Top 8 things to do in Agadir

After Marrakech, Agadir is the main entry point to Morocco for overseas visitors and many arrive here first before heading north towards Essaouira. Check out our guide for how to get from Agadir to Essaouira. Alternatively, why not rent a car and take your time exploring this coastline in more depth on a Agadir to Essaouira road trip?

If you want to explore the city, or perhaps even experience it as a day trip from Essaouira, we’ve narrowed this guide into the top 8 best things to do in Agadir to help plan your visit.

One day is really all you need to explore Agadir, any longer and we recommend splurging on your accommodation a little so you can enjoy some pool time. Agadir also offers surfing and quad biking tours, but we haven’t included them here as in all honesty, they’re better experienced in Essaouira.

A handy map for things to do in Agadir

So you can get a better picture of where these suggested things to do in Agadir are located, here’s a handy map below.

If you haven’t rented a car, you will need to rely on local taxis to get your around. Make sure you read up on our Morocco haggling tips as the taxi drivers in Agadir can be rather aggressive in their pricing (always make sure you agree the price before getting into the vehicle). Unfortunately, the taxi drivers aren’t as chilled and easy as they are in Essaouira and Careem (the e-hailing app like Uber and Grab) doesn’t yet operate in Agadir, unlike Marrakech and Casablanca.

1. Hit the beach

Agadir’s main beach is a sandy arc that stretches for miles. Enjoy a stroll along the shoreline or the wide corniche. Otherwise, hire a sun lounger and settle into a good book.

Agadir beach is not the cleanest beach though, and you will be bothered by touts selling anything from mint tea to sunglasses to scarfs to doughnuts. They are generally friendly and not too forceful. Some hotels have a designated section of private beach so that you aren’t hassled. Check with your hotel if you are staying overnight in Agadir.

There are a few restaurants dotted along the coastline, and you can even find traditional Moroccan restaurants between the McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut.

The gentle waves here are good for learning to surf. However, there are no obvious surf schools set up along the beach, so organise your lessons through your accommodation. Most surfers head to either Taghazout or Essaouira.

2. Marvel at the restoration of Agadir Medina

Much of Agadir was destroyed in an earthquake in 1960, which included the historical medina. The medina you visit today is a reconstructed medina, with an entry fee and aimed squarely at tourists (20DH for adults, 10DH for children).

While it is devoid of locals going about their everyday life (as you witness in the medinas of Essaouira, Marrakech, Fes etc.), the architecture is beautiful and it’s a pleasant change to wander around a quiet medina, taking your time.

There are a few tourist shops inside the medina, and it’s small enough so that you won’t get lost. Allow about 45 minutes to wander around.

3. Shop at Souk El Had

Spanning over 13 hectares with more than 6,000 stalls divided into different sections, Souk El Had is where to go to shop with the locals.

This is the largest traditional souk in Agadir and sells absolutely everything; from fruit and veg, to clothing, to lotions and potions, rugs, electronics, toys, furniture… the list goes on. If you forgot to pack an essential travel item, here is the place to find it. Be prepared to haggle using our insider tips. Plus, it’s a fantastic place to try some local street food.

Souk El Had is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays typically being a day off. It opens in the morning and stays open until around sunset, with a break during midday for lunch or prayers.

4. Browse and dine at Agadir Marina

Agadir Marina is a modern and stylish waterfront development located at the northern end of the city. It’s a lovely spot for a stroll and bite to eat in one of the cosmopolitan cafes. It very much has a European feel. You’ll also find Western clothes shops here, such as Zara.

5. Ride the cable car to the historical fortress Kasbah Oufella

Look northwards along the beach, you will spot the inscription on a hillside that translates, ‘Believe in God and respect the King‘. This hilltop Kasbah’s walls are a rare survivor of the 1960 earthquake, which have also been lovingly restored recently, and offers superb views across the city of Agadir. You can take a cable car right to the top here for fantastic views over the city.

This forms part of ‘Danialand‘ and in the same complex you will find a waterpark (opening soon) and restaurants.

6. Hang with reptiles at CrocoParc

Just on the outskirts of Agadir, Crocoparc is a must-do if you’re visiting Agadir with kids. The entire park is exceptionally laid out and is teeming with Nile crocodiles swimming and sunning themselves around a large lagoon. You will also find iguanas, tortoises, snakes, and a very cool cactus garden.

There are two good playgrounds onsite and a restaurant overlooking the crocodiles. Allow a good two hours for your visit.

7. Camel ride along the Sous River

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a relaxing camel ride along the Sous River, which flows to the south of the city. This is best experienced on a tour where you can be picked up from Agadir centre and then taken to a ranch to meet your camel.

Your 1.5-2 hour camel ride will then take you through Agadir’s Sous River and a eucalyptus forest. Once you are back to the ranch, relax with a Moroccan mint tea with some local snacks. There is also an option to enjoy a BBQ dinner too.

8. Dine and be entertained at Agadir Fantasia

Agadir Fantasia is a fantastic evening of Moroccan entertainment. Seated in a traditional tent, you will experience a Moroccan feast while being entertained by exceptional Gnaoua acrobats, snake charmers, fire eaters, belly dancers and Berber dancers, before heading into the stadium, where you will enjoy the ‘Fantasia Show’.

Click here to book.

It’s exceptionally touristy, but sometimes you just need to embrace being a tourist and have some fun!