Compare holidays to Agadir

What to do in Agadir

For a relatively small city, Agadir packs plenty in. There’s a real variety of things to do on holidays in Agadir, from fascinating museums to historic sights and plenty of opportunity for day trips to wildlife reserves and surfer towns.

The Kasbah

For a slice of history, hop in a taxi and take the 7km (5-mile) journey to Agadir’s Kasbah. Having miraculously survived the 1960 earthquake, this ancient structure sits atop a hill to the north of the city, overlooking the land and sea.

Originally built in the 1500s and then restored in the 18th century, the outer fortifications are all that remain. Inside, evidence of past dwellings can be seen on the ground, from when it was a thriving, busy walled city.

Souk El Had d’Agadir

Moroccan souks are a captivating experience all over the country, and Agadir’s own marketplace is no exception. Running from 8am to 6pm between Tuesday and Sunday, the souk sits within a walled enclosure and hosts stall holders selling everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs and clothes.

Come on a Sunday and you’ll find it spills out into the surrounding streets and hawkers yell out to get your attention. Expect to see mountains of oranges piled high, bunched bananas hanging from the roof and souvenir stores with jewellery, leather bags and Moroccan lamps tumbling down their walls.

Taghazout

This former fishing village, just 25km (15 miles) from Agadir, is now one of Morocco’s surf hubs. Thanks to its strong Atlantic surf, visitors come from all over the world to test its brilliant waves.

As you’d expect, the atmosphere is laidback, and there’s plenty of hip accommodation from guesthouses with carpeted rooftops to chic independent hotels. Beginners will love it here, as there are schools offering lessons for all abilities, and equipment hire for those with plenty of experience on the board.

Souss-Massa National Park

Just an hour south of Agadir, a day trip to Souss-Massa National Park is a must for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. A protected area since 1991, it encompasses wild landscapes of sand dunes, coastal steppes, forest and farmland. There are dramatic cliffs and coastal lagoons, and plenty of bird watching opportunities.

Expect to see herons, terns, oystercatchers and curlews, and look out for elegant oryx, ostrich and gazelles, which were introduced into the park after it was created.

Where to stay in Agadir

For families

The Founty neighbourhood sits at the southern end of Agadir’s beach and is home to a host of international chain hotels, as well as villas and holiday homes – an ideal base for families. Thanks to its largely residential and resort-lined streets, it's a safe, quiet area and offers easy access to the beach.

A boardwalk runs from Founty all the way along the seafront to the Corniche La Côte, where Paix Garden offers shade for ice-cream picnics.

For travellers on a budget

Morocco is generally a cheap holiday destination, but with its seaside location, parts of Agadir are more expensive than others. Avoid the south and central sections of the beach and book yourself into one of the numerous cheap hotels and hostels at the northern end, around the Downtown area. The further inland from the beach you go, the cheaper accommodation tends to get, so stick to dry land if you’re looking for a cheap Agadir holiday.

For food and drink

Plenty of cafes and restaurants line the streets in the Talborjt neighbourhood, and the area’s small food market (daily, 8am-6pm) is a great destination for those wanting to taste Morocco’s fresh flavours. Expect to see plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and spices – the key ingredients in this nation’s spectacular cuisine.

Downtown Agadir, north of the beach, is the main tourist zone and is also well known for its diverse selection of restaurants. For high-end dining, head to the marina where international cuisine is served up with ocean views.

For nightlife

Much of the party action tends to happen around the Downtown area, at the northern tip of Agadir’s beach. Here nightclubs and bars pound their music through to the early hours of the morning. All along the beach promenade, daytime cafes turn into beach bars by nightfall, and cocktails are served up with sea views, getting glitzier and more expensive the further south you go along the beach.

The marina area also has some excellent bars and clubs, though they also tend to come with a price tag thanks to the glorious ocean vistas.

For culture

The Talborjt neighbourhood is home to traditional Moroccan architecture, local restaurants, and a handful of attractions. The Mohamed V Mosque is the best example of a traditional Islamic place of worship with its intricately carved facade, while the Memorial d’Agadir Museum has exhibitions on the devastating 1960 earthquake. The adjacent garden is a nice spot to escape from the summer heat.

Stay in Downtown Agadir and you’ll be near the fascinating Museum of Amazigh Culture, where exhibitions featuring Berber jewellery, carpets and more make for a compelling afternoon.