Plan your next trip to Agadir, a vibrant coastal city in Morocco known for its year-round sunshine. Unwind on white sandy beaches, uncover treasures in the vibrant souks, explore its fascinating history, and experience spectacular landscapes beyond the city. This ultimate travel guide shares the best things to do in Agadir and must-visit spots nearby.
Updated February 2025
Contents
1. What's the history of Agadir?
1.1 Where is Agadir?
1.2 What is Agadir known for?
1.3 How to get to Agadir?
1.4 How to get around Agadir?
1.5 When is the best time to visit Agadir?
1.6 Is Agadir worth visiting?
1.7 What are the best things to do in Agadir?
1.8 Day trips from Agadir
1.9 Where to stay in Agadir?
Morocco is a land of contrasting landscapes, from the vibrant red city of Marrakech to the desolate dunes of the Sahara Desert, or relaxing in a traditional riad; as a destination, it offers something for everyone. There’s so much to discover in Morocco and a chance to unlock core memories.
If you're seeking adventure, challenge yourself with a hike to Toubkal, Africa's highest peak, in the Atlas Mountains. Or if the relaxing coast sounds more appealing, Morocco has a wonderful coastline with charming fishing villages such as Taghazout and Imsouane, and relaxed coastal cities such as Agadir.
Agadir is one of the top trending destinations in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco southwest of Marrakech and Casablanca. Agadir has year-round sunshine, making it a wonderful winter sun destination, with temperatures reaching 21°C in January.
Travelling to Agadir and getting around the city is affordable, with budget-friendly flights from the UK and other major European cities. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful sandy beaches, and some of the best beachfront 5-star hotels in Morocco.
Agadir is a perfect base for exploring Souss-Massa National Park, Taroudant, Tifnit or even taking a day trip to Marrakech. We’ll share the best things to do in Agadir, where to stay, and achievable day trips from the city.
MOROCCO TRAVEL INFO
LANGUAGES | ARABIC, BERBER (Many also speak Spanish and French due to historical colonial rule)
CURRENCY | MOROCCAN DIRHAM (MAD)
POPULATION | 37 million people
INTERESTING FACT | Morocco is home to the largest desert in the world, the Sahara desert.
What's the history of Agadir?
Originally a small fishing village, Agadir became an important trading port with its prime coastal location and sheltered harbour. It was first settled by the Berbers, who were challenged by the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century.
The Portuguese built a fortress, known as Fort Agadir, to protect the city but were eventually taken over by the Saadian dynasty, who built Agadir Oufella, which still stands today.
The city of Agadir was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1960, which meant most of it had to be completely rebuilt, and the old city, which is also known as the ancient Medina, was lost. Since then, Agadir has become recognised as one of the modern cities in Morocco and a number one destination for winter sun.
Where is Agadir?
Agadir is a modern city on Morocco’s west coast, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s located around 250 km south of Marrakech and 450 km from Casablanca. Agadir lies at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, near the southern Dunes of Rasmouka.
The city sits in the region of Sous-Mass and is known for its year-round mild climate with a combination of its fertile grounds, making it the perfect place to grow an abundance of citrus fruits, bananas, dates, olives, and avocados.
What is Agadir known for?
Agadir is an assortment of traditional and modern elements. As a busy port city, the beautiful marina has a relaxing atmosphere with modern restaurants and shops. The largest souk in Morocco, Souk El Had, offers the chance to experience Moroccan craft and culture.
The majority of restaurants and bars are found along the beachfront promenade, with luxury all-inclusive 5-star hotels, parks, and gardens. Agadir has a beautiful, kilometre-long golden sandy beach where you can relax with a massage or try out watersport activities, such as surfing.
Agadir is a laid-back resort destination, excellent for a winter sun escape to enjoy warm temperatures throughout January, February and March compared to colder temperatures back in the UK. There are several beach clubs and chilled nightlife scene with many restaurants open till late.
As the capital of Amazigh culture, home to Indigenous Berber people, the earliest residents of North Africa are known as Maghreb. Witness celebrations of tradition with festivals throughout the year in Agadir, including the New Amazigh Year (the start of the agricultural season) and the Timitar festival, which honours Berber music and culture.
How to get to Agadir?
By Plane
The main airport is Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, located southeast of the city approximately a 30-minute drive from the Agadir city centre.
From the UK, several budget airlines offer cheap flights to Agadir, especially in the off-peak season from November to February. The flight takes just under 4 hours from London to Agadir, with flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
How to get to Agadir from Marrakech?
From Marrakech, we took the bus from Marrakech to Agadir which took around 3 hours 30 minutes and cost 240 MAD (£20/$24/€23) for both of us and an additional 9 dirhams for our suitcases. The best way to get your ticket was to book directly with the bus tour company, there are two Supratours and CTM.
Agadir is a great day trip from Marrakech with great transport links to the city, making it a great relaxing seaside destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the souks.
If you’re travelling from Essaouira to Agadir, it takes over 3 hours by car and there is a direct by from Essaouira which you can book online at CTM or Supratours which are the main companies that operate this route.
How to get around Agadir?
By Bus
There are local buses that run from the airport to the city centre of Agadir. The bus stop is located off the main road, just a short walk from the airport. As you leave the airport, the taxi stand will be on your right and cross the car park and the bus stop is next to the roundabout.
You’ll have to catch two buses first, catch the local bus number 22 to Inezgane which costs 4 MAD. Once you arrive in Inezgane, you can catch a second bus into the centre of Agadir where there is the option to get local bus number 20, 24 or 28 (costs 3 MAD), the bus is a much cheaper alternative to a taxi however, the last bus from the airport is 8:30 pm.
By Taxi
When you land at Agadir airport, walk outside to the taxi stand, there is a sign that shows fixed prices for each destination. A taxi costs 200 MAD from the airport to Agadir city and the drive takes around 20-30 minutes.
You can walk around the city on foot to most areas with ease, however, the city is much bigger than most Moroccan cities and you will probably need to get a taxi or catch the bus, as some places are located a little outside the city such as the Ancient Medina and Old Kasbah. There are smaller red taxis where the day rate is 50 MAD and the larger grand taxis cost 70 MAD.
Rent a Car
Driving in Morocco is easier than you might think while driving in the cities is a little more hectic. Once you get outside the city, driving is stress-free and a fantastic way to explore the coast.
We hired a car to explore Agadir and other nearby places, including Taghazout and Imsouane. If you plan to do a few activities such as Paradise Valley and a trip to the desert, then taking a taxi might be a better option for you.
Many hotels and tour companies offer guided tours that include transport. This saves the hassle of driving in Morocco if you plan to spend most of your time in Taghazout.
When is the best time to visit Agadir?
Agadir experiences warm weather throughout the year, with little rain. The warmest months for visitors to Agadir are June and August, when Moroccans escape to the coast for the cool Atlantic wind and lovely beaches. The temperature in Agadir can reach around 30°C in July and August.
The busiest season for international tourists is from December to February, when most Europeans escape winter in pursuit of warmer weather. If it’s possible, avoid visiting during school holidays and public holidays.
The best time to visit Agadir is during the spring and autumn months from March to May and from September to November. During these months you have the best combination of fewer visitors and warm weather.
We visited Agadir in January and February for some overdue vitamin D. The temperature is mild in January and February, reaching a lovely 21°C, perfect for days relaxing on the beach or outdoor activities.
Is Agadir worth visiting?
While Agadir may be known for its all-inclusive hotels and sun, sea, and souks, it offers much more than a modern beach resort city. As the Berber capital in Morocco, there are plenty of authentic and cultural experiences to uncover in the city and beyond.
Even if you decide to stay in a beach resort, please get outside your hotel and experience the largest souk in Morocco, Souk El Had. Take a walk around the marina, see the local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day, and catch a glimpse of local life.
In our opinion, Agadir is well worth a visit; it has the perfect ingredients for a wonderful trip: warm weather, rich culture, fantastic food, outdoor activities, friendly people, and affordability, and it is easy to get around.
What are the best things to do in Agadir?
The Old Kasbah
The only remaining part of the old city of Agadir, the ancient fortress of Agadir Oufella Kasbah, is worth a visit to learn about the history of this city and see it from above. You can either catch the cable car (80 MAD) or walk to the top of the hill.
Agadir Oufella Kasbah is also known as the Old Kasbah, which has some incredible views overlooking the city of Agadir. Take a tour around the iconic Old Kasbah; this tour also takes you shopping around the souk market.
It originally protected against Portuguese invasions, but two subsequent earthquakes in 1755 and 1960 destroyed it. You can walk around the remaining walls, and behind the walls were houses, markets, a mosque, and people living here, which is now a burial ground for those who were unfortunately killed in the 1960 earthquake.
As a protected national heritage site in Morocco, archaeologists are currently working on planned restoration works that will bring the Old Kasbah to its former glory.
Souss Massa MEDINA
After the devastating earthquake that destroyed most of the old city, most of the architecture and heritage no longer existed. In 1992, architect Coco Polizzi designed and built a beautiful citadel that imitates the ancient architecture of Agadir using traditional materials.
As you enter the Souss Massa Ancient Media, it will immerse you into the past and feel as though you’ve entered a picture-perfect movie set, with photo opportunities around every corner.
There are some traditional craft shops and a restaurant that serves tasty Moroccan food, where a typical meal is 75 MAD, which is brochettes with fries, rice, and yoghurt bread. Book a tour to Souss Massa Medina either early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid most other visitors. We explored in the afternoon, and there were only a handful of other people there.
The entrance fee is 40 MAD per adult and is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. The Medina is approximately a 10-minute drive from the city centre and will cost around 50-70 MAD in a taxi; there is a large car park opposite to park your rental car.
Souk El Had
This is the largest souk in Morocco, with over 6,000 stalls. Here you’ll discover almost anything in this market, from modern items to more traditional stalls and fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices. Most of the market is covered with some small square market areas that have seating for cafés and juice stalls.
Each area is grouped into different sections: fresh produce, pottery, spices, leather goods, jewellery, booksellers, rugs, household items, electronics, and clothes. We started exploring at gate 5, exploring the fresh produce of oranges, strawberries, and mint tea, and then made our way around the souk in a circular route.
The market is closed on Mondays and is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 6 am to 8:30 pm. Take a guided tour around Souk El Had to learn more about the history and products sold in the old market in Agadir.
AGADIR BEACH
Agadir Beach is a 7-mile-long stretch of golden sands, the perfect spot for surfing, snorkelling, and relaxing. There is a beach promenade that sweeps alongside the beach, which is ideal for walking, cycling, and skating. The beach is lined with hotels and restaurants to experience the local cuisine.
Book a surf lesson on Agadir Beach to truly experience the waves with a surf instructor and learn to become confident in the ocean!
A great way to get around the city is by bike; join a sustainable bike tour around Agadir where you’ll learn about how the locals live and enjoy tasty snacks along the way.
Agadir Marina
Take a stroll along the Agadir Marina, which is at the most northern end of Agadir Beach; there are several cafés and restaurants along this stretch overlooking the beautiful boats moored in the marina. There is a beautiful beach bar called Les Blancs, serving tapas and overlooking Agadir Beach.
There are also many shops in the marina to browse, including high street names like Zara and designer brands, and it is one of the most luxurious areas to stay in in Agadir. Take a boat trip from the marina for a day full of swimming and fishing and end it with delicious barbequed cooked fish—is there a better way to spend the day?!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get up high to appreciate Agadir from a bird's-eye point of view; book a hot air balloon ride for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This will make your trip extra special and create memories to last a lifetime.
Explore the Desert by 4x4
Discover adventure on a 4x4 jeep safari tour through the desert from Agadir, where you’ll find hidden beaches, enjoy local cuisine in a Berber house, and experience the dunes of the desert for yourself. This experience is a must when visiting Morocco, especially as it is home to the largest desert in the world!
What are the best day trips from Agadir?
Taghazout
Take some time to escape the busy souks of the city and relax by the coast in Taghazout. This small fishing town is the perfect place to soak up the sun and ride the Atlantic Ocean waves.
Book a surf lesson and experience consistent and clean waves for yourself with the help of a surf instructor! Whilst surfing, you might spot camels walking along the beach, which makes this a unique spot to surf.
Taghazout has a chilled atmosphere, ideal for anyone in search of a destination that has both beautiful beaches and adventure. It is a popular place for surfers and offers a generous number of surfing spots, from Anchors Point for the more advanced to Taghazout Bay which is ideal for beginners. Read our travel guide to Taghazout here.
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is a sheltered palm oasis, where you’ll find beautiful natural pools surrounded by mountains. Home to waterfalls, mountain gorges, and pristine natural pools. Explore Paradise Valley for the day and cool down in the natural pools and picturesque nearby villages.
Imsouane
A nearby village north of Agadir is the well-kept secret of Imsouane. It has one of the longest waves to surf in the world and is a beautiful location. A quieter location than the nearby popular surf village of Taghazout, a little further to get to but worth the effort.
Marrakech
One of the best day trips from Agadir is to Marrakech; there are great transport connections between the two cities, whether you want to take the bus or book a private taxi. We took the bus from Agadir to Marrakech, which took around 3.5 hours.
The red sandstone walls of the Medina give Marrakech the title ‘Red City.’ The Medina walls are adorned with beautiful, colourful rugs, intricately detailed lanterns, hand-painted pottery, and other hidden delights.
To get a bus ticket to Marrakech from Agadir, book directly online with the bus tour company. There are plenty of beautiful roof top bars and restaurants, markets and gardens to explore, read our ultimate guide to Marrakech.
Souss-Massa National Park
Souss-Massa National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Here, you’ll discover a combination of grassland, dunes, beaches, and wetlands. The Sous-Massa is home to flamingos, oystercatchers, red foxes, African wild cats, hedgehogs, leopard lizards, and bald ibises—one of the rarest species in the world.
The Souss-Massa National Park is only an hour’s drive from Agadir city, where you’ll experience beautiful landscapes and wildlife, which is a photographer's dream. Book a safari tour to get the best chance to spot wildlife and learn from the expertise of a guide.
Petit Sahara Desert
Another great day trip from Agadir is exploring the nearby little Sahara desert to witness the extensive sand dunes that are a stark contrast to the rolling waves in Agadir. Take a 4x4 adventure to the dunes, stopping at some incredible beaches along the way and old medinas in Tiznit while enjoying traditional food.
Where to stay in Agadir?
Budget £
Maison Marocaine Agadir
As Agadir is known for hotel resorts, we opted for a more local stay at a relaxing bed and breakfast set just outside the main city of Agadir, making it a peaceful retreat from a day exploring the busy city.
Maison Marocaine Agadir is found within a beautiful garden setting and serves a traditional breakfast each morning of your stay: omelettes, bread, jam, tea, and coffee.
The owner, Wacyl, was very friendly and knowledgeable of nearby attractions and can also provide dinner upon request. Prices start on average from £45 per night for two adults.
Mid Range ££
A peaceful oasis, Dar Maktoub is a 10-minute drive from the city centre of Agadir and in the heart of the Souss Massa Draa National Park. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom and are decorated in a traditional Moroccan style.
Outside there is a large outdoor swimming pool and the option to include breakfast, which includes fresh local ingredients. Prices start at £107 per night.
Luxury £££
This stunning boutique hotel is a short 20-minute walk from the city centre and has an indoor pool, spa, hot tub, and hammam. The hotel is decorated in a modern style influenced by traditional Moroccan architecture, and prices for a room start from £169 per night.
BOOK NOW |Le Riad Villa Blanche
Hotel Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Set on the beautiful Agadir coastline, Hotel Sofitel has a private beach with gardens, swimming pools, and a thalassotherapy centre. This modern hotel has a variety of restaurants to choose from and is located 1.5 km south of the city centre of Agadir. Prices for a room start at £170 per night.
Book your stay in Agadir
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