Agadir, Morocco, a city where sea meets sand, mountains meet Sahara, and modern luxury meets vibrant tradition and the ideal place for a vacation. The fishing port, the largest in the country, buzzes with activity.
Agadir is a city of 600,000 in Morocco, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
A majority of the residents speak the Berber language Tashelhit as their first language, and the culture is primarily Berber with French and Arab influences.
Due to its year-round mild climate, this fishing village has become the country’s most popular resort town.
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What to Do in Agadir
Beach and Seafront Promenade
One of the main attractions of Agadir is its fabulous beach, stretching six miles along the Atlantic coast. You can swim year-round, as the water stays relatively warm even in winter.
You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas and relax, or stroll along the walkway. You can also kayak, surf, paddleboard, and windsurf.
The seafront promenade offers many restaurant options, including cafés, traditional Moroccan food, pizza, and burgers. It is clean and safe, and is one of the highlights of the city in any season.
This makes Agadir the perfect place for a year around vacation.
Souk El Had d’Agadir
The Agadir Souk offers everything you might want to buy, from fruits, vegetables, and spices to clothing, jewelry, and home goods to traditional products like argan oil and leather.
It is located approximately 15 minutes from the seafront by taxi, which should cost 20 dirham (about $2). Don’t hesitate to bargain for a better price as you stroll by the thousands (yes, really) of tiny stalls in the market.
Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh (Amazigh Heritage Museum)
This small museum houses an interesting collection of jewelry, rugs, carved wooden objects, cooking utensils, and other traditional and decorative objects. It’s a great way to learn about the culture and history of the local community. Open 9:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-5:30pm Monday to Saturday.
Agadir Kasbah
On February 29, 1960, a massive earthquake destroyed the city of Agadir and killed over a third of its population of 40,000. The ancient kasbah fortress did not survive, but the ruins are still there today.
It takes about 20 minutes to hike up the hill, which offers a beautiful view of the rebuilt city, the ocean, and hundreds of fishing boats
Agadir Medina (La Medina d’Agadir)
A few miles outside of the center city of Agadir is a beautifully reconstructed version of the ancient medina, with brick and earthen walls, patios, arches, and gardens. Inside, there are vendors selling traditional products and crafts, and restaurants offering Moroccan cuisine.
The Medina is rarely crowded and is a nice place to relax and take pictures. Entry is 40 dirham ($4).
Marina d’Agadir
Along the Seafront Promenade is the Marina d’Agadir, a small recreational area with shopping, restaurants, and cafés. It is more expensive than other areas in the city, but it’s a pleasant place for a stroll.
Night Life
Agadir stays awake late into the night, as its discotheques, casinos, night clubs, and restaurants light up. You can also hear fabulous music, from jazz to piano bars to traditional Berber. If music is your thing, plan to visit during the Timitar Music Festival, held each summer.
Day Trip to Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is a beautiful oasis in the mountains, with emerald green pools surrounded by palm trees and cliffs. You can relax, swim, sunbathe, and even do some cliff jumping!
Organized day trips start at as low as $35 per person, often including lunch as well as transportation to and from Paradise Valley with stops at interesting shops along the way.
There are many other interesting day or multi-day trips you can take from Agadir, including the cities of Taghazout, Taroudant, Essaouira, and Marrakech, as well as desert excursions, Sous Massa National Park, La Gezira Beach, Aït Mansour Gorges/
You may be able to find local tour operators upon your arrival or book through your hotel. You can also book trips through Viator.com, which allows you to book with local operators ahead of time.
Where to Stay in Agadir
Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir
For a luxurious stay with every need perfectly and professionally met, Riu Palace Tikida is the top choice. Located right on the beach, this all-inclusive resort offers excellent service, beautiful surroundings, and every amenity.
Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Another option for luxury, all-inclusive accommodation is the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa. This 5-star hotel offers amenities like a pool, spa, restaurants, and bars, and top-notch service with a personal touch. Check out the hotel website
Hotel Timoulay
For comfort and good service at an affordable price that still includes beautiful, luxurious surroundings, reserve a room at Hotel Timoulay.
This 4-star hotel offers a spa, pool, breakfast buffet, restaurant, and bar. It’s conveniently located close to the beach and within walking distance of a supermarket; the location a bit outside the center city makes for a calm atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Agadir
Pure Passion Restaurant
Pure Passion Restaurant is one of the most highly regarded fine dining establishments in Agadir. On the menu, you’ll find excellent wines, steaks, seafood, and starters. The service and ambiance are very good as well.
Patisserie Tafarnout
Patisserie Tafarnout is a great place for a sweet treat, lunch, fresh juices, tea, or coffee. Very popular with tourists and locals alike, this bakery café has friendly, helpful service and a good selection of reasonably priced menu options.
Patisserie Tafarnout has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor.
Fishing Port
Agadir is the biggest fishing port in Morocco and handles thousands of tons of fish each day. Some of the freshest seafood in the world can be found at the simple restaurants in the port.
Choose fresh fish and have it cooked to order for excellent prices, then enjoy an authentic eating experience right in the middle of the action. Keep in mind that this is a working port, so the restaurants there are quite simple.
If you arrive early in the morning, you can watch the day’s catch being auctioned off!
When to Go in Agadir
Agadir has a warm, pleasant climate year-round due to its coastal location. During the summer months (May-October), temperatures usually range from lows of 60˚F/16˚C to highs of 86˚F/30˚C, but temperatures can spike to 105˚F/40˚C if there are strong winds from the Sahara.
Since there are so many activities to do in Agadir, it’s a great destination at any time of the year.
February to April and October to November are some of the best times to go, since they’re warm, but not too hot, and you’ll avoid the late summer fog. The ocean will be cool in Spring, but is still warm in October – a great beach month.
Getting to and Around Agadir
The main attractions of Agadir are located in a relatively small area, and you’ll be able to reach many destinations on foot.
For longer distances, get a petit (small) taxi. They are orange and can take you anywhere within city limits. Agree on a fare beforehand or ensure that the meter is running.
A taxi from the airport to the city center should cost about 200 dirhams; be sure to agree on a price beforehand. If you have booked a hotel ahead of time, check if they have an airport pick-up service – many do.
For trips outside of the city, you can take a bus or a grand (large) taxi. Buses connect the city center with suburbs and beautiful northern beaches.
Grand taxis travel to many locations including nearby small towns, ask at your hotel for information on where to catch different taxis.