The Best Things to See and Do in Agadir, Morocco

Agadir is one of the top coastal destinations in Morocco
Agadir is one of the top coastal destinations in Morocco | © Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
Amy Blyth

Visiting Morocco? Don’t miss Agadir, the best beach resort in the country. Virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, the southern city preserved its traditional heritage while undergoing a modern renovation. Come to Agadir to relax on golden-sand beaches, shop at maze-like souks and get pampered at a hammam. Tempted? Here are the top things to do.

To discover the best this enchanting country has to offer, book Culture Trip’s epic 11-day small-group adventure, where you’ll be guided through its ancient history by our Local Insider. Short on time? Our five-day Morocco Mini Trip is perfect to get a taste of what this country is like.

Agadir Oufella

Architectural Landmark

Agadir Oufella Ruins
© PhotographybyJR / Alamy Stock Photo

Hike up to the atmospheric Agadir Oufella ruins, also known as the Kasbah, sitting on a hilltop overlooking the city’s fishing port and beach. Explore the remains of this ancient fortress, built in 1540 to protect Agadir from Portuguese invasions and later destroyed by an earthquake in 1960. Although only the crumbling walls and entry portal of the site remain, it offers views over Agadir, which are especially majestic at sunset.

Hit the beach

Natural Feature

Agadir Beach, hill with the words, Allah, al-Watan, al-Malik, meaning Allah, the Homeland, the King, Morocco, Africa
© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo

As Morocco’s favourite coastal destination, Agadir has a long stretch of honey-coloured sand perfect for basking. Unlike the beach at nearby Essaouira, which is battered by Atlantic winds almost year-round, this one is sheltered, with waves that break far out to sea. Expect pristine sands and lifeguard patrols in the peak summer months. Arrange a boat trip along the coast, book surf lessons and enjoy a meal accompanied by sea views on the buzzing promenade.

Relax in a hammam

Massage Parlour, Shop

Savour a slice of Moroccan culture with a hammam trip. It’s a sacred ritual for locals, who usually visit once a week for a deep clean and to socialise. Steam open your pores, then prepare for an intense body scrub with black-olive-oil soap, which will leave you feeling thoroughly cleansed. If you’re after a more luxurious experience, head to the Argan Palace, where you can opt for a private hammam followed by a soothing massage.

Eat at Les Blancs

Restaurant, Seafood, Spanish, Moroccan, Mediterranean

If you’d like to enjoy a beautiful view alongside your meal, visit Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant Les Blancs. This popular eatery on Agadir Beach, in front of the marina, offers open-air terraces where you can drink in sparkling sea views. Feast on a menu of fresh seafood or tapas; there are even 10 varieties of paella. Staff are known for their friendly service, which attracts locals and the resident yachting crowd.

Shop in the Souk El Had d’Agadir

Bazaar

Soak up the colours, smells and sights of Souk El Had, which is open every day but Monday. With about 6,000 stalls, it’s one of the largest markets in Morocco, sprawling over more than 13ha (32 acres). Enter through one of 12 gates and browse stores laden with everything from fragrant spices to piles of colourful produce, clay tagines, handmade rugs and homeware. While some sellers advertise set prices, you’re mostly free to haggle.

Visit the Memoire d’Agadir

Museum

Learn about Agadir’s catastrophic 1960 earthquake at this compact museum, set on the edge of the Jardin de Olhão. You won’t find any hi-tech exhibits, just newspaper cuttings and photographs that detail the deadly event, which killed more than 17,000 people and levelled much of the city. The museum also traces the history of Agadir since the 1920s and sits within a peaceful garden filled with palm trees and cacti.

Stroll around La Medina d’Agadir

Museum

Entrance to the Medina dAgadir tourist complex/market, Agadir, Morocco, North Africa
© Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo

Want to know what Agadir looked like before the earthquake? Visit Medina d’Agadir, a detailed replica in Ben Sergao, just a short drive south from the city centre. Constructed in 1992 by Moroccan-Italian architect Coco Polizzi, this medina is part museum, part work of art. Picture classic Berber architecture made from local materials such as rock and slate from the Atlas Mountains. Wander atmospheric streets lined with shops that are home to artisans, painters, metalworkers and carpenters.

Take a trip to the Souss-Massa National Park

Park

Colorful coastline with a view over a small bay with a few fishing lodges in the Souss-Massa National Park at the Atlantic Ocean in Morooco, Africa.
© Julian Schaldach / Alamy Stock Photo
Escape the city hubbub for a tranquil day trip to the Souss-Massa National Park. It covers 33,800ha (83,522 acres) of wetlands, forests and rippled Sahara-like dunes. Its focal point is the Oued Massa (Massa River), where exotic birds come to breed, including flamingos, cormorants and sandgrouse; it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see the northern bald ibis. It’s best to visit with a knowledgeable guide.

Explore Crocoparc

Zoo

See the rare Nile crocodile at this wildlife reserve, just east of Agadir. These animals once thrived in Morocco but have largely been wiped out in the wild by hunters. The crocodiles live in huge enclosures that mimic their natural habitat; Crocoparc also has a laboratory and nursery where you might catch a glimpse of hatchlings. When you’ve had your fill of wildlife spotting, stroll around the 4ha (10 acre) botanical garden filled with more than 300 plant species.

Picnic in the Vallée des Oiseaux

Natural Feature, Park

Bird Valley park, Vallee des Oiseaux, in central Agadir, Souss-Massa Province, Morocco, North West Africa.
© Roy Conchie / Alamy Stock Photo

The Vallée des Oiseaux, a green space in the centre of Agadir, is free to enter and makes a great spot for a family outing. It features a playground, a walk-through aviary and enclosures where you can spot parrots, flamingos, deer and even kangaroos. The park is well shaded and filled with magnolias and banana trees, with a small fountain at its heart; chill out with a cold drink at one of the cafes clustered around the main gate.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Keen to explore the world?

Our passionately curated premium small-group trips are an invitation to connect with like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.