Unique Things You Can Only Do in Agadir

Coastal scenes in Agadir
Coastal scenes in Agadir | © Biynkhar / Wikimedia Commons
Sarah Williams

One of Morocco’s most popular coastal resorts, Agadir is known for its beach, seafood, nightlife, and European vibe. The city attracts a diverse crowd. With most of the city destroyed in 1960 by a huge earthquake, there aren’t really that many unique things to see and do in the city. That said, if you fancy a break from the norm, here are some ideas.

Visit the remains of an earthquake-hit kasbah

Perched on top of the hill overlooking Agadir, the ruined site of Agadir Oufella is all that remains of the city’s once grand and impressive kasbah. Several signboards provide information about the former kasbah and its destruction. The actual ruins are small though, with just foundations and some stretches of outer wall remaining. Nonetheless, this is something that you won’t find in other parts of the country: a kasbah ruined by an earthquake. The site also provides sweeping views over the coast and city.

Old kasbah of Agadir

Explore a replica medina

The new La Medina de Agadir

Experience a large festival dedicated to Amazigh heritage

Held yearly each summer in Agadir, Timitar Festival is one of the largest festivals around Morocco. It is also one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of Amazigh heritage, and is widely recognised as being one of the best music festivals on the African continent. The event seeks to promote the local culture and it hosts more than 40 artists. Drawing huge crowds, performances are all free to enjoy. Though the focus is on preserving, showcasing, and celebrating Amazigh traditions, including music, other artists from around Morocco and international destinations also perform. Diverse musical genres are represented, with performances across several city venues. You’ll also find vendors selling traditional clothing, art, jewellery, carpets, and other handicrafts, as well as plentiful food options.
#TIMITAR
A post shared by Mrr Faissal (@mrr_faissal) on Jul 9, 2017 at 5:11am PDT

Be awed by the sight of goats in trees

While not entirely unique to the Agadir region, the goats that climb argan trees are unique to the country’s fairly small argan growing area. Argan trees grow naturally around parts of the Souss Valley, the Anti Atlas Mountains, and western areas of the High Atlas Mountains. As a rough guide, the area stretches up the Atlantic coast, between Agadir and Essaourira, and across towards Taroudant in the east. The area is listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Take a trip out of the city and you won’t have to travel far to reach patches of argan trees, famous for the rich oil that can be obtained from the nuts. If you are lucky you may spot goats climbing up the trees’ branches, eager to munch on the fruit.

Moroccan tree-climbing goats

Experience Morocco’s best surfing

Morocco’s long coastline has several great surfing spots, but the areas around Agadir and nearby Tagazout are often said to have some of the best surfing in the whole country. The surf vibe is very much alive in these areas, and visitors will find numerous surf shops and instructors. There are also a number of dedicated surf camps in the area for those who are really keen to surf as much as possible.

Surfing the waves near Agadir | ©Heather Cowper / Heather on her Travels

See a huge selection of crocodiles

Agadir is home to the biggest collection of crocodiles in Morocco. Crocoparc, located a short distance out of the city centre, was the country’s first dedicated crocodile park. It has hundreds of crocodiles from various species that live in carefully reconstructed eco systems. A popular attraction for families in particular, the large park also has beautiful gardens, a gift shop, and food and beverage outlets. In the summer the park is open until 11pm, allowing people to observe the fearsome creatures in the dark.

Crocodile at Crocoparc in Agadir

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.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article