Holidays to Agadir
Agadir highlights
Old Kasbah
The ‘Kasbah’ (fortress) of Agadir Oufella is one of the few sites that survived the 1960 earthquake. Today, it offers a glimpse of what life looked like in Agadir as far back as 1541. It’s a gorgeous vantage point from which to admire Agadir’s curving coastline — plan your day to be at the fort for an incredible sunset. You can arrive by foot or bus, or travel in style on the Agadir cable car.
Souss Massa Medina
Though the ancient medina disappeared in the earthquake, Italian architect Coco Polizza lovingly designed this recreated citadel in 1992. It’s a must-see on your holiday to Agadir. The medina, which pays homage to the region’s architecture, provides an escape from the city’s bustle and allows visitors to see traditional craftsmen at work.
Hammam spas
A visit to a hammam is a must during a holiday to Agadir. These public bathhouses have been part of local life for centuries. They usually include a hot steam room, warm bathing area and cool room for rinsing off. Many also offer traditional treatments like black soap scrubs. Communal hammams are segregated by gender, so couples might prefer hammams with private options like Argan Palace.
Agadir: Know before you go
| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Currency | Moroccan dirham (د.م.) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| High season | May – July |
| Low season | January |
Find the best time to go to Agadir
Weather in Agadir
March – May: Plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures make spring a great time to visit. Pack a raincoat on the off chance of a thunderstorm.
June – September: Summer is all about the beach days, with average daily highs of around 26°C. September is a sweet spot for warm weather and thinner crowds.
October – November: In the autumn, expect cooler temperatures in the high 10s°C. This is the ideal time for hiking in the Anti-Atlas Mountains and Souss Massa National Park.
December – February: Winter is cooler and wetter, but the thermometer can still hit 20°C on warmer days. Enjoy sightseeing hotspots like Agadir Oufella and Souss Massa Medina without the crowds.
Events in Agadir
Amazigh New Year (January): Also known as Yennayer, this Amazigh celebration features art exhibitions, music shows, film screenings and cultural performances.
Almond Blossom Festival (February): It’s worth taking the three-hour drive to Tafraoute to experience this unique local festival. You’ll enjoy a mix of traditional music and dance, local handicrafts and almond-flavoured treats beneath a canopy of pale pink blossoms.
Timitar Music Festival (July): This four-day event brings together traditional Amazigh and global artists, with genres ranging from jazz to hip-hop. The event takes place right by the beach, attracting over a million people each year.
The best neighbourhoods in Agadir
Talborjt
Talborjt is the best area to stay in Agadir for a taste of local life. It’s quieter than the more tourist-oriented neighbourhoods closer to the beach, which is still only a 20-minute walk away. Both the Jardin Olhao Agadir and the Jardin Ibn Zaidoun are located here, as well as the Mohammed V Mosque, the biggest mosque in Agadir. You’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants selling Moroccan food.
Good for: Local lifestyle, restaurants, parks and gardens
Secteur Touristique
If listening to the waves crash from your window sounds good, the ‘Secteur Touristique’ (Tourism Sector) is for you. With its position right on the beach, you’ll have easy access to sand and surf, as well as the lively promenade. Here you’ll also find the Royal Palace of Agadir, worth exploring for its extravagant entrance and relaxing public gardens. And there’s no shortage of hotels, eateries, shops and clubs.
Good for: Families, beachfront location, hotels
Agadir Marina
This is where to stay in Agadir if you’re a high-end traveller who wants to watch the boats bob while you select which stylish restaurant to have dinner at that night. Agadir Marina is packed full of coffee shops, cafes and landscaped gardens. Plus, you won’t have far to walk with your bags from the designer boutiques.
Good for: Dining, shopping, entertainment
Things to do in Agadir
Family friendly things to do
Travelling with kids? Visiting the beaches and parks is the major thing to do with family in Agadir. If the kids somehow tire of days at the beach, visit CrocoParc. The conservation centre is a safe haven for more than 300 Nile crocodiles. See the city while giving tired feet a rest by hopping on ‘Le Petit Train’ (the Little Train), a road train that winds through Agadir.
Shopping
Shopping in Agadir revolves around the fortress-like Souk el Had, packed with roughly 3,000 shops spread over an enormous footprint. Agadir is close to the argan tree region, so stock up on your lotions and potions here. And don’t forget to bring cash — bartering is expected, but don’t go overboard.
Take in the culture
Visit the Musee du Patrimoine Amazigh to explore the fascinating culture of Morocco’s Amazigh peoples. Or stroll through the Jardin Olhao and visit the small onsite museum dedicated to the history of Agadir and the 1960 earthquake. For a taste of Moroccan traditions, the medina is a living museum as well as a chance to shop for handcrafted souvenirs.
Beaches
The beaches in Agadir are the superstars of the area. Plage d’Agadir’s long, wide beach means you won’t be fighting for a spot on its soft sand. But some of the region’s best beaches lie beyond the city. The nearby fishing village of Taghazout is renowned among surfers, while Aghroud Rainbow Village offers a postcard-worthy change of scenery.
Places to eat
You’ll find plenty of stylish dining options at the marina, but follow the locals to Ennahda for an authentic taste of Morocco. Some of the best restaurants in Agadir are located here. You can’t miss the ubiquitous tagine (a slow-cooked savoury stew) in its conical clay pot. Make sure you try sardines while you’re here — Morocco is the world’s biggest exporter of the tiny fish.
Nightlife
Start your evening by catching the sea air along the Corniche la Cote promenade. From here, take your pick of excellent seafood restaurants overlooking the water. Eat heartily because you’ll be dancing till the early hours. For the best nightlife in Agadir, you’ll find a handful of clubs clustered around the ‘Secteur Touristique’ (Tourism Sector).
Get ready for Agadir
Budget
With plenty of free attractions like beaches, souks and public gardens, it’s easy to have a cheap holiday in Agadir. A simple restaurant meal costs about 40 Moroccan dirhams (MAD). You can usually find a cappuccino for MAD17 and a short taxi ride for about MAD23. You’ll pay around MAD43 for a local beer — but note that drinking is strictly forbidden in public places.
Day Trips from Agadir
Explore the region’s diverse landscapes at Souss Massa National Park, a 30-minute drive south of the city. While there, try hiking the Gazelles’ Trail or take a 4x4 tour to spot wildlife like ostriches and migratory birds. Head north to Paradise Valley to hike through mountain valleys and see glistening, palm-shaded pools. And remember, the souks of Marrakech are only a three-hour drive away.
Getting Around Agadir
Traffic in Morocco can be intense, so avoid hiring a car unless you’re experienced. Buses are the cheapest mode of transport. If travelling by taxi, be sure to agree on a price beforehand. For a smoother Agadir holiday, install the inDrive rideshare app.
