The Best Things To Do In the Coastal City of Agadir in Morocco
Updated in February 2024
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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.
There’s so much to see and do in Morocco from the red city of Marrakech, where you can relax in a Riad and take a dip in the pool after a day exploring the busy streets or take a trip into the Sahara desert and marvel at the sand dunes.
Perhaps you’re up for the challenge of hiking the majestic Atlas Mountains which are home to Northern Africa’s tallest mountain, Toubkal. Morocco boasts an incredible coastline with charming surf towns such as Taghazout and Essaouria.
The coastal city of Agadir is located on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco. Agadir is a great location to base yourself to visit nearby places including Taghazout, Essaouira, Paradise valley and not too far from Marrakech.
The city of Agadir is worth visiting to see the largest souk in Morocco and the beautiful recreation of the ancient medina after it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960’s. In this guide you’ll discover best places to visit in Agadir and nearby day trips that you should add to your itinerary.
Where is Agadir?
Agadir is a modern coastal city, beside the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. This city is found along the southwest coast of Morocco, approximately 250 km (around a 3 hour drive) from Marrakech. Set within the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains and close to the Dunes of Rasmouka in the south.
What is Agadir known for?
Agadir is a combination of traditional and modern, known as a port city and home to the largest souk in Morocco. There are beautiful, golden sandy beaches that line its shores, perfect for a beach getaway with a long promenade to take a stroll or bike ride. The city is known as a resort destination with a large variety of hotels lining the coast, golf courses and restaurants. The city was destroyed from a devastating earthquake in the 1960’s which meant most of Agadir had to be rebuilt and the old city which is also known as the ancient medina was lost.
How to get to Agadir?
The main airport is Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, located southeast of the city approximately a 30-minute drive from the Agadir city centre. When you land and walk outside to the taxi stand outside the airport, 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.
Another option is jumping on the 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.
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?
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.
When is the best time to visit Agadir?
As a coastal retreat, Agadir is known to have great weather year round with little rain. Agadir is popular over the winter months, especially January as many escape winter in the northern hemisphere to get a dose of vitamin D. The summer can be considerably hot and temperatures are much more pleasant in spring and autumn.
What are the best things to see and 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 iconic Old Kasbah, this tour also takes you shopping around the souk market.
It was originally built as protection from Portuguese invasions and then was destroyed by two consequent earthquakes in 1755 and 1960. You can walk around the remaining walls, and behind the walls before the earthquakes 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 which will bring the Old Kasbah to its former glory.
Souss Massa MEDINA
After the devastating earthquake that destroyed most of the old city and most of the architecture and heritage no longer existed. In 1992, architect Coco Polizzi designed and constructed a beautiful citadel that imitates the ancient architecture of Agadir and was constructed with traditional materials.
As you enter the Souss Massa Ancient Media, it will immerse you into the past and feels 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.
The entrance fee is 40 MAD per adult and is open from 8:30 am till 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 which 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 then made our way around the souk in a circular route.
The market is closed on Mondays and is open Tuesday to Sundays from 6am to 8:30pm. 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, snorkeling 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 in 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 are also many shops in the marina to browse including high street names like Zara and designer brands and is one of the most luxury areas to stay in Agadir.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get up high to appreciate Agadir from a birds 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
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 desert for yourself. This experience is a must when visiting Morocco, especially as it is home to the largest desert in the world!
What DAY TRIPS ARE there to do near 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 make 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 this paradise for the day, and admire 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 to 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.
The best way to get your ticket was to book directly with the bus tour company. You can read our travel guide to Marrakech here.
Souss-Massa National Park
A paradise for nature lovers, in Souss-Massa National Park you’ll find sand dunes, grassland, beaches and wetlands home to flamingos, oystercatchers, red fox, African wild cat, hedgehog, leopard lizard and bald ibis which is one of the rarest species in the world.
The Souss-Massa National Park is only an hour drive from Agadir city, where you’ll experience beautiful landscapes, wildlife and is a photographer's dream. Book a Safari tour to get the best chance to spot wildlife and get to travel with the help of a guide.
Petit Sahara Desert
Another great day trip from Agadir is exploring the nearby little Sahara desert to experience the 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, old medinas in Tiznit and enjoy traditional food.
Where to stay near 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 aircon, 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.
Hotel Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Set on the beautiful Agadir coastline, Hotel Sofitel has its own 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.
