Agadir, a beautiful city on the south west coast of Morocco, is known for its mild weather and beaches with a vibrant seaside promenade attracting plenty of tourists seeking relaxation and adventure, especially during fall and winter season in European. Despite being a major city, Agadir boasts a laid-back vibe compared to the fast-paced Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez. Thanks to the great weather all year round, Agadir offers a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy their time in Morocco.
Here are some of the best places to visit and activities in Agadir:
1. Relax at Agadir Beach
Agadir 10 Km long coastline is blessed with crescent beaches with golden sands and waves perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can walk along the vibrant promenade, and you will find plenty of beachfront Cafes and restaurants for a bite and drinks.
2. Surfing and Water-sports
There are plenty of water-sports activities in this region. From Jet Skis and Parasailing to Kite-surfing and Flyboarding, you can indulge in almost any kind of water-sports here in Agadir. Thanks to its location on the Moroccan west coast, Agadir region is also blessed by Atlantic ocean swells with great waves to surf. 30 kms north of Agadir city, there are plenty of secluded surf spots in Taghazout Bay firing wonderful waves for surfers. If you’re a keen surfer you can hire a local guide to go chasing the swell. If you’re a beginner, you can join a surf camp in Taghazout to learn surfing.
3. Explore Agadir Oufella (Agadir Kasbah)
After being destroyed by several earthquakes, the remains of the ancient Kasbah of Agadir are located on a hilltop overlooking the city. offering panoramic views of the city. Built in the 16th century, Agadir Oufella is a historical site offering panoramic views of the city, and a glimpse into the rich history of Morocco. A short drive up the hill, it can easily be reached by car.
4. Visit the Souk El Had
The Souk, a busy open-air market, is a must visit place in Agadir. Here you can grab fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, and of course local foods. You can buy souvenirs, traditional Moroccan crafts, clothing, or simply sit in a corner and drink some Moroccan tea. Its a great way to experience the local culture and absorb the high energy vibes of this lively souk-market. It’s pretty laid-back compared to the Medina of Marrakech or Fez, and you will not aggressive hustlers.
5. Visit the Crocoparc
Visiting the Crocoparc is a unique wildlife experience with hundreds of Nile crocodiles in a botanical garden. This well-maintained zoological park offers beautiful day out with an opportunity to learn about crocodile conservation.
6. Rejuvenate with a Moroccan Hammam
A trip to Morocco is incomplete without a traditional Moroccan Hammam or Turkish bath. It is the perfect way to unwind after a tiring day of sightseeing. You can find many Hammam Spas offering traditional Moroccan massage, natural cleansing and beauty treatments in Agadir.
7. Golf
If you love Golf and want to spend a day out on lush fairways and putting greens, there are several golf courses in Agadir. The beautiful Golf courses in Agadir offer a variety of landscapes with desert dunes and panoramic ocean views. With mild weather all year round, Golfers from various countries visit this region for golf tours.
8. Argan Oil Village Day Trip
The world-famous Moroccan Argan oil comes from the Agadir region. When in Agadir, you must visit one of the many local botanical nurseries to get a glimpse of how pure Argan oil is produced. You can observe and interact with the local women extracting the Argan seeds that are then pressed to produce the oil. Taste the local home-made Amlou (peanut-butter) with fresh Khobz and Msemen breads and Moroccan mint tea. And before you leave, buy some pure Argan oil along with other herbal and natural products to take back home with you. This is also a special way to help the local villagers who depend on this trade for their livelihood.
9. Hiking in Paradise Valley
Just an hour’s drive from Agadir, Paradise Valley is a stunning oasis with natural pools nestled in the high-Atlas mountains. It is a beautiful spot for short hikes, picnic, and swimming in the natural fresh-water pools with breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape surrounded by palm trees. The valley is a must-visit destination if you love nature.
10. Take a Camel Ride or Horseback Ride
Camel ride on the beach or in the countryside is a typical activity for an authentic Moroccan experience. Your trip to Morocco would be incomplete without a camel ride. While many tour operators offer guided camel safaris, you can always hire a camel from independent herders and operators almost anywhere. Horseback riding on the long sandy beaches is another really exciting activity.
11. Day Trip to Souss-Massa National Park
If you’re interested in wildlife, you may consider visiting the Souss-Massa National Park just 20km south of Agadir. With more than 30,000 hectares of land-bank on the Atlantic coast, the national park is bird watcher’s haven and also home to the endangered Northern Bald Ibis along with Ostrich and several other wild birds and animals.
12. Agadir Sunset Cruise
Take a sunset cruise to see Agadir’s coastline from a different angle. As the sun sets and the sky turns orange, this boat trip provides sweeping views of the ocean and Agadir Marina. Enjoy snacks, beverages with music and the balmy sea breeze in great company.
13. Taghazout Quad Bike Tour
Adventurers will appreciate a quad bike in and around Taghazout Bay. With panoramic views and scenic lookouts, guided ATV excursions offer an exciting journey through sand dunes, rocky terrain, and coastal paths. It’s a great opportunity to experience some of Morocco’s unique landscapes and enjoy a bit of excitement.
14. Agadir Nightlife
If you don’t mind a night-out every now and then, Agadir has plenty of great bars and clubs for you to enjoy the city’s nightlife. Bars like English Pub with live Karaoke, and night clubs like Papagayo with DJs can take you partying into the wee hours. So if you’re in Agadir and want to let your hair down, be sure to check out Agadir nightlife.