The coastal town of Agadir is a major tourist center in Morocco, and one of our favorite family destinations. With sunshine and a temperate climate virtually all year round, the city enjoys an exceptional climate. As well as being one of the country's main fishing ports, Agadir was completely rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, with the aim of developing mass tourism. Here, you can enjoy a family vacation on the beach, or pack your bags and set off to discover the region, from the charming coastal villages to the Paradise Valley, via the heights with their fields of argan trees. Here's a closer look at the Moroccan seaside resort's must-sees.
1. The ancient Kasbah
All that remains of the city before the earthquake are the moving ruins of the Kasbah. Walking along what is now a vast bare esplanade where goats graze, you can see in places the foundations of the old kasbah, built in 1540 to resist the Portuguese and once a bustling town. The only intact vestige is the entrance gate, bearing a Flemish inscription from 1745: "Fear God and honor your king", recalling the presence of a Dutch trading post. The view across the bay from the top of the hill is breathtaking.
If you're tempted, we recommend you book this guided tour of Agadir : you'll learn about the city's history and traditions, and admire the view from the emblematic Kasbah.
2. Agadirfishing port
Agadir is world-renowned for its fishing port. A visit in the morning or at the end of the day is not to be missed. After weaving in and out of the brightly-colored old fishing boats and shipyards, head for the fish market, where fishermen sell their catch (especially sardines), and where you can sit in the grandstand to watch the spectacle of the fish auction, particularly intense in the early morning. Finally, if you're an epicurean, the port and surrounding area is also full of small fish restaurants, offering delicious dishes at affordable prices.
3. Agadir medina
This medina was built in 1992 by Coco Polizzi to provide the city with a new one after the original was destroyed in the 1960 earthquake. Spread over 4.5 hectares of lush green grounds, it is not a true medina with its narrow streets, but rather an evocation of what a traditional medina might have been. An amphitheater stands amidst the stores, offering tourists a glimpse of the atmosphere of an authentic medina. You can also see craftsmen at work, and there are restaurants where you can sample traditional Moroccan dishes. All in all, a delicious return to the past!
4. El Had souk
No visit to Agadir is complete without a visit to the El Had souk. It's one of the biggest in the country! Here you'll find a vast array of products from southern Morocco. Leather and carpets are made on site, jewelry comes from Taroudant and Tiznit, and pottery from Safi. More than just a shopping stop, the El Had souk is a true cultural experience that will delight the whole family. It's a feast for the eyes, and you'll marvel at the colorful array of fruit, vegetable and spice stalls. Before slipping the inevitable djellaba or a pair of leather sandals into your suitcase. Not to be missed!
Click here to book your guided tour of Agadir, including a visit to the city's Souk.
5. The Crocoparc
This Crocoparc is the only crocodile park in Morocco and was founded by reptile enthusiasts. The well-maintained park is home to hundreds of crocodiles and offers (for a guided visit only) a 600-meter-long observation trail. The Crocoparc also offers play areas, a restaurant and a botanical garden with around 300 species. A fun and educational outing that will delight children of all ages.
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6. La Vallée des Oiseaux
La Vallée des Oiseaux is a verdant park in the center of Agadir, offering a pleasant alternative to seaside walks. It houses aviaries, as the name suggests, as well as other animals such as bighorn sheep, goats, monkeys and exotic birds (cranes, cockatoos, parakeets, flamingos, etc.). Very popular with families, the park allows children to feed the animals with specially adapted food sold on site, while adults enjoy a bit of greenery in the middle of the city.
7. Agadir's beaches
The city's beach will delight beach-goers with its 6 km of fine sand, lined with hotels, bars and restaurants. And of course, there's plenty of opportunity for all kinds of water sports. You don't have to go far fromAgadir, the pearl of the Moroccan Atlantic, to find beautiful beaches. The southern beaches are dangerous due to the waves and rocks that line the coast, so head north to the small coastal villages. Wait until you reach Aghroud, at km 27, to find the most beautiful beaches. One kilometer after leaving the village, a large deserted beach will delight you.
8. Agadir cable car
Since July 2022, it has been possible to ride a cable car in Agadir. A first in Morocco! A cable car now links the city of Agadir to its Kasbah. The six-minute ride, perched at an altitude of 1,600 metres, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the seafront, the port and, of course, the old town. A second line is planned to link up with the future Danialand theme park, a major new tourist attraction in the Moroccan city soon to open its doors... and its rides!
Discover Agadir by booking this unforgettable cable car ride. You'll enjoy a panoramic view of Agadir Oufella, the Berber town, the port of Agadir, the city center and the Atlantic coast.
9. Paradise Valley
In Paradise Valley, a name given to the valley by a wealthy American who came here for treatment, the road from the village of Tamkrat, 10 km from Agadir, crosses the mountains from Aourir to Tizgui. It unfurls its palm groves around the river that borders it. The route is easily accessible with a small car. We take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery and share moments with the children, who dive into the water and climb the rocks. A little further on, we refresh ourselves in the river, before choosing a roadside stall for a break. Here, we enjoy a tajine or simply a squeezed orange, literally with our feet in the water, as we take in one of the 15 most beautiful places to see and visit in Morocco.
Explore the famous rock pools and waterfalls of Paradise Valley on a hike from Agadir by booking right here.
10. Taroudant
In Taroudant, the atmosphere of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves is guaranteed! As you enter the town through one of the four main gates, you're plunged into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Indeed, Taroudant is reminiscent of a 16th-century Berber town, with its narrow streets, shops and crenellated walls. Inside, you won't find any historic monuments reflecting the grandeur of the Saadians, but rather a bustling little town with crowded alleyways, still untouched by Western architecture. It's easy to wander through the souks or visit the tanners' quarter, located just outside the ramparts of the city often referred to as "Little Marrakech", whose sights are listed below.
Immerse yourself in Morocco's history by booking this guided tour from Agadir to Taroudant : you 'll visit old Taroudant and its historic sites and learn more about its history.
11. The village of Taghazout
For visitors in search of authenticity and tranquillity, the little village of Taghazout is the perfect place to set down your bags. And all year round! Located around thirty minutes' drive from Agadir, this Moroccan town is a charming fishing port and even a surfer's paradise in winter. Its gentle way of life and pleasant year-round climate make it a much-appreciated destination. Not to be confused with Taghazout Bay, the new tourist resort some 4 km south of the village, where large luxury hotel complexes have sprung up. In Taghazout, you'll find affordable youth hostels and unpretentious restaurants where you can enjoy traditional dishes, far from the sometimes stuffy atmosphere of Agadir. We love it!
12. Taghazout Bay
Just 15 kilometers north of Agadir, Taghazout Bay is a trendy new tourist destination, popular with locals and visitors alike. This exceptional location boasts long, magnificent beaches and a backdrop of hills planted with argan trees. Designed with sustainability in mind, Taghazout Bay offers a range of hotels, rental apartments and excellent restaurants. In addition to its top-quality golf course and superb Atlantic views, it offers a surfing village for enthusiasts and will soon be home to a tennis academy. The vacation village also offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for families, all in splendid surroundings. In short, Taghazout Bay is the ideal spot for the kind of relaxing vacation you often dream of when you arrive in Morocco!
13. Tamraght
A dozen kilometers from Agadir, the small village of Tamraght nestles at the foot of the mountains and stretches along the sea. It offers a variety of charming little restaurants along the road, and is a popular spot for a delicious tajine on Sundays, in a charming local atmosphere. Some stalls offer delicious food at very reasonable prices. The village also marks the start of the Ida Outanane region with its enchanting waterfalls. Tamraght, long untouched by mass tourism, is gradually becoming a renowned surfing spot, following in the footsteps of Agadir and Essaouira in the region, both of which enjoy excellent year-round weather conditions, with consistently pleasant water temperatures. An ideal destination for a Christmas trip, for example.
14. Souss Massa National Park
The Souss Massa National Park is located at the mouth of the Oued Massa on the road to Ksar Massa. This nature reserve covers 130,000 hectares and is home to an impressive diversity of mammals such as mongooses, jackals and gazelles, as well as numerous birds: falcons, cormorants and herons will also keep you company! You can also explore the Saharan fauna. We recommend visiting the reserve early in the morning or late in the day. Winter is certainly the best season for this little adventure, which is sure to delight the whole family. It's a great way to get started before tackling the High Atlas and the Aït Oucheg valley, for example, an ideal destination for magnificent hikes.
From Agadir, book a half-day tour of the Souss Massa National Park here. Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible natural landscapes and wildlife on site!
15. Water sports
Morocco's Atlantic coast is home to a wide range of surf spots, some more famous than others, whereyou can even surf in winter. To the north of Agadir, Taghazout is a very pleasant place (even if it seems to be giving the direction of its elder Agadir by multiplying concrete constructions). We also recommend spots like Imsouane, Tamri, la Source, le Rocher du diable, Spider or Banana beach, while further south of Agadir, you can head for Tifnit or Sidi Rbat. Further down, you'll find the waves of Aglou, Mirleft or Sidi Ifni. For kitesurfing enthusiasts, Dakhla is ideal!
As for other water sports, the wild creeks around Agadir will delight sailors wishing to anchor in the area, while many beaches host water sports clubs offering water skiing, jet-skiing or parasailing. As for scuba diving, the Agadir region is starting to offer this leisure activity since the construction of its marina. Sport fishing is also available. Activities to try out on vacation.
16. 4x4 and quad adventure
With its valleys, oases and majestic mountains, Morocco is a paradise for 4x4 enthusiasts. This vehicle is ideal for getting off the main tourist routes and meeting the Berbers and inhabitants of the most remote regions. The absence of precise maps and the difficulty of the trails often make for an adventurous expedition. For a first expedition, the assistance of a guide can be invaluable. Agencies can advise you on the itinerary, rent a vehicle, find a driver or organize a 4x4 raid. Experienced enthusiasts will find thousands of kilometers of trails for all levels. Many agencies also offer quad and buggy tours.
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17. Try Moroccan gastronomy
Incorporating a variety of influences - roborative Berber cuisine, hints of Egyptian and Jewish cuisine, sweet-smelling Constantinople cuisine, a few accents of Spanish and French cuisine - Moroccan gastronomy has many pleasant surprises in store. Moroccans are fine gourmets, and a stay in Morocco, even in the South, is not usually synonymous with a slimming diet! As most Moroccan meals are extremely copious, it's best to start slowly, without succumbing too much to the succulent salads served as starters. Even in restaurants, it's impolite not to finish your plate. Harira, tajine, pastilla, couscous, fish, brochettes... Treat yourself! Then, of course, there's mint tea, another national emblem along with couscous.
Where to stay in Agadir?
We advise you to book during the summer months, as hotels are often fully booked. Several luxury hotels line the seafront, notably on Avenue du 20 août. However, most of these hotels are booked by tour operators and are often fully booked for individual travelers. If you're coming at the last minute, the Agadir area offers some attractive accommodation options. Otherwise, you'll find plenty of budget hotels in the Talborj district, next to the bus station. Budget youth hostels are located near Taghazout, a famous surfing spot 15 km from Agadir.
- The French plus: RIAD LES CHTIS D'AGADIR
Run by a French couple from Lille, this riad perfectly combines Chti and Moroccan culture. Close to the souk, the town center and the beach, this riad with its nine slightly kitsch rooms remains comfortable. A warm welcome awaits you. Click here to book your stay.
- The most ecological: ECOLODGE ATLAS KASBAH
Winner of the World Trophy for Sustainable Tourism, this ecolodge is located in a large kasbah, offering an exceptional view of the Anti-Atlas hills, 15 km from Agadir. It has nine beautiful rooms and three large suites, which you can book right here.
- The most luxurious: SOFITEL AGADIR THALASSA SEA & SPA
A privileged seafront setting for this 5-star luxury resort, bookable here. All 173 rooms have a terrace or balcony overlooking the pool, dunes or ocean. There's also a fitness room, private beach, bar and restaurants.
Family activities in Agadir
As a family, head for the Crocoparc, stroll around the El Had souk to find souvenirs for everyone and, above all, the beach for great family days out. You can also get away from the city for 4x4 excursions and discover the Souss Massa national park. Or head to Taghazout Bay for a wide range of water sports. Coming soon, the Danialand theme park will delight children of all ages.
What's free in Agadir?
In Agadir, if you don't want to spend a dirham, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the medina to see the craftsmen at work, lay down your towel and enjoy a dip in the sea on the town's beach, as on many others in the region. You can also drive to the small village of Tamraght, marvel at the Vallée du Paradis and the Vallée aux oiseaux, and enjoy the atmosphere of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves in Taroudant.
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do when visiting Agadir:
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