantic if you're travelling with a loved one.
Check out 5 of the best spa hotels in Essaouira here.
Riads can be found throughout Essaouira's enchanting medina, ranging from luxurious, high-end properties to more budget-friendly options and family-friendly stays. Many boast beautifully restored architectural features, but as they are located within old buildings, they don’t always have the modern conveniences you'd expect of a contemporary hotel (soundproofing being one). That being said, they are still incredibly comfortable and any minor drawbacks are offset by their undeniable charm.
If you don't want to swim at Essaouira's windy beaches, opt for a hotel with a pool instead!
Agadir or Essaouira: Which is better to visit?
Getting around Agadir vs Essaouira
Agadir is a really well-connected and accessible destination, thanks largely to Agadir Al Massira International Airport, which operates a huge network of flights to destinations across Europe. The volume of air traffic makes getting to Agadir from overseas easier and more convenient than reaching Essaouira, although that does depend on where you’re travelling from.
Adding to Agadir's accessibility, the city also boasts a dedicated airport shuttle bus that whisks passengers from the terminal to the city centre in around 50 minutes for a really reasonable fare. The city is also better served by an extensive network of bus stations and routes, providing visitors with ample options for reaching Agadir from other parts of Morocco.
While Agadir may not be the most walkable destination, with many key sights and attractions requiring a short drive to access, the availability of taxis makes getting around the city easy, once you get the hang of it. As some taxis aren’t metered, I’d recommend checking with your accommodation as to average fare prices so you have a reference point if you have to negotiate a fixed rate.
Getting to Essaouira can also be relatively straightforward, particularly if you're flying from Paris, London, Brussels, Madrid and Marseille, all of which have direct flights to Essaouira Mogador Airport. That being said, there are fewer international flights serving Essaouira compared to Agadir and it may be cheaper to fly into Agadir or Marrakech, then travel overland to Essaouira.
If you’re visiting as part of a longer Moroccan road trip, there are frequent buses to Essaouira from both Marrakech and Agadir, as well as from Casablanca further north. As with Agadir, no trains serve Essaouira but you can book a private transfer if you want a faster option to the buses.
Want to visit both Agadir and Essaouira? This two-week itinerary covers both.
Once you arrive in Essaouira, the compact nature of medina means that everything is within walking distance. In fact, if your accommodation is in the historic core or just outside, you could go your whole vacation without getting in a vehicle (airport transfers aside - there's an airport shuttle here too) and this is a big part of Essaouira’s appeal.
Added to that, the two-kilometre promenade that runs along the beachfront is also a wonderful way to take in the coastal scenery and sea breezes. If you do need to venture beyond the pedestrian-only medina, taxis are readily available around the main gates that provide access in and out.
Agadir vs Essaouira: Which is best for a Moroccan beach vacation?
Weather in Agadir vs Essaouira
While the region as a whole experiences a similar Mediterranean-influenced weather pattern, Agadir's climate is notably milder than that of nearby Essaouira. It enjoys a subtropical desert climate that is characterised by hot, dry summers and pleasantly warm winters. It’s usually warmer in winter in Agadir than in Essaouira.
During the summer months of June, July and August, average daily highs can reach 31°C in Agadir, with overnight lows still remaining quite warm at around 20°C. The minimal rainfall is ideal for travellers seeking to maximise their time in the sun, with over 300 days of clear skies each year. Even in winter, the mercury often reaches 20°C during the day, which is why Agadir is such a popular winter vacation destination in Morocco.
In contrast, Essaouria experiences cloudier conditions overall and it’s more prone to rain in the winter months. During the summertime, it’s frequently buffeted by strong winds, which serve to temper the heat and create a cool microclimate. Even at the height of summer in July and August, the temperatures are still only in the mid-20s, although it can feel hotter if you're wandering around the medina. By January/February, it’s more like 15°C during the daytime - a perfect temperature for sightseeing in my opinion.
Agadir compared to Essaouira
Should I visit Agadir or Essaouira? Which is better?
When it comes to choosing between the Moroccan beach destinations of Essaouira and Agadir, neither is "better" than the other, it really comes down to what type of experience you're after. If the primary goal of your Moroccan beach vacation is to relax in the sun, enjoy a cocktail by the hotel pool and perhaps the occasional stroll along the beach, then Agadir is likely the better fit.
The city has a more modern, developed feel compared to Essaouira, although some say it lacks that quintessential Moroccan charm and character they crave. However, that's not to say Agadir is completely devoid of cultural attractions - there are some great museums, a reconstructed medina and a lively market that is filled with locals going about their daily business.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking more of a cultural Moroccan experience in a beachside setting, Essaouira may be the better choice. Ringed by ancient walls, this historic port city, with its labyrinthine medina, artistic legacy and bustling fishing harbour never fails to enchant. I am 100% in love with Essaouira!
Beyond the city limits, Essaouira also offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from kitesurfing and windsurfing to quad biking excursions. But the beach here can be windy, so be prepared to work around the blustery conditions if you want to sunbathe on the sand. Essaouira's inspiring choice of riads and hotels makes it ideal for those who like their accommodation intimate, locally operated and full of charm.
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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.