Things to do in Agadir 9 best sights & experiences

Why go

The crown jewel of Agadir and the finest urban beach in Morocco. Ten kilometres of golden sand stretch in a gentle arc, lapped by calm Atlantic waves that are warmer and more sheltered than most of Morocco's coast. The beach is wide, clean, and backed by the palm-lined corniche promenade. Lifeguards patrol in summer, and the gentle gradient makes it ideal for families. This is the reason Agadir exists as a resort city.

Opening hours

Open at all times

Good to know

Entry: Free (sun lounger rental ~30-50 MAD)

Insider tip

The southern end near the marina is the most upscale section. The northern stretch toward Taghazout is quieter. Mornings are calm; afternoon wind picks up, making it ideal for windsurfers.

Why go

The largest souk in Morocco by area, Souk El Had is a vast walled marketplace where over 6,000 vendors sell everything from live chickens to argon oil to traditional Berber jewellery. Divided into eight sections by product type, it serves as the daily market for the entire Agadir metropolitan area. Unlike Marrakech's tourist-oriented souks, prices here are genuinely local, and bargaining is relaxed rather than theatrical.

Opening hours

6 AM - 6 PM daily (closed Mondays)

Good to know

Entry: Free entry

Insider tip

Go in the morning when the produce is freshest. The argan oil section offers the best prices outside the cooperatives. Bring a bag and cash in small denominations.

Why go

The ruins of the 16th-century kasbah sit atop a 236-metre hill overlooking the entire bay of Agadir. Destroyed in the catastrophic earthquake of 29 February 1960, which levelled the city and killed over 15,000 people in 15 seconds, the site is now a memorial and viewpoint. The Arabic inscription "God, King, Country" carved into the hillside is illuminated at night and visible from across the city.

Opening hours

Open at all times (best at sunset)

Good to know

Entry: Free

Insider tip

Drive or take a taxi to the summit; the road is paved. Sunset is the most spectacular time, with panoramic views stretching from the port to the beach to the Atlas foothills.

Why go

Designed and built by Italian-Moroccan architect Coco Polizzi in 1992 from salvaged materials, this reconstructed medina recreates the traditional Berber and Saharan architectural forms that the 1960 earthquake destroyed. Five hectares of rammed earth walls, carved cedarwood, zellige fountains, and artisan workshops offer a concentrated experience of southern Moroccan design and craftsmanship.

Opening hours

9 AM - 6 PM daily

Good to know

Entry: ~40 MAD

Insider tip

Allow 1-2 hours. The craftsmanship of the building itself is the main attraction. The metalwork and woodcarving demonstrations are genuine. The on-site cafe serves good mint tea.

Why go

The modern marina is Agadir's most elegant quarter, a horseshoe of pastel-toned buildings around a yacht harbour offering restaurants, ice cream parlours, boutiques, and boat trip operators. Built in 2007, it provides a polished contrast to the raw energy of the fishing port next door. In the evening, the marina comes alive with diners, strollers, and the gentle clink of yacht rigging.

Opening hours

Open at all times (restaurants: 12 PM - midnight)

Good to know

Entry: Free entry (dining and activities priced individually)

Insider tip

The marina is most atmospheric in the evening. Book a sunset boat trip for views of the bay and Oufella Hill from the water. The restaurants are pricier than elsewhere but the setting justifies it.

Why go

Nineteen kilometres north of Agadir, the fishing village of Taghazout is Morocco's surf capital. A chain of world-class point breaks — Anchor Point, Killer Point, Hash Point, Panoramas — draw international surfers from October to April, when the Atlantic swells are at their peak. Even non-surfers will enjoy the bohemian village atmosphere, the seafood cafes, and the rugged coastal scenery.

Opening hours

Open at all times (best surf: October - April)

Good to know

Entry: Free (surf lesson ~400-600 MAD for 2 hours)

Insider tip

Anchor Point is for experienced surfers only. Beginners should start at the beach breaks in the village. The Tamarindo surf school and Blue Waves are well-regarded for lessons.

Why go

An unexpected attraction 14 kilometres from the city centre, Crocoparc is home to over 300 Nile crocodiles in a beautifully designed botanical garden of cacti, palms, and medicinal plants. It is Morocco's first and only crocodile park, created by French herpetologists, and makes an excellent family excursion. The botanical garden is impressive in its own right.

Opening hours

10 AM - 6 PM daily

Good to know

Entry: ~70 MAD (adults), ~45 MAD (children)

Insider tip

The feeding demonstrations (usually 3 PM) are the highlight. The botanical garden is worth exploring independently. Combine with a visit to Paradise Valley on the same day.

Why go

Thirty kilometres northeast of Agadir, hidden in the foothills of the western High Atlas, Paradise Valley is a chain of natural rock pools, waterfalls, and palm-fringed gorges fed by clear mountain streams. The turquoise pools are surrounded by red rock and palm trees, creating a landscape that lives up to its name. It is the perfect antidote to a beach-heavy itinerary.

Opening hours

Open at all times (best: morning)

Good to know

Entry: Free (parking ~20 MAD)

Insider tip

Wear sturdy footwear for the rocky descent to the pools. Visit before noon to avoid crowds. The upper pools are more secluded. Bring a picnic; there are no facilities.

Why go

Agadir is Morocco's premier golf destination, with three championship courses within easy reach: Golf du Soleil (36 holes, designed by Cabell Robinson), Golf Les Dunes (27 holes, seaside links-style), and Royal Golf d'Agadir (9 holes, the oldest course in the Souss). The climate allows year-round play, green fees are a fraction of European equivalents, and several courses offer stunning ocean and Atlas Mountain views.

Opening hours

Dawn to dusk (book in advance)

Good to know

Entry: Green fees from ~400-800 MAD (18 holes)

Insider tip

Book tee times in advance during winter high season (November-March). Golf du Soleil offers the best value. The courses are all within 20 minutes of the city centre by taxi.