Agadir, the capital of the Sus-Masa region and an obligatory stop on the coast, is not to be missed on your trip to Morocco. The fishing town, located south of Rabat and on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and good weather that invite hundreds of travellers to spend their holidays there every year. The city also has a rich historical and cultural heritage that can be seen in its facades, museums and many other sights to see in Agadir.
The city was founded in 1500 by the Portuguese, and later gave shelter to the Berbers, Phoenicians and many other African peoples who left their legacy in the city. In 1960 an earthquake left it in ruins, but King Hassan had it rebuilt, and today it is a tourist attraction in Morocco with a lot to offer, as we will tell you below. Get ready to learn about the history and culture of Agadir and discover the best accommodation, restaurants and how to get to the city.
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What things to do in Agadir, Morocco?
1. Agadir’s beach, the best in the city
El mayor atractivo de Agadir reside en su espléndida playa de arena fina y agua cálidas y tranquilas en la que podrás disfrutar prácticamente en cualquier época del año ya que el clima de la ciudad invita al baño.
En la playa verás mucha gente tomando el sol y practicando deporte; se suelen forman muchos grupos de amigos jugando al futbol. También encontrarás varias escuelas de surf ya que la playa es perfecta para iniciarse. Como ya hemos comentado, es tranquila y apenas tiene olas.
Por la tarde, cuando empiece a caer el sol, te recomendamos recorrer el paseo marítimo, también conocido como Corniche La Cote. Podrás apreciar su animado ambiente y disfrutar de unas vistas maravillosas.
2. The El Had souk
Another of Agadir’s main tourist attractions is its lively souk, one of the largest in Morocco. Here you can buy souvenirs, clothes and sample the local gastronomy in the stalls distributed in its star-studded alleyways. It’s not as spectacular as the one in Marrakesh, but we recommend taking a stroll around and getting lost in the hustle and bustle.
As in all Moroccan souks, bargaining is the order of the day. So arm yourself with patience and prepare your weapons of conviction to get your Agadir souvenirs at a fair price.
3. The ruins of the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella
Even today we can still see the consequences of the earthquake that devastated the city of Agadir. A clear example is the ruins of the Kasbah quarter located on top of a hill.
This neighbourhood was built in the 16th century on top of a hill protected by a wall, a privileged location and a strategic point due to its high visibility, which allowed the town to be forewarned of possible attacks.
Today, little remains of this ancient quarter, but it is still worth a visit to enjoy the panoramic view of Agadir from the top. You can get there on foot from the city centre, by taxi or tuktuk.
4. The Vallée des Oiseaux, a garden to see in Agadir
Located on the seafront of the city is the wonderful park of El Vallée des Oiseaux, one of the must-see places to visit in Agadir. It is the perfect place to stroll through the vegetation, protected from the heat, and enjoy the beautiful scenery with waterfalls and pleasant paths. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds such as parrots, peacocks and flamingos, and other animals such as goats.
Entrance to the park is free and if you want to stroll around quietly without too many tourists we recommend going early in the morning. The park is currently closed for renovation work, but is expected to reopen at the end of 2024.
5. Museum of Amazigh Culture
The Amazigh Heritage Museum is a must-see in Agadir if you want to discover more about Berber culture. There you will find hundreds of decorative and architectural elements, traditional tools and manuscripts among many other exciting items. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
It costs about 20 dirhams (about €2) and is open all week. It also offers guided tours that further enrich the experience. A stop you should include in your travel itinerary.
6. Croco park
Inside the park, the natural habitat of these animals has been recreated, where visitors can see them in a semi-wild state.
Visiting hours: open every day from 10:00h to 20:00h.
Entry fee: €7,7.
In this theme park you can see reptiles from all over the world. Since 2015, the park has been dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of a varied collection of crocodiles and other species such as giant tortoises, iguanas and exotic birds.
7. Golf in Agadir
Agadir is a well-known destination among golf lovers for its high quality courses, including the Golf du Soleil, the Golf de l’Océan, the Golf les Dunes and the Royal Golf d’Agadir.
These courses, as well as being the perfect place to play golf in the sun, offer panoramic ocean views and first-class facilities. Before you go, we recommend that you check the rates on the resorts’ websites and book your place.
8. Mohammed V Mosque
This mosque is a symbol of the city’s spirituality and modern architecture. It was inaugurated in 1969 to pay homage to King Mohammed V and its contemporary design is characterised by an impressive minaret and an elegant dome that reflects the fusion of tradition and innovation.
The mosque welcomes worshippers in the prayer hall at prayer times, and also has beautiful courtyards decorated with tiles.
Visiting hours: Only the faithful are allowed to enter during prayer times.
9. Olhao Gardens
Located in the New Talborj neighbourhood, this beautiful Arab, Amazigh and Berber-style park is a quiet corner to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Along its paths you’ll find all kinds of greenery and richly ornamented buildings. The park also has exhibition rooms, such as the Museum of the Memory of Agadir, and children’s play areas.
Visiting hours: every day except Tuesdays, from 7am to 9pm.
10. Agadir Corniche
Agadir’s iconic promenade is known as the Corniche. On the promenade you’ll always see people strolling, playing sports or enjoying the views of the Atlantic as the sea breeze blows. It’s also highly recommended to come and watch the sunset. Along the Corniche there are also a variety of hotels, restaurants, cafés and entertainment areas.
11. Agadir Marina
The Agadir Marina is the city’s marina. Here, as well as numerous boats and yachts, you can visit the restaurants, cafés and shops in the area, and stroll around while enjoying the sea views in a relaxed atmosphere.
Agadir Marina is also a starting point for boat trips and water activities. It’s worth a visit, even if it’s just for a stroll.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in Agadir and its surroundings?
Taghazout
Tagazhout is just 20km from Agadir and is a great day trip destination from Agadir. It takes just half an hour by car, and an hour by bus.
In Taghazout, located on the Sus-Masa coast, you can still enjoy your sun and sand holiday on the long, sandy beaches that attract thousands of tourists all year round. Unlike Agadir, Taghazout’s sea has many more waves, making it an ideal surfing destination.
The village is charming, and the houses are decorated in a variety of bright colours that invite you to take a thousand photos. It’s definitely a visit worth adding to your list of things to see in Agadir. In this post you can read more about Taghazout: Things to do in Taghazout Morocco.
2. Essaouira
Another obligatory stop on our way along the Moroccan coast: the beautiful port city of Essaouira.
Formerly known as Mogador, the city is home to a host of places to discover, including the Medina, the souk and the beach, where you’ll find the lighthouse and the Sidi Magdolul Mausoleum.
Essaouira is two hours from Agadir and can be reached by private transport for around €20. There are different agencies and even surf schools that organise the trip.
And of course, if you want to know more about the beautiful Essaouira, we invite you to read this post where we tell you in depth what to see in the city: Things to do in Essaouira Morocco.
Discover more things to see in Essaouira
Map & Travel Itinerary to Agadir, Morocco
Register with Passporter and find out how to get to Agadir, inspired by this travel itinerary created by one of our travellers. On the Passporter App you can also save all your important documents, your tickets and hotel bookings, and even invite your friends to help you plan your trip.
Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you to travel in a more organised way. You have the option of registering on the website or downloading the app to keep everything centralised and in your pocket 🙂
What things to see and do in Agadir in 3 days
Agadir is a relatively quick destination to see – in one day you’ll have plenty of time to visit the souk, the beach, the Kasbah ruins and the promenade. However, many tourists choose to stay 4-5 days to enjoy the beach and visit neighbouring towns such as Taghazout and Essaouira.
If you have more time, we also recommend a visit to the Mohammed V Mosque or the Loubnane Mosque, two buildings that surprise with their solemn air and ornate architecture.
Where to stay in Agadir, Morocco?
Agadir is a very touristy destination with a wide range of accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget riads to flats and resorts with all kinds of amenities and services. Here is a list of some of our favourite hotels and riads in the city:
- Hotel Tildi: Just a few metres from the beach and with very complete facilities, Hotel Tildi offers an exceptional experience. It is quite central, so you can get around easily, and the average price is €28 per night.
- Riad Les Chtis d’Agadir: A cosy riad close to the beach and the city’s main attractions. The average price is €26 per night.
- Le Riad Villa Blanche: Intimate and elegant atmosphere in its rooms, decorated with palm groves and typical local patios. A very good option that costs around €50 per night.
Where to eat in Agadir, Morocco?
In Agadir you can try traditional Moroccan dishes such as tajine, couscous and pastels, and due to its coastal location, you’ll also find many fish dishes. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the local cuisine, so we’ve got some recommendations so you don’t have to waste time looking for places to eat.
- Bab Agadir Restaurant: Moroccan cuisine in the centre of Agadir at a very affordable price. A must if you want to sample the local cuisine. Perfect to eat for an average of 120 dirhams (€12)
- L’Ardoise Gourmande: French-style cuisine (as the name suggests) in a composition laid out for slow enjoyment. You can enjoy it for an average price of 250 dirhams (about €24)
- Le Jardin d’Eau: A charming terrace, a variety of fish and live music. Price is about 150 to 250 dirhams (from 15 to €25)
How to get to Agadir, Morocco?
The easiest way to get to Agadir from Europe is by plane. This can be taken from a number of different cities, but you’ll usually have to make a stopover in Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca.
Once you arrive at Agadir airport:
- Transfer: you can hire a private pick-up service from your accommodation. It is more expensive than going by bus, but also more comfortable and safer.
- Bus: For less than 15 dirhams you can get from the airport to Agadir. Note that you will have to change buses at Inezgane and that the journey can take up to 1.5 hours.
- Taxi: If you’re taking a taxi, make sure you get it from the official taxi rank to avoid being ripped off. The journey takes 40 minutes and the maximum fare is 250 dirhams.
If you are travelling in your own car, remember that it is necessary to request a document so that your insurance covers you in Morocco. To rent a car, a Spanish driving licence will suffice.
Tips about a trip to Agadir
- The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (1 MAD = €0.096)
- We recommend that you take out travel insurance for any medical expenses that may be incurred.
- It is preferable that you do not drink water that is not bottled.
- Change your money in good time, as currency exchanges at airports are very expensive.
- As the temperature in Agadir is pleasant for much of the year, we recommend that you travel at other times when there are fewer tourists, such as between April and June.
- Protect yourself from the sun and remember to wear cool clothes if you visit during the hotter months.
- Contract your travel in advance.
- Remember that haggling is a common practice, so be prepared not to end up overpaying.
How to organise what things to do in Agadir?
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the stops that interest you most. Don’t forget the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. You can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference.
- Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app. Recommend to other travellers what to see in Marrakech.
If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Agadir
It is advisable, not least because of possible medical expenses that could be incurred in an emergency.
The best way to get to Agadir is by plane, with a stopover in one of the country’s main cities.
In Agadir, you can try typical Moroccan dishes and enjoy fresh fish.
Agadir can be seen in one day, but tourists usually spend 3 to 4 days to enjoy the beach and the surrounding area.
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