Top 10 Things to Do in Agadir: Beaches, Food, Markets & More
Top 10 Things to Do in Agadir: Beaches, Food, Markets & More
Agadir is a vibrant city on Morocco's southern Atlantic coast. It blends modern comforts with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and year-round sunshine, Agadir is also considered one of the safest cities in the country, making it a perfect destination for solo travellers, families, and couples alike. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the beach, adventure in the nearby mountains, or a taste of authentic Moroccan culture, Agadir has something to offer everyone.
Are you planning your trip and wondering what to see and do in Agadir? This guide will walk you through the top things to experience, from iconic landmarks to local hidden gems, ensuring your stay in this sunny coastal haven is unforgettable.
If you're planning a trip to Agadir and require a visa, Atlys can simplify the process. From guiding you through the application steps to ensuring all your documents are in order, Atlys helps make your Moroccan visa journey faster, easier, and stress-free.
What are the best activities to enjoy in Agadir, Morocco?
Here are my top 10 activities to try when visiting Agadir for vacation:
Hit the Waves at Agadir Beach
Shopping in Souk El Had
Take a Scenic Cable Car Ride to Agadir’s Kasbah
Go Quad Biking Through Dunes and Villages
Go Birdwatching in Souss-Massa National Park
Paradise Valley Exploration
Float Above the Atlas Foothills in a Balloon
Relax in a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
Explore Local Flavours on a Food Journey in Agadir
Visit The Polizzi Medina
Hit the Waves at Agadir Beach
Agadir’s main beach stretches several kilometres and offers various activities and relaxation. It's a suitable spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports such as surfing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding, making it one of the best things to do in Agadir, Morocco. For those who enjoy beach games, there are areas where visitors often play beach volleyball. The beach is generally well-frequented and has a friendly atmosphere. Some coastal hotels provide private sections with sunbeds, which can be convenient for those looking to spend a quieter time by the sea.
Address: Agadir Beach, Boulevard Mohammed V, Agadir 80000, Morocco
Activities to enjoy: Swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing, paddleboarding, Jet-skiing, Beach volleyball, Camel or horseback rides (offered by local vendors)
Timings:
Public Beach Access: Open 24 hours
Water Sport Rentals: Typically available from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearby Restaurants & Cafés: Usually open from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Average budget:
Surfboard/Paddleboard Rental: 100-200 MAD per hour
Jet-Ski Rental: 250-400 MAD per 15-30 minutes
Sunbed/Parasol Rental (if not staying at a beachfront hotel): 50-150 MAD per day
Snacks/Drinks: 10-50 MAD from local vendors
Beach cafés or casual meals: 50-150 MAD per person
Places to eat nearby:
Le Nil Bleu- Local seafood, relaxed beachfront vibe
Pure Passion Restaurant- Marina-side, known for seafood and steak
La Veranda- Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes near the beach
Snack McPeanuts- Budget-friendly with fast Moroccan snacks
Jour et Nuit- Cafe-restaurant with a broad menu and sea view
Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are cooler and less crowded.
Shopping in Souk El Had
Souk El Had is Agadir’s largest traditional market and one of the most visited places in the city. It’s a spacious, walled market with hundreds of stalls selling a wide range of goods from fresh produce and spices to clothing, ceramics, and handmade crafts. Visiting the souk offers a chance to experience local daily life, explore Moroccan products, and practice bargaining in a lively setting. It’s suitable for both casual browsing and serious shopping.
Address: Souk El Had, Rue 2 Mars, Agadir 80090, Morocco
Timings: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Daily
Activities to enjoy: Browse local spices, herbs, dried fruits, clothing, textiles, leather goods, homeware, pottery, and handcrafted souvenirs
Average budget:
Spices/Herbs: 10-50 MAD per packet, depending on type
Handicrafts & Souvenirs: 50-300 MAD
Clothing (kaftans, scarves, etc.): 100-400 MAD
Rugs/Carpets: 500- 2000+ MAD (depends on size and quality)
Street Food or Juice Stalls: 10-40 MAD per item
Tip: Bargaining is expected, start lower than the asking price and negotiate politely
Take a Scenic Cable Car Ride to Agadir’s Kasbah
The cable car ride to Agadir’s Oufella (Kasbah) offers a scenic way to reach one of the city's historic landmarks. The ride provides wide views of the coastline, city, and harbour. At the top, visitors can explore the ruins of the old Kasbah and enjoy panoramic views, especially around sunset. It’s a calm and accessible outing suitable for most visitors.
Address: Station Téléphérique, Agadir Oufella, Agadir 80000, Morocco
Timings: 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM (subject to seasonal change)
Activities to enjoy: Cable car ride, exploring Kasbah ruins, city and coastal views, photography
Average budget: Cable car ticket: 80–100 MAD (round trip per person)
Places to eat nearby: Kasbah Café, Small tea stalls
Tip: Visit near sunset for great views. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins.
Go Quad Biking Through Dunes and Villages
Just outside Agadir, the surrounding desert landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor activities like quad biking and ATV rides. These experiences usually include guided routes through rural areas, dunes, and small Berber villages. Some tours also offer evening packages, including dinner in a desert camp with local food and entertainment.
Address: Tours depart from Agadir (pickup arranged with local operators)
Timings: Common tour times: 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM (varies by provider)
Activities to enjoy: Quad biking, ATV rides, Berber village visits, dune riding, and desert dinner
Average budget: Quad/ATV rental: 300–600 MAD per person, Dinner tour: 400–800 MAD per person
Places to eat nearby: Dinner is usually included in evening packages
Tip: Wear closed shoes, sunglasses, and sun protection. Confirm if the hotel transfer is included.
Go Birdwatching in Souss-Massa National Park
Souss-Massa National Park is located south of Agadir and is known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can take guided safaris or walking tours to spot native species such as the endangered bald ibis, antelopes, and foxes. The park also features coastal wetlands, dunes, and cliffs.
Address: Main entrance near Sidi Rbat, approx. 60 km south of Agadir
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (may vary with guided tours)
Activities to enjoy: Birdwatching, wildlife observation, walking trails, nature tours
Average budget: Entry and guide: 200–400 MAD per person
Places to eat nearby: Some tours include a lunch stop; otherwise, bring your packed snacks.
Tip: Bring water, binoculars, and sun protection. Ideal for those interested in nature and conservation.
Paradise Valley Exploration
Paradise Valley is a scenic oasis with palm trees, mountain cliffs, and clear natural pools. Located about an hour from Agadir, it’s a peaceful place for swimming, short hikes, and relaxing in nature. The area is also popular for picnics and local excursions.
Address: Approx. 1 hour northeast of Agadir, near Imouzzer
Timings: Accessible during daylight hours
Activities to enjoy: Swimming, hiking, relaxing in natural pools, picnicking
Average budget: Transport or tour: 150-400 MAD, Snacks and drinks: 30–100 MAD
Places to eat nearby: Small cafés serving tajines and grilled food along the trail
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. Water levels can be low in dry months; check before you go.
Float Above the Atlas Foothills in a Balloon
Hot air balloon rides take off just outside Agadir, usually at sunrise. These flights offer peaceful views of the region’s varied landscape, including the mountains, desert, and ocean. Most tours include hotel pickup and a light Berber breakfast after landing.
Address: Launch sites outside Agadir (pickup arranged with tour providers)
Timings: Typically between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM (weather-dependent)
Activities to enjoy: Sunrise views, scenic aerial experience, photography, and breakfast
Average budget: 1200-2000 MAD per person (includes breakfast and transfers)
Places to eat nearby: Breakfast is usually part of the balloon tour.
Tip: Dress warmly for early morning flights. Confirm your tour 24 hours ahead for weather updates.
Relax in a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
A traditional Moroccan bathhouse hammam includes a steam room, exfoliation with black soap, and an optional massage. You can choose between public hammams for an authentic local experience or private spas for added comfort and privacy.
Address: Various hammams across Agadir (check specific locations)
Timings: Generally open from 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Activities to enjoy: Steam bath, body scrub, massage, relaxation
Average budget: Public hammam: 30–60 MAD, Private spa-style hammam: 150–400 MAD
Tip: Bring your towel and essentials, or rent them on-site. Some hammams have gender-specific hours.
Explore Local Flavours on a Food Journey in Agadir
Agadir offers a range of food experiences, from street snacks to seafood dinners. Local dishes like tagines, couscous, and grilled fish are common in markets and restaurants. There are also many cafés, international spots, and marina-side dining options.
Address: Throughout the city, the marina, the beach promenade, the souks, and the city centre
Timings: Most restaurants operate between 12:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Activities to enjoy: Dining, sampling street food, trying Moroccan dishes, drinking mint tea, and eating pastries
Places to eat nearby: Pure Passion (Fine dining with seafood), Bab Agadir(Traditional Moroccan meals), Jour et Nuit, Souk stalls
Average budget:
Street food: 20-50 MAD
Mid-range restaurant: 60-150 MAD
Upscale: 200+ MAD
Tip: Always try the mint tea. I prefer bottled water. Local pastries like chebakia and semen are worth a try.
Visit The Polizzi Medina
The Polizzi Medina is a cultural and architectural project located just outside Agadir. Designed by Italian architect Tarak Ben Ammar and built under the direction of hotelier Gianni Polizzi, this medina is a modern interpretation of a traditional Moroccan town. It features winding alleys, artisan workshops, galleries, and performance spaces, all set within beautifully designed clay and stone buildings. It’s a quiet, immersive place to explore Moroccan craftsmanship and architecture in a calm, curated environment.
Address: Route de l’Oued Souss, near Inezgane, Agadir, Morocco
Timings: Typically open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (check locally, as hours may vary seasonally or for private events)
Average budget: Entry fee: 30–50 MAD per person (may vary for special events or tours)
Places to eat nearby: There may be a café or refreshment stand on-site (varies by season), or you can dine in Agadir city centre, about a 15-minute drive away
Activities to enjoy:
Walking through reconstructed medina streets
Viewing traditional Moroccan architecture and design
Exploring artisan workshops and galleries
Attending cultural events or exhibitions (occasionally hosted on-site)
Tip: Combine it with a visit to the nearby Souss River or birdwatching spots.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Agadir
Language: Arabic is the official language, and Tamazight (Berber) is widely spoken locally. French is used frequently in shops, restaurants, and public services. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, knowing a few basic French phrases or greetings in Arabic is helpful.
Currency and Payments: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. Cash is essential for markets, small cafés, and taxis. While many larger restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, carrying small bills and coins for daily use, tips, or small purchases is a good idea.
Weather: Agadir enjoys a mild climate year-round, with hot summers and mild winters. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended regardless of the season. In cooler months (especially December to February), a light jacket or sweater for evenings will be handy.
Dress Code: Although Agadir is more liberal than other Moroccan cities due to its tourism focus, modest dress is still respectful, especially when visiting markets or rural areas. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach or resort pools but should be covered when walking through town.
Health and Safety: Agadir is considered one of the safest cities in Morocco. Use the same precautions you would anywhere, watch your belongings in crowded areas, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks unless you know the water source.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary and expected. In restaurants, leave around 5–10% of the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is standard.
Bargaining: Haggling is part of the market culture, especially with independent vendors. Don’t hesitate to negotiate, but do so politely. It’s a casual and friendly process. Start low, smile, and be willing to walk away if the price doesn’t feel right.
Public Etiquette: Public displays of affection are generally discouraged, especially in conservative areas. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Fridays are Morocco's holy day so that some businesses may open later or close early.
Agadir is Waiting, Are You Ready?
From scenic cable car rides and wildlife safaris to immersive cultural experiences like hammams and medina visits, your itinerary can be as laid-back or active as you like. And with its warm hospitality, safe atmosphere, and sunny weather nearly all year long, Agadir is a destination you’ll want to return to.
With this guide, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your time in Agadir, whether it's your first or fifth visit. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore one of Morocco’s most vibrant coastal gems.
Is Agadir safe for tourists?
Yes, Agadir is considered one of the safest cities in Morocco. It has a relaxed, tourist-friendly atmosphere with low crime rates. Just use common travel precautions, especially in crowded areas like markets.
What is the best time to visit Agadir?
Agadir has a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit is between March and May or September and November when temperatures are warm but not too hot, and crowds are smaller.
Do I need a visa to visit Agadir, Morocco?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travellers from Europe and North America can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. If you need a visa, Atlys can help guide you through the application process.
What currency is used in Agadir?
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, it’s a good idea to carry cash for small shops, taxis, and street vendors.