Agadir and its surroundings
Agadir is a modern city, rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, with a long sandy beach, a busy port and a proper Moroccan souk. Most surfers pass straight through on the way from the airport, but the city and the country around it are worth at least a day or two. Our riad in Tamraght is about half an hour north, so we are well placed for all of it: the city to the south, the surf villages to the north and the Atlas foothills inland.
Here are the things we suggest to our guests, with our prices where we organise them. If this is your first time in the country, our first-timer tips for Morocco are a good read before you go.
10 things to do near Agadir
1. Get lost in Souk El Had
Souk El Had is one of the biggest souks in Morocco, a walled market with thousands of stalls selling spices, olives, argan oil, leather, pottery, fabrics and fresh produce. It is where people from Agadir actually shop, which makes it less touristy than many medinas. A visit is included in all three of our packages. Take cash and your bargaining smile.
2. Climb to the Agadir Oufella kasbah
On the hill above the port stand the ruins of the Agadir Oufella kasbah, the old fortified town largely destroyed in the earthquake. What remains is the ramparts and the view: the whole bay, the port, the marina and the long curve of the beach. Late afternoon is the best time, when the light softens.
3. Stroll the promenade and the marina
The beach promenade runs for kilometres along the sand, lined with palms. It is where families walk in the evening and joggers run at dawn. At one end, the marina is a calm spot for a coffee and a look at the boats.
4. Visit the Medina
Agadir's rebuilt medina is a recreation of a traditional walled town, with craft workshops, courtyards and Amazigh-style architecture. On our 7-Day Morocco Discovery trip, the Agadir day combines Oufella, the Medina and the souk, so you see the city in one go.
5. Swim in the rock pools of Paradise Valley
Inland from Aourir, Paradise Valley is a palm-filled gorge in the Atlas foothills with natural rock pools you can swim in. It is best in the morning, busier at weekends, and the water level changes with the season. Our Paradise Valley half-day trip costs €30 and is included in the 5-Day and 7-Day surf trips. Read the full Paradise Valley guide before you go.
6. Ride a camel in the Aghroud dunes
North of Taghazout, the Aghroud dunes roll down to the ocean. A camel ride at sunset costs €30, and on the Morocco Discovery trip it ends with mint tea by a bonfire. Details on our Aghroud dunes page.
7. Go quad biking
Two hours on a quad (€45) takes you across the dunes and dry hills around the coast, often ending on the beach as the sun goes down. It is a lot of fun in a group and needs no experience.
8. Sandboard at Timlalin
The Timlalin dunes sit on the coast north of Taghazout, on the road to Imsouane. We go sandboarding there on the way back from our Imsouane day trip (€40), which is part of the 7-Day Surf & Explore trip.
9. Take a day trip to Essaouira
About three hours north, Essaouira has a UNESCO-listed medina, a blue fishing port and sea ramparts facing the Atlantic. It is windy, relaxed and very photogenic. Our Essaouira day trip costs €55 and is included in the Morocco Discovery trip.
10. Take a day trip to Marrakech
Marrakech is 3.5 to 4 hours inland, so it makes for a long day, but Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the Koutoubia mosque and the gardens are unforgettable. Avoid July and August if you can, when it gets very hot inland. Our Marrakech day trip is included in the Morocco Discovery trip; for a single day, ask us for the price.
Practical tips
- Timing: go to the souk in the morning when it is cooler and quieter, and check the opening days before you plan, as the souk does not open every day of the week.
- Bargaining: it is normal and expected in the souk. Stay friendly, start low and walk away if the price does not feel right.
- Clothes: comfortable shoes for the souk and the kasbah hill. For Marrakech, light clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Heat: inland trips are hot in summer. Carry water and a hat, and plan Paradise Valley for the morning.
- Getting around: petit taxis work within Agadir, grand taxis run between towns. With us, transport is included on every trip.
How we can help
All three of our packages include a visit to Souk El Had. The 5-Day Surf Trip (€455) and 7-Day Surf & Explore (€655) add Paradise Valley, and the Surf & Explore also includes Imsouane and the Timlalin dunes. The 7-Day Morocco Discovery (€870) is our non-surf trip, with Essaouira, Marrakech, Aghroud, an Agadir day and a hammam. Compare them on our packages section, or build a VIP trip with just the days you want. Questions? WhatsApp us at +212 7 24 12 21 20 or email [email protected].
