Morocco has several cruise ports, and each gives a very different first impression of the country. Agadir, Casablanca and Tangier are among the best known. If your itinerary includes one of them, or if you are choosing between cruises, it helps to know what each port is like.
This is an informational overview written by our local team in Agadir. We describe Casablanca and Tangier in general terms only; for those ports, check your cruise line's information and local sources. Our own shore excursions are planned for calls at the Port of Agadir.
Agadir: beach, Kasbah views and the Souss countryside
Agadir is one of the sunniest ports on Morocco's Atlantic coast and a regular stop on Canary Islands and Atlantic itineraries. The city was largely rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, so it feels modern and open, with a long sandy bay at its heart.
- Close to the ship: the Kasbah viewpoint on the hill above the port, the marina and the beach promenade.
- Markets and culture: Souk El Had, one of the largest markets in the region, and the Medina Polizzi, a modern recreation of a traditional medina.
- Countryside within reach: argan forest and the famous tree-climbing goats, dunes south of the city, Paradise Valley in the Atlas foothills and the surf village of Taghazout.
- Good for: relaxed sightseeing, nature, families, food and a first taste of Morocco without a dense old medina.
Popular choices include the half-day Agadir city tour, the Souk El Had guided tour and, on longer calls, Paradise Valley with lunch and transfers.
Casablanca: Morocco's largest city
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and its economic capital, and its port is one of the country's main commercial ports.
- The Hassan II Mosque: the city's landmark, built on the waterfront, is the sight most visitors want to see.
- A modern city: wide boulevards, 20th-century architecture and a busy, big-city atmosphere.
- Further afield: cruise lines often offer excursions from Casablanca to other cities, which usually means long days on the road.
- Good for: travellers interested in architecture, urban Morocco and a major religious monument.
Tangier: the gateway between Africa and Europe
Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, with Spain visible across the water on clear days. Its history as an international crossroads has given it a distinctive character.
- The old town: the medina and the Kasbah rise on the hill above the city port.
- Coastal sights: Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules lie to the west of the city.
- Good for: travellers who enjoy history, medina lanes and the meeting of two seas.
How they compare on a port day
- Atmosphere: Agadir is a relaxed seaside city; Casablanca is a big, busy metropolis; Tangier is a historic port city with a traditional medina.
- Old town: Tangier has a historic medina; Casablanca has an old medina near the port; Agadir's old town on the Kasbah hill was largely destroyed in 1960, and the city today is modern.
- Nature: Agadir stands out, with beaches, argan forest, dunes and the Atlas foothills all within reach of a port day.
- Weather: Agadir is known for its sunny, mild climate; see the month-by-month table in our Agadir cruise port guide and, for winter calls, Agadir in winter on a cruise.
There is no single "best" Moroccan cruise port: it depends on what you want from the day. Many travellers enjoy Agadir as a first taste of Morocco because it combines easy sightseeing with real countryside.
Making the most of a call in Agadir
- Check your hours ashore and your all-aboard time. Being back on board on time is the passenger's responsibility.
- Choose one main experience: the city and the souk, the argan countryside, or nature further out on a long call.
- Book with your ship and date. Our tours are planned around your ship's published schedule, and your driver waits at the Port of Agadir cruise terminal holding a sign with your name.
- Pay online in advance by card or PayPal, so there is nothing to sort out on the day.
Not sure whether to book through the ship or independently? See Agadir shore excursions vs ship tours, and for sample plans, Agadir in one day from a cruise ship.
Calling at Agadir? Browse all Agadir shore excursions, start with the half-day city tour, or send us your ship name and date and we will suggest what fits your call.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best cruise port in Morocco?
It depends on your interests. Tangier suits history and medina lovers, Casablanca suits architecture and city life, and Agadir suits relaxed sightseeing, beaches and countryside such as the argan forest.
Do you offer shore excursions in Casablanca or Tangier?
Our shore excursions for cruise passengers are planned for calls at the Port of Agadir. For other ports, check your cruise line's options and local information.
Is Agadir a good first port of call in Morocco?
Many travellers find it an easy introduction: the city is open and modern, the Kasbah viewpoint and seafront are close to the port, and the countryside starts just outside town.
Can I visit Marrakech from the Agadir cruise port?
Marrakech is a long day trip from Agadir and only realistic on very long calls. For most port days, we suggest experiences closer to the port; contact us with your hours ashore.
