Things to do in Agadir: the best sights and day trips
Kasbah and cable car, Souk El Had, the beach, the marina, Medina Polizzi, and trips into the surrounding area.
The best-known things to do in Agadir are the Kasbah Agadir Oufella on the hill above the port, the cable car up to the Kasbah, the big Souk El Had market, the beach promenade with the marina, and the Medina Polizzi. In town there are also the Crocoparc crocodile park and the Valley of the Birds; nearby are the surf village of Taghazout, Paradise Valley and the coastal sand dunes.
Agadir was rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, so it is a modern, spread-out city without a historic old town like Marrakech or Essaouira. Many sights are a few kilometres apart: on a first day a city tour with hotel pickup works well, and afterwards you can go back to your favourites at your own pace. Opening hours and entry prices can change, so please check them locally.
Last updated:
What to see in Agadir itself
These places are in Agadir or on its edge and fit well into one or two days.
Kasbah Agadir Oufella
On the hill above the port stand the remains of the Kasbah Agadir Oufella, the old fortified village. It was destroyed in the 1960 earthquake; today its walls recall the history of the city, and on the slope the Arabic inscription "God, Country, King" can be seen from far away.
Most visitors come for the view: from the top you look over the whole bay, the port, the new city and, on a clear day, the Atlas mountains. You get up there on a winding road or by cable car.
The hill is steep and the ground at the top is uneven. Comfortable closed shoes are the best choice.
The cable car to the Kasbah
The modern cable car (téléphérique) runs from its lower station in the city up to the Kasbah hill. The ride itself is part of the experience: the city and the coast below you, the bay ahead.
At the top you have time for the panorama and photos before riding back down. The cable car combines well with a city tour or a visit to the Crocoparc.
Souk El Had
The Souk El Had is one of the largest traditional markets in Morocco: a walled site with more than 6,000 stalls and twelve gates. Locals buy fruit, vegetables and household goods here, and visitors find spices, argan oil, leather, ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
Haggling is part of it: start well below the first price and stay friendly. Ask before you photograph traders. With a guide it is easier to find your way through the alleys and to learn more about the history of the market.
The Souk El Had is usually closed on Mondays.
The beach and the promenade
Agadir is best known for its long, golden sandy beach. Alongside it runs a flat promenade of several kilometres with cafés and restaurants, ideal for a walk in the morning or at sunset.
The promenade is one of the places that are easy to explore with reduced mobility. If you want to be active, take a beginner surf lesson on Agadir beach.
Agadir Marina
At the northern end of the promenade, close to the port, is the marina: a modern waterfront with yachts, cafés, restaurants and shops. It is a pleasant starting point for a walk along the bay.
Many city tours drive along the beach and the marina or stop here.
Medina Polizzi (Medina d’Agadir)
The Medina Polizzi in the Ben Sergao district is not a historic old town but a modern re-creation of a traditional Moroccan medina. It is named after its Italian architect, Coco Polizzi, and was built by craftsmen using regional techniques.
Behind its gates and walls are alleys, gardens and workshops where you can watch artisans working with wood, metal and ceramics. Look out for the carved woodwork and the coloured zellige tiles.
Tours to this place
Crocoparc
The Crocoparc on the edge of Agadir is a crocodile park with more than 300 Nile crocodiles, other reptiles and landscaped botanical gardens. Information points explain how the animals live.
The park is especially popular with families with children and makes a relaxed half day.
Valley of the Birds (Vallée des Oiseaux)
The Valley of the Birds is a small park with aviaries right in the centre, near the beach promenade. It is a pleasant short stop for a shady walk between the city centre and the beach.
Close by is the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh, a small museum of Amazigh cultural heritage. Both are easiest to visit on your own.
Day trips around Agadir
If you have more than one day, these places around Agadir are worth the trip. Our tours to them include hotel pickup.
Taghazout
The surf village of Taghazout lies on the coast about 15 to 20 kilometres north of Agadir. It is known for its surf spots, its relaxed atmosphere and its beach, where you can for example take a camel ride at sunset.
Boat trips into the bay, with time for swimming and fishing, also leave from Taghazout.
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is a palm-lined gorge in the foothills of the Atlas, with turquoise natural pools and small waterfalls. The drive takes you inland on mountain roads, then you walk through the gorge to the pools.
A trip usually takes half a day and works well in the morning. Bring swimwear and shoes you can walk in comfortably.
The drive from Agadir takes about an hour, then it is around 20 minutes on foot over rocky paths to the pools. How much water there is depends on the season and the rain; the pools are usually fullest in spring.
Paradise Valley: where it is, the best time to go and swimming tips
Swimming is optional and the pools are not supervised. Some pools are deep: never jump from the rocks without knowing how deep the water is.
The sand dunes near Agadir
On the coast north of Agadir are the Tamri sand dunes, with the Atlantic in the background. It is not the Sahara, but it is a real dune experience: for sandboarding, photos or simply the view.
The drive there follows the coast, past surf spots.
How to plan your visit
A few tips make your day in Agadir more relaxed:
- Half a day: the Kasbah, Souk El Had and the beach promenade combine well, and that is exactly what a city tour covers.
- Monday: the Souk El Had is usually closed on Mondays.
- Distances: the Kasbah, the centre and the souk are each a few kilometres apart. Take a metered petit taxi or a tour with pickup.
- Sun: even in winter the sun is strong, so pack a hat, sunscreen and water.
- Clothing: in the souk and the medina covered shoulders and knees are appreciated; on the beach swimwear is no problem.
In Agadir on a cruise?
Our shore excursions are planned around your ship’s schedule, and your driver waits at the cruise terminal. The port guide covers distances, taxis and tips for your day ashore.