Reasons Why Agadir Should Be On Your Bucket List

Agadir hill and harbour
Agadir hill and harbour | © Grigory Gusev / Flickr
Sarah Williams

Morocco’s city of Agadir is located in the southern part of the country. Sitting on the Atlantic coast, it’s a popular summertime beach resort, attracting locals and tourists alike. Here’s why you should add Agadir to your Morocco travel wish list.

Long sandy beach

The main beach in Agadir runs for several kilometres along the Atlantic coast. The sandy shores and sheltered waters attract large crowds in the summer months. While the winter months may be a bit too cold for swimming, sitting on the beach, relaxing, and soaking up the views is still possible. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent for a modest fee, or you can simply spread your towel on the sands for free. A wide range of facilities and amenities and facilities can be found close to the beach, including shops, restaurants, bars, public showers, and toilets. Head a little distance away from the main heart of town and you’ll find quieter seaside areas if the area is a bit too busy for your liking.

Relaxing spot on Agadir’s beach

Diverse water-based activities

Surfers near Agadir

Outdoor adventures and activities

For fun on dry land, Agadir is a good base for hiking trips in the nearby mountains. Paradise Valley is an especially picturesque location, with a stunning valley with dazzling emerald waters at the bottom of towering rock walls. Drive the twisting and turning mountain roads, passing through traditional Berber villages, to reach Imouzzer, where you can admire a large waterfall. There are several top-class golf clubs within easy reach of Agadir, and the Souss-Massa National Park is a prime place for bird-watching and enjoying being in nature.

Paradise Valley

Family-friendly fun

Agadir has several attractions for the young and young at heart. Vallee des Oiseaux is home to a large selection of birds, including parrots, flamingoes, doves, and finches. Other animals, such as monkeys, wallabies, goats, and gazelles, call the park home too. If fearsome crocodiles appeal to you more, take a trip to Crocoparc. You will probably be surprised by how many different types of crocodiles there are in the world! The park also has well-maintained grounds, with plentiful trees, plants, and flowers. Jardin Olhao is a pretty place to unwind while younger members of the family enjoy the play area. Camel riding is often a hit with people of all ages, and the city has a funfair with a Ferris wheel.

Camel in Agadir

Berber culture and traditions

Agadir and the surrounding areas are historically the home of Moroccan Berbers. Pay a visit to the Museum Municipal du Patrimoine Amazigh to learn more about the local people and their heritage. Exhibits include household items, carpets, musical instruments, clothing, and jewellery. Each summer, Agadir hosts the Timitar Festival, a celebration of Berber culture, music, and traditions. A large festival, it draws people from across the world. Most events are free to enjoy.

Traditional Berber rug

Plentiful restaurants and varied cuisine

With perhaps a more modern and somewhat European vibe than other destinations around Morocco, it’s little surprise to find that Agadir has a wide range of restaurants that serve an assortment of global cuisine. French, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern menus are just a few examples in one of Morocco’s most diverse cities for gastronomy. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of establishments with typical Moroccan fare, such as couscous and tagine. The coastal location also means that seafood is abundant and fresh.

Moroccan seafood in Agadir

Lively nightlife

Due to its popularity with international visitors, Agadir has one of the liveliest night scenes in Morocco. Unlike in many other areas of the Islamic nation, alcohol is widely available. Many hotels and resorts in Agadir have attached bars and/or nightclubs that are generally open to non-residents, and there is also a good selection of bars along the beach and in other city areas. You can also stroll along the lively corniche and step into one of the cafes for a glass of mint tea.

Colourful cocktail

Although most of Agadir’s historic buildings were lost in the 1960s, when a large earthquake devastated the city, visitors can soak up the views from the remains of Agadir Oufella. All that stands today of the ancient kasbah is a wall, but the hilltop location is a great vantage point for looking out over the ocean and the city. Tourists in Agadir can shop for souvenirs in Souk El Had or browse designer fashions at the modern marina. There are plenty of reasons to add Agadir to your Morocco bucket list.

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