Located where the Atlas Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is a major Moroccan city that’s blessed with golden sands and one of the country’s biggest souks. Though devastated by an earthquake in 1960, this southern city has risen from the rubble and today blends traditional neighbourhoods with the feel of a modern beachside resort.
Considered Morocco’s capital of Amazigh culture, Agadir is 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 trips along the spectacular coastline.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Agadir, discover everything you need to know to experience this coastal city to the fullest, from the best things to do and incredible stays to my top tour recommendations.
If you're just looking for accommodation, here's a list of the Best Hotels in Agadir For Every Budget.
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BEST TOURS IN AGADIR
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Agadir tour recommendations:
Things to do in Agadir
Hike to the hilltop ruins of 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 site still exudes an air of mystery and offers magnificent views across the fishing port and beaches fringing Agadir. The sunset vistas are especially stunning, bathing the ruins in golden light.
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 patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. 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. Pass through the grand, arched gates into a labyrinth of stalls brimming with treasures, from pyramids of fragrant spices to mounds of colourful produce and artisans selling handcrafted tagines, homewares and rugs. As you wander through the maze of merchants, be prepared to haggle for the best deals - it’s all part of the experience! Keep in mind that Souk El Had is closed on Mondays but open every other day of the week. Guided tours of Souk El Had will help you navigate this mammoth market with ease.
Reflect at the Memoire d’Agadir
Gain insight into Agadir's devastating 1960 earthquake at this intimate museum, nestled within the serene Jardin de Olhão. While you won't find flashy technology or interactive exhibits, the simple newspaper clippings and photos powerfully convey the tragedy that claimed over 17,000 lives and flattened the city. Beyond the quake, the museum also charts Agadir's journey from the 1920s onward and its development into the modern beach resort seen today. After your visit, take a moment to reflect amid the tranquil garden's palm trees and cacti.
Visit the Medina d’Agadir
To see what Agadir looked like before the earthquake struck, head to Ben Sergao to admire this meticulous recreation. Built in 1992, the open-air museum authentically captures the feel of classic Amazigh design, with locally sourced rock and slate from the Atlas Mountains used to craft its buildings. As you stroll the atmospheric alleys, you'll find painters, metalworkers and carpenters practicing their crafts, just as they did decades ago.
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. Reminiscent of the Sahara, 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.
Guided trips to Souss-Massa National Park will allow you to make the most of the experience with the help of a knowledgeable local.
Things to do in Agadir
Get up close to reptiles at Crocoparc
Get up close and personal with the rare Nile crocodile at Crocoparc, a wildlife reserve just east of Agadir. Once abundant throughout Morocco, these magnificent creatures have been hunted to near extinction. At Crocoparc, they live in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat. You may even catch a glimpse of adorable hatchlings in the on-site nursery and lab! When you've had your fill of croc-spotting, meander through Crocoparc's sprawling botanical garden, home to over 300 diverse plant species. At this one-of-a-kind reserve, you'll encounter exotic wildlife and flora that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
Crocoparc tours are available with door-to-door hotel service.
Ride the waves around Taghazout
A short drive north of Agadir is this former fishing village, which has transformed into a mecca for surfers with some of the best waves in Morocco. The most famous break is barrelling Anchor Point, although there are waves to suit all levels. Clustered in both Taghazout and Tamraght are plenty of surf shops where 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.
Swim in the pools of Paradise Valley
An hour's drive from Agadir is Paradise Valley, a lush oasis fed by the meandering Tamraght River. Palm trees frame its beautiful gorge, with features picturesque cascades and shimmering pools. An easy hike along the main trail takes you to the heart of the valley where 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. With no public transport available to Paradise Valley, a guided trip is the most convenient option.
Enjoy an authentic hammam experience
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture than with an authentic hammam experience in Agadir. This weekly ritual for locals is a sacred tradition and trust me, you will never feel so clean in your life! As steam fills the room and opens your pores, get ready for a vigorous olive oil scrub-down that 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), opt for a private hammam experience for just you and your loved ones, including a soothing massage. It provides a luxurious twist on this centuries-old cleansing ritual, although I can’t recommend the real deal highly enough!
Travel guide to Agadir
Top tours in Agadir
For more inspiration, check out my article detailing 9 of the Best Tours in Agadir.
Things to do 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 walk a little further to find the grand taxi stand. These cream-coloured Mercedes offer more affordable, shared journeys.
If you’re looking for a public bus from Agadir Airport, head out to the main street and flag down number 37, which connects to the town of Inezgane. From here, you can get bus connections into the city centre.
Pre-booked private transfers from Agadir Airport are a hassle-free option, particularly if you’re concerned about language barriers.
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), with petit taxis 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 guesthouse, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to and from a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.
Travel guide to Agadir
Best places to stay in Agadir
From beachfront hotels to luxury villas and atmospheric riads, Agadir offers a variety of accommodations to meet every traveller's needs. Those on a budget may want to consider heading up the coast towards Taghazout where affordable surf houses and hostels await. If you’re looking to self-cater, Agadir offers no shortage of holiday apartments to accommodate the whole family.
Luxury places to stay in Agadir
Mid-range places to stay in Agadir
Affordable places to stay in Agadir
For more accommodation inspiration, check out my detailed list of the Best Hotels in Agadir For Every Budget.
Travel guide to Agadir
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.
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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.