Agadir is an ideal starting point for exploring a region of great diversity: wild Atlantic coast, desert hinterland, natural gorges and historic cities. We were won over by the wealth of excursions accessible from this seaside town, from surf villages to UNESCO World Heritage-listed medinas and arid landscapes.
With our practical tips and photos, plan your excursions from Agadir and enjoy a wide variety of experiences!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Agadir
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Taghazout, picturesque village 20km north of Agadir – See prices, photos and availability
- La Vallée du Paradis, natural gorge with turquoise pools 30km away – See prices, photos and availability
- Taroudant and Tiout, the “little Marrakech”, its Saadian ramparts and oasis, 1h15 away – See prices, photos and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Agadir
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the seafront
Hotel The View Agadir – See prices, photos and availability
Founty, southern seaside resort
Riad Villa Blanche – See prices, photos and availability
North coast and Taghazout
Hyatt Regency Taghazout Bay Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
1. Taghazout, surf village and wild beaches
Why do we recommend this tour?
Taghazout is one of our favorite excursions from Agadir. This former fishing village, now one of Morocco’s most famous surf spots, retains a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts pleasantly with the hustle and bustle of Agadir’s seaside resorts. We were seduced by its colorful alleyways leading down to the ocean, its bohemian cafés and its small restaurants serving grilled fish overlooking the waves. The proximity of the village, just 20km to the north, makes this the easiest excursion to combine with a day trip to Agadir.
What you will see
You’ll discover a coastal village whose blue-and-white-painted houses overlook a beach exposed to Atlantic swells. The main beach offers good conditions for surfing beginners, while the surrounding spots will satisfy experienced riders. On the way, the Plage d’Aourir, between Agadir and Taghazout, is also worth a stop for its wilder setting and authentic atmosphere.
>> Find surf lessons in Taghazout here.
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for a simple visit to the village, or a full day if you’d like to take surfing lessons and enjoy the beach. Taghazout can be reached by cab or car from Agadir in around 30min on the coastal road.
2. Paradise Valley
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Paradise Valley offers a contrast to the coastline. Nestled in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains, some 30km from Agadir, this verdant gorge reveals a natural landscape of palm trees, oleanders and pools of Claire water. We enjoyed the wild beauty of the road leading to it, as much as that of the site itself. It’s an ideal excursion for nature lovers and light hikers, accessible from Agadir in less than an hour.
>> Find out more about excursions to Paradise Valley here.
What you will see
For part of the year, natural pools with turquoise waters line the wadi. If the water’s right, you can take a dip in pools fed by small waterfalls. The path winds through rocks and vegetation, offering remarkable views over the valley. Small traditional restaurants line the route, serving tagines and grilled meats for lunch. The pools are only accessible after a short walk, and the hike is of moderate difficulty. The easiest way to get there is with an organized excursion.
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least half a day, or a full day, to enjoy swimming and lunch on site. The valley is accessible all year round; however, the water season (autumn to spring) is the most favorable. The site is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please remember to tip local guides.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
3. Taroudant, little Marrakech
Why do we recommend this tour?
Taroudant is one of the most interesting excursions from Agadir for those wishing to discover authentic Morocco, far from mass tourism. We were seduced by the tranquil atmosphere of its souks, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the big tourist cities. The city, nicknamed “little Marrakech”, retains a lively medina where craftsmen and merchants perpetuate Berber traditions. Its imposing ochre ramparts, built in the 16th century under the Saadian dynasty, encircle the city and give it a particularly well-preserved character.
>> Find out more about excursions to Taroudant here.
What you will see
You’ll discover Berber craftsmanship in its souk: silver jewelry, pottery, carpets and leather goods. Place Assarag is the heart of the city, ideal for observing local life over a cup of mint tea. We recommend lunch in one of the medina’s traditional restaurants. Alternatively, take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the ramparts to appreciate the full extent of the city. Close to the town, the Tiout oasis can be reached after a tajet by car and then a short walk, giving you a glimpse of the inland.
How much time should I allow?
Taroudant is about 1h15 drive from Agadir. A half or full day is ideal to explore the medina at your own pace, visit the souks, see the oasis and have lunch on site.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
4. Desert and sand dunes
Why do we recommend this tour?
The desert expanses on the outskirts of Agadir offer a playground for those wishing to get away from the coast. We were impressed by the arid beauty of these landscapes, whose dunes and ochre slopes are a complete contrast to the Atlantic. It’s an ideal excursion for thrill-seekers and lovers of wide-open spaces.
>> Find all desert excursions from Agadir here.
What you will see
Organized excursions take you into the arid hinterland. You can:
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is enough for a quad or buggy outing. For a complete experience, including nomad dinner and desert stars, opt for a full day. Some tours even offer a 3-day stay. Most tours from Agadir include transport to and from your hotel.
5. Marrakech, imperial city
Why do we recommend this tour?
Marrakech is about a 3-hour drive from Agadir. We were captivated by the contrast between the modern seaside resort of Agadir and the thousand-year-old bustle of the imperial city. The road linking the two cities also passes through the spectacular scenery of the High Atlas, making the journey itself an interesting one. It’s a way of discovering two different faces of Morocco in a single trip.
>> Find all excursions to Marrakech here.
What you will see
In Marrakech, you can stroll through the labyrinthine souks of the medina, admire Jemaa el-Fna Square and visit architectural gems such as the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Organized excursions from Agadir include transport and a guide to make the most of the day.
How much time should I allow?
Marrakech is about a 3-hour drive from Agadir on the A7 freeway. You’ll need a full day to get the most out of the city. We advise you to allow 2 or 3 days if you want to explore the city thoroughly, as it’s well worth it. All our ideas fordream hotels and riads in Marrakech here.
6. Essaouira, the trade winds’ port
Why do we recommend this tour?
Essaouira is a destination with a radically different atmosphere to Agadir. This Unesco World Heritage port city will seduce you with its white and blue architecture, wind-beaten alleyways and artistic ambience. We particularly recommend it to travelers looking for a city on a human scale, whose Atlantic character and unspoilt medina offer an authentic, exotic experience.
>> Find all excursions to Essaouira here.
What you will see
You’ll discover the 18th-century Portuguese ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the narrow streets of the medina lined withartisan workshops and galleries, and the fishing port, which is particularly lively in the mornings. Essaouira Beach, exposed to northerly winds, is a renowned spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. And the many stores in the cedar wood marquetry souk are the perfect place to pick up a quality handcrafted souvenir.
How much time should I allow?
Essaouira is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Agadir on the N1 national road along the Atlantic coast. One day is enough to explore the medina and the port. We recommend an early departure from Agadir to take full advantage of the morning hours, when the port is most lively.
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7. Agadir’s Polizzi Medina
Why do we recommend this tour?
For those wishing to stay in the immediate vicinity of Agadir, the Polizzi Medina is a nice option. Just a 10-minute drive from the center, this creation by Italian artist Coco Polizzi recreates the Kasbah Oufella as it was before the 1960 earthquake.
>> Find out more about excursions to the Polizzi Medina here!
What you will see
In the Médina Polizzi, you’ll find attractive craft stores whose architecture faithfully reproduces ancestral building techniques. We found it a surprisingly pleasant place to browse, and a great opportunity to take home some quality souvenirs.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 2h to 3h for the Souk El Had, open daily from 9am to 9pm (10pm on Thursdays), closed on Mondays. Add 1h to 2h for the Médina Polizzi. Both sites are accessible by cab from downtown Agadir.
8. Kasbah Oufella and the Agadir cable car
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Kasbah Oufella and its cable car access are an escape in themselves. We enjoyed flying over the arid argan hills from the glass cabins, whose ochre hues contrast with the blue of the ocean. At the top, the 360° panoramic view of the bay, port and urban expanse is one of the finest we’ve had from Agadir.
>> Book your round-trip cable car ticket here!
What you will see
Kasbah Oufella is an ancient 16th-century Dutch fortress, still inhabited before the devastating earthquake of 1960. Now in ruins, the site provides an insight into the city’s history. You’ll discover the emblematic inscription “God, Country, King”, visible from the town below. We recommend you take the audioguide to fully appreciate this visit steeped in history.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1h to 1h30 round trip by cable car, including observation time at the top and a visit to the Kasbah ruins. The cable car is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. A café is available at the top.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
9. Crocoparc Park, fauna and flora of Souss
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Parc Crocoparc is an ideal excursion for families and nature lovers alike. This zoological park, located 14km from the center of Agadir, is dedicated to the discovery of crocodiles and the fauna of the Souss region. We stumbled upon the educational week during our visit and enjoyed some particularly lively workshops. The park’s conservation and environmental awareness objectives make this outing all the more meaningful.
>> Click here to book your ticket!
What you will see
The fun-filled trail allows visitors to observe crocodiles in a recreated natural environment. There are also monkeys, snakes, iguanas, turtles and a cactus garden. You’ll learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the Souss region.
How much time should I allow?
The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the full course. A snack bar and café-restaurant are available on site. Parc Crocoparc has ample free parking and can be reached by cab or car from Agadir.
10. Fantasia dinner show at Restaurant Chems Ayour
Why do we recommend this tour?
The dinner show at Restaurant Chems Ayour is an original way to round off a typical day and night out. Gastronomy and entertainment come together in a festive, colorful atmosphere. In our opinion, it’s one of the most immersive ways to discover Morocco’s evening traditions. Fantasia, folk dancing, musical performances and horseback riding follow one another in a spectacular setting, all accompanied by tasty traditional dishes.
>> Book your dinner show here!
What you will see
Featuring period costumes and Berber music, the experience immerses you in the traditions of Morocco. You’ll witness fantasia, traditional dances and horseback performances, accompanied by fine local cuisine.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for dinner and the show. Most establishments offer transfers from Agadir hotels. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Other excursions from Agadir
Horseback riding
For a different kind of experience in the Taghazout area, a horseback ride lets you discover the coastal landscapes and hinterland at a leisurely pace. It’s an activity accessible to beginners and experienced riders alike. Transfer from your Agadir hotel is included in most packages. Find out more about horseback riding from Agadir here.
Boat excursions
To discover Agadir from the ocean, several coastal cruises are available from the Marina. Sunset at sea, dolphin watching or a simple boat ride along the Atlantic coast: we recommend these outings for those who want to see the Bay of Agadir from a different angle. They’re also a great way to round off a day of excursions. Find out more about cruises from Agadir here.
Jet-skiing on the Atlantic
For sea thrill-seekers, jet-skiing off the coast of Agadir is a popular activity. It can be enjoyed from the beach, and transfers from hotels are generally included. A great option for a sporty morning on the Atlantic. Find out more about jet-skiing in Agadir here.
Scuba diving
The Atlantic Ocean also holds some wonderful surprises beneath the surface. A boat trip including diving and lunch on board allows you to discover the region’s seabed in conditions accessible to all. We recommend it for travelers wishing to combine marine nature and water sports. Find out more about diving excursions from Agadir here.
Frequently asked questions about excursions from Agadir
What’s the best excursion from Agadir?
It all depends on what you want. For nature and relaxation, Paradise Valley and Taghazout are our two favorites. For cultural immersion, we recommend Taroudant or Essaouira, which remain the most exotic excursions.
Do I need a car for excursions from Agadir?
Not necessarily. Taghazout, Taroudant and Paradise Valley are all accessible by organized excursion. Renting a car, on the other hand, gives you more freedom to stop off on the coastal road or explore the inland villages at your own pace. We recommend it if you’re planning several excursions outside the organized tours.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
