Is Agadir worth a visit? Are you planning a trip to Morocco and hesitating to include this seaside town in your itinerary?
We were won over by this city on the Atlantic coast, reborn after the devastating earthquake of 1960. Between historical heritage, modernity, golden beaches and excursions into the hinterland, Agadir offers a diversity of experiences that surprised us.
In this article, we share our 10 reasons to visit Agadir, along with tips and photos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Agadir worth a visit?
Agadir absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary. This seaside town in the Souss-Massa region combines assertive modernity with Moroccan authenticity. We enjoyed its relaxed atmosphere, its immense seafront, its marina and its huge souk, one of the largest in Africa. You’ll also be seduced by its cable car and the magnificent views from the ancient Kasbah Ouffela citadel. Last but not least, its geographical location is ideal, giving you the chance to escape to places that are well worth a visit, such as Paradise Valley or Taghazout Village.
We list the reasons to visit Agadir in more detail below. You can also take a look at our selection of the city’s top attractions.
Reason 1 – For its historical heritage
Before the devastating earthquake of 1960, Agadir boasted a traditional medina nestling on the heights of the city. The earthquake swept away almost all the buildings. Today, traces of this history can be seen at Kasbah Oufella, an ancient citadel perched on the hill overlooking the bay. We were moved by this archaeological site transformed into a memorial. Here, you’ll discover the remains of this 16th-century Dutch fortress and the emblematic inscription on the mountain, “Dieu, la Patrie, le Roi”, visible from all over the town. Further down the coast, you can visit the Medina Polizzi, a faithful reconstruction of the pre-earthquake citadel. We found it a surprisingly pleasant place to wander around, with its pretty craft stores.
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Reason 2 – For its modernity
Agadir was completely rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake. This renaissance has given rise to a modern city, organized according to an airy urban plan. The wide avenues, the seaport and the Mediterranean-style marina bear witness to this modernity. We love this modern, functional seaside resort. You’ll appreciate the quality infrastructure and relaxed atmosphere of this livable town.
Reason 3 – For its beaches
In our opinion, Agadir Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco. It stretches over several kilometers of golden sand, bordered by a superb palm-fringed corniche. Protected by the bay, it offers relatively calm waters, ideal for family bathing. We particularly liked its relaxed atmosphere and modern facilities. You can rent deckchairs and umbrellas, enjoy water sports or simply relax in the sun. The seafront promenade is the beating heart of the town’s seaside life. Beyond the main beach, the region abounds in beautiful beaches. The Plage d’Anza, just before Agadir, is also bordered by a beautiful corniche. We also liked the Plage d’Aourir, further north, which offers a wilder, more authentic setting.
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Reason 4 – For its souk
Souk El Had is one of Morocco’s largest markets. Its hundreds of stalls are organized into themed areas: spices, handicrafts, clothing, fruit and vegetables. We were fascinated by the profusion of objects, colors and smells. You’ll discover the art of Moroccan-style bargaining and be able to pick up authentic souvenirs. Spice stalls offer a remarkable visual spectacle, while artisans work leather and silver before your very eyes. The souk is also the ideal place to sample local products such as argan oil and thyme honey. You’ll also find more industrial products, from shoes to utensils and gadgets. A veritable Ali Baba’s cave! Find out more about guided tours of the souk here.
Reason 5 – For its views
The Agadir cable car offers a spectacular ascent to the heights of the city. From the glass cabins, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the bay, the port, the beach and the urban sprawl. We enjoyed flying over the arid hills of argan trees, contrasting with the blue of the ocean. The ride itself is a memorable experience. At the top, the esplanade of Kasbah Oufella awaits you to admire the landscape. It’s a panorama that captures the region’s geography, and one that impressed us. The inscription “Dieu, la Patrie, le Roi” (“God, the Fatherland, the King”), visible from the town, takes on its full meaning once you’re there. Save time and book your round-trip ticket here!
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Reason 6 – For his shows
To immerse yourself in Moroccan and Berber culture, we highly recommend a dinner and show. Agadir is renowned for its evenings combining local gastronomy and traditional artistic performances. The Chems Show is one of the most popular experiences, featuring riders, horses and Berber traditions in a magical setting. Enjoy local cuisine while admiring musicians and dancers in traditional costumes. Restaurant Le Mauresque also organizes spectacular dinner shows. These evenings showcase the cultural heritage of the Souss region through magical performances. We found this type of experience the perfect end to a day of discovery!
Reason 7 – For its leisure parks
Agadir has several family-friendly leisure parks. Parc Crocoparc is a zoological park dedicated to the discovery of crocodiles and regional fauna. You can see monkeys, snakes, iguanas and turtles. We stumbled upon the educational week during our visit and enjoyed numerous workshops for children. You’ll learn a lot about Moroccan biodiversity. Click here for special tickets.
The Danialand Water Park will delight fans of slides and pools. You can also visit the Agadir Dolphin World Park to meet dolphins. Finally, the Vallée des Oiseaux, currently undergoing renovation, is due to reopen shortly.
Reason 8 – For its museums
Agadir has two museums that deserve your attention. The Museum of Reconstruction is a must for understanding the history of the city and its current configuration. We visited it shortly after it opened, and were impressed by its original layout. The museum offers a moving insight into the 1960 earthquake and its aftermath. You’ll discover poignant eyewitness accounts, period photographs and archival documents. The Musée d’Art d’Agadir displays a collection of contemporary Moroccan art and traditional crafts. We enjoyed this cultural and artistic interlude. Paintings, photographs, tapestries and jewelry testify to the region’s artistic vitality.
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Reason 9 – For its hotels
Agadir offers a wide range of quality hotels, all-inclusive beach resorts and a number of charming riads. The city has developed its tourist infrastructure to welcome travelers in excellent conditions. We appreciated the comfort of the establishments and the diversity of accommodation available. You’ll find hotels to suit all budgets, whether on the seafront or in the city center. Riad Villa Blanche offers an elegant setting, while Hôtel View Agadir boasts a breathtaking view over the bay.
Reason 10 – For excursions in the surrounding area
Agadir is an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Taghazout, a former fishing village 20km to the north, has become one of Morocco’s most famous surf spots. Despite the influx of holidaymakers, we found this small coastal town to have an authentic charm. Find out more about excursions to Taghazout. Paradise Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains some 30km away, offers natural pools with turquoise waters lined with palm trees. Click here to get away from it all. Thrill-seekers can venture into the dunes for quad biking or sandboarding. Finally, Taroudant, nicknamed “little Marrakech”, offers an unspoilt atmosphere. We were seduced by its tranquil souk and beautiful ramparts.
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Some disadvantages of a trip to Agadir
The absence of a traditional medina
If you’re looking for the atmosphere of traditional Moroccan medinas like Marrakech or Fez, Agadir might disappoint you. The 1960 earthquake destroyed the ancient city, and reconstruction has favored modern urban planning. This lack of an authentic historic quarter may come as a surprise to travelers accustomed to the kingdom’s other cities. The Polizzi Medina is an interesting alternative, but remains a reconstruction. For an immersion in traditional Morocco, we recommend combining your stay with an excursion to Taroudant or Marrakech.
Peak season traffic
Agadir attracts many tourists, especially Europeans in search of winter sun. All-inclusive resorts fill up from December to April and in summer. We’ve noticed that the crowds can make some sites less pleasant to visit. Nevertheless, you can escape the crowds by exploring the hinterland or by choosing the early morning hours for your visits. Nearby beaches such as Aourir offer quieter alternatives. Remember to book your accommodation and activities in advance during the high season.
Wind on the beach
Agadir’s Atlantic coast is regularly windswept, which is a particular delight for surfers at Taghazout. We’ve found that this phenomenon can sometimes make the beach more airy! But you’ll appreciate the sea breeze on the hottest days. Bring a windbreaker if you’re sensitive to the wind, and choose sheltered areas of the bay.
How to get to Agadir
Agadir is easily accessible by several means of transport:
- By plane: Al Massira International Airport is some 30km from the city center, about 30min by car. It handles direct flights from several European cities (including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Madrid), as well as domestic flights from Casablanca. See available flights
- By car: Agadir is linked to Marrakech by the A7 freeway (3h) and to Casablanca by the A7 and A3 freeways (5h30). The N1 national road runs along the Atlantic coast from Essaouira (2h30). Rent a car here.
- By bus: Companies like CTM and Supratours link Agadir to the main Moroccan cities. This is an economical option with regular departures from Marrakech, Casablanca, Essaouira or Rabat.
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