10 Things to Do in Agadir

Agadir is a coastal city in southern Morocco where traditions, pleasant weather and something for everyone come together. Every street exudes the joy that characterises Moroccans, and there are places like El Zoco, ideal for enjoying spices or buying handicrafts.

Don't miss the opportunity to take a camel ride or venture out sandboarding on the dunes. In its calm waters, you can learn to surf, and its clear skies are perfect for a hot air balloon flight. Below, I will take you on a virtual tour of Agadir that is sure to inspire you to plan your next holiday.

There are so many things to see and so many unforgettable things to do in Agadir, but any itinerary should start with the essentials. Especially if it's your first time visiting the city or if you want to revisit the main tourist attractions. Here's a little bit about the most important ones.

The Great Mosque

There are places that take your breath away, and the Great Mosque of Agadir is one of them. Also known as the Mosque of Mohammed V, it is a symbol of the country's independence and the largest in the city. Its tower can be seen from different angles and is quite impressive due to its small windows, which surely offer breathtaking views of the city, but which unfortunately are not accessible.

Bear in mind that in Morocco, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques. Therefore, I would recommend booking a guided tour of Agadir to see them from the outside and learn about their history.

The El Had Souk

During your tour, you must make a stop at the impressive El Had Souk. It is the leading Moroccan market, and you should be prepared to haggle, walk through the crowds and have a keen eye for finding special souvenirs. I won't deny that some days it can be chaotic, but the truth is that it is very organised, as it is divided into 12 gates.

For example, there are special gates to sneak into the spice aisles and others that lead to the textile area. Overall, it is a sensory experience where bright colours delight the eye, while traditional dishes and aromatic spices stimulate your palate. If I were you, I would buy a typical Berber rug or hand-painted ceramics. I would also fill my suitcase with Moroccan handmade jewellery, which you won't find anywhere else in the world.

La Corniche La Cote

To enjoy the sea breeze, you can lose yourself in La Corniche La Cote, where you can stroll or eat by the sea. Bring your swimsuit because you'll be right in front of the beach and you may feel like taking a dip, or perhaps signing up for the extreme sports practised on the coast.

At this marina, you can also enjoy the spectacle of boats sailing through the warm waters of the Moroccan Atlantic.

Medina of Agadir

Don't miss a trip back in time to the Medina of Agadir, a virtually exact reconstruction of a medieval citadel that was destroyed by the 1960 earthquake.

The surrounding alleys are impressive and it is considered the centre of Moroccan crafts. It is not surprising to find so many shops selling Moroccan oils, leather, textiles and spices.

Agadir and its desert landscapes are the ideal setting for a camel ride. In fact, many people are attracted to this activity. The best part is that you can also enjoy the coastline and delight in the scenery and the smell of sea salt.

Of course, camel rides are part of Moroccan tradition and African heritage. However, it is important to respect the wildlife of the places you visit and to commit to sustainable tourism. It is advisable to look for reputable operators and to ensure that the camels are treated humanely.

Camel ride through the desert

Booking a camel ride through the desert is a spectacular experience that you cannot miss. Considering the arid climate that characterises Agadir, the usual itinerary is scheduled around sunset. You can climb up and down the dunes and reach villages that preserve centuries of history.

You will pass through a eucalyptus forest and, if you are lucky, you may encounter flamingos roaming the area. These types of experiences can be combined with a quad bike ride or a barbecue under the stars, as well as a Moroccan-style dinner.

Horse riding along the coast of Agadir

Another alternative is to book a horse ride along the coast of Agadir to gallop near the Souss Massa River and explore the golden beaches. It is a refreshing experience where you can stop and enjoy a dip if the heat exceeds your expectations. I think it is more appropriate to do this with children, as they will not be exposed to the desert heat for so long.

When visiting Morocco, it is important to learn about the Berbers, the ancient locals who used to live in the mountains and villages. It is believed that they were the owners of Africa for many years and that they took care of places like Agadir. Their mark can be seen in different aspects of the culture, and the best way to get closer to it is to visit a Berber camp.

Berber camps allow you to camp in the desert and live as this community did. Your "room" will be a tent that can be private or shared, where you will sleep among rugs, cushions, and lamps. Over time, they have been modernised and amenities such as private bathrooms and extra blankets have been added, as well as limited water and electricity services.

It is ideal for stargazing and enjoying a barbecue while keeping warm with Moroccan mint tea. You can also experience traditional Berber music, which is characterised by a mixture of drums and songs.

If you don't like the idea of staying overnight, you can book a jeep tour of the desert. This experience usually takes you through the camps, but also to hidden beaches, ruins and the Massa Valley.

Rituals are an important part of Moroccan culture, with the hammam being the most suitable for purifying and renewing energy. It is similar to a Turkish bath, and the rooms are filled with steam to help open the pores, allowing the special products and fragrances of black soap and eucalyptus oil to penetrate better.

During the hammam, you can also chat with other people while the products take effect. In addition, some rooms are prepared with natural herbs and include skin exfoliation. It is undoubtedly an exotic experience and, although its origins date back to Rome and Greece, it came to Morocco as a form of purification before prayers.

Later, they became an attractive and highly sought-after activity, so I would recommend booking a traditional hammam experience in advance.

To get started with Eastern customs, there is nothing better than accompanying this ritual with a relaxing massage or releasing tension with a Berber massage, which is characterised by gentle, fluid movements, with just the right amount of pressure to stimulate and relax.

Details of interest

• Price: the full experience can be found for around €23.

Another typical Moroccan activity is sliding down the dunes on a sandboard. Imagine it's like surfing, but on the sparkling sand of the desert. It's ideal for enjoying the landscape and getting to know the mountains and the Tamri region.

The experience usually begins by climbing to the top of a consolidated dune, which offers panoramic views of the desert and the nearby beauty spots. Don't worry! An instructor will teach you how to use the boards correctly, and the real adventure will begin during the descent. As you descend, you can expect your speed to increase rapidly, at which point you can take advantage of the opportunity to turn and feel the arid breeze against your face.

My recommendation is to book a sandboarding experience in Agadir that includes transport, as the desert is located far from the city centre and it is more convenient if you don't have to worry about logistics.

Details of interest

• Price: you can find options starting at €67.

If you would like to learn to surf, you are in the right place! Agadir's beaches have pleasant temperatures and controlled waves. You do not need any experience; the idea is to learn and enjoy yourself. It is important to do this activity with a professional instructor who will teach you how to handle the board. In general, after this experience you will be able to:

• The basics, such as paddling and feeling confident.
• More professional skills such as standing up and staying upright, as well as catching waves of different intensities.

Booking a surfing lesson on Agadir beach is ideal for satisfying your curiosity and experiencing your connection with the sea. Remember that you should always wear a wetsuit and not stray too far from the shore.

Details of interest

• Price: lessons usually start at €32.

The landscapes of Agadir are breathtaking from the ground, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience of a hot air balloon ride. Rising into the Moroccan skies feels like stepping into a postcard and is the best setting for watching the sunrise. You will have the dunes at your feet and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The colours will change as time goes by, as will the landscapes, giving way to the mountains and forests that surround the Moroccan coast. One of the many advantages of booking a hot air balloon ride in Agadir is that when you return home, you can show off your photographs and flight certificate.

Details of interest

• Price: there are options for around €226.

In Agadir, you can also marvel at the variety of species found in its forests. But if you fancy a more controlled experience, you can visit Crocoparc, the city's zoo. You can see Nile crocodiles, reptiles, iguanas and their respective feeding sessions.

The biology exhibitions are also very popular, along with the botanical gardens, which include:

• The Blue Garden.
• The Cactus Garden.
• The Tropical Garden.
• The Exotic Garden.
• The Water Garden.

By purchasing tickets for Crocoparc Agadir in advance, you can enjoy skip-the-line access, which is much appreciated on the hottest days.

Useful information

• Price: admission costs approximately €13 per person.
• Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 19:00, but opening hours may be reduced during Ramadan.
• How to get there: it is located on the outskirts of the city, but is easily accessible by bus lines 5 or 9.

Cooking classes are ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the gastronomic secrets of Agadir. If this is you, I recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for this activity, where you can choose the dish you want to prepare. You will learn more about local ingredients and a local will reveal the recipes that make the local food so tasty.

You can also choose between doing it at a cooking school or at a local's home. To give you an idea of what to expect, I'll tell you a little about Moroccan dishes and spices.

Moroccan dishes

• Tajine: a stew cooked in a clay pot and prepared with different types of meat.
• Pastries: a sweet and sour dish consisting of filo pastry sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon but, to the surprise of many, filled with chicken.
• Ghribias: these are biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with an unmistakable almond flavour.

Moroccan spices

A classic of Moroccan cuisine is Ras el Hanout, a blend of 42 different aromatic spices. Before buying it, you should ask, as sometimes other versions with fewer spices are sold.

Agadir is not just sun, desert and beaches. Its getaways are an adventure you have to experience, especially if you would like to visit an important city such as Marrakech or relax among the cool landscapes that are very close by. I'll tell you everything you need to know!

Excursion to Paradise Valley in Taghazout

If I had the opportunity to visit Agadir, I would definitely book an excursion to Paradise Valley in Taghazout. It's ideal if you like natural settings and adventure. Waterfalls, valleys, mountains and natural pools await you.

Located half an hour from Agadir, it is a hidden natural gem characterised by its serenity. It could be said that it is the opposite of the big Moroccan cities and a glimpse into how ancestral communities lived, as you are sure to come across a village or two along the way.

Excursion to Marrakech

If you plan to book an excursion to Marrakech from Agadir, you should know that a magical city awaits you. Enjoy the colours of its squares and the contagious energy of its markets as you explore every corner at your own pace. Don't miss the snake charmers or the beauty of the Koutoubia Mosque or the Bahia Palace.

You will undoubtedly eat very well here, and you cannot leave without trying the tagine and couscous.

• Safety: it is a safe destination, but it is preferable to book guided experiences, especially when it comes to activities such as camping or camel rides. At night, extra precautions are recommended for women travelling alone.
• Culture: Moroccan culture is somewhat different from what you may be used to, but it is very beautiful if you maintain a respectful attitude. Remember never to enter sacred places, which are usually reserved for locals or certain religions.
• Clothing: there is no strict dress code and you can, of course, wear your swimsuit on the beach. However, in some areas, you should wear more modest clothing, especially in villages.