THINGS TO DO IN agadır: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Located in the southwest area of Morocco between the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Atlas Mountains, Agadir is one of the best beach resort destinations in the country.

This sun-soaked paradise has a tragic origin. Agadir was destroyed in an earthquake in 1960. However, a new modern metropolis with tree-lined avenues, open squares, and a shiny new marina was built around the sandy bay.

Today, you can explore the maze-like souks, walk along the seaside promenade, ride a camel on the beach, see the city’s landscape from above in a hot-air balloon, and much more.

To help you plan your vacation, we’ve put together this 1-day itinerary that includes a list of the best things to see in Agadir, as well as tips on where to stay and where to eat.

Day 1

Morning: Souk El Had

Your walking tour in Agadir begins at Souk El Had. With about 6,000 stalls and 12 different gates, it is one of the largest markets in all of Morocco. Whether you are looking for argan oil, jewellery, and handmade carpets or wish to purchase hand-woven baskets, footwear, and pottery, Souk El Had truly has it all. Despite its size, the market is actually well-organized and quite easy to navigate. For veggies, spices, and fresh fruits, go to gate 5. You will find books and traditional Moroccan furniture at gate 11. Accessories, bags, and leather items can be found at gate 6.

Mohamed V Mosque

Make your way to the New Talborjt neighbourhood where you will find one of the city’s most impressive landmarks, the iconic Mohamed V Mosque. Remarkably tall, it is the largest mosque in Agadir. Like most mosques in Morocco, non-Muslim visitors are not allowed inside. However, you can admire the beauty of its gorgeous window-covered minaret, horse-shoe-shaped doors, and other intricate decorations on its facades from the outside. Mohamed V Mosque was built in 1960 and named after Mohammed the 5th.

Jardin Olhao Agadir

Take a break from sightseeing and relax in Jardin Olhao Agadir, a picturesque garden with plenty of shaded places to sit and enjoy nature. Created in 1992, this beautiful garden boasts a small building where you will find a few Berber artefacts. Visitors will also have a chance to see a variety of flowers and plants, as well as cool rock sculptures.

Agadir Musée d'Art

Your next stop is the Agadir Musée d'Art. Art lovers can look forward to an impressive collection of modern art by Moroccan artists. In addition to artwork, the museum has amazing jewellery, carpets, and pottery on display. Keep in mind that all descriptions of items are in Arabic and French. However, you can ask one of the guides for a tour of the museum in English for an extra fee.

Day 1, morning - agadir Tour Map

Afternoon: Agadir Beach

Your afternoon walk starts at Plage d'Agadir (Agadir Beach). Stretching across 10 kilometres, it is one of the most popular beaches in the region attracting both locals and European package tourists in the summer season. The long strip is lined with many beachfront resorts, cafes, and restaurants where you can feast on fresh seafood and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach and enjoy water activities like paddleboarding, surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Agadir Marina

Go for a relaxing walk along the seafront promenade to reach the Marina d’Agadir, a beautiful area lined with ice cream shops, upscale boutiques, nightlife venues, and diverse restaurants. This palm-lined bay is home to modern marina facilities for more than 300 boats. Agadir Marina is also one of the best spots in the city to enjoy majestic sunset views.

Oliveri Café Marina

End your walking tour of Agadir at the nearby Oliveri Café Marina. Located directly at the harbour, this gorgeous café is an ideal spot to unwind with a drink and enjoy views of the Marina and the Atlantic. Sit on the terrace and try one of their delicious ice creams or go for caramel waffles and brownies.

Day 1, afternoon - agadir Tour Map

Other things to see in Agadir

• Agadir Medina: Wish to know what the old city of Agadir looked like before the earthquake? Pay a visit to Agadir Medina, a detailed replica of the city’s ancient medina with classic Berber architecture. Constructed by Moroccan-Italian architect Coco Polizzi back in 1992, this beautifully reconstructed medina is a heavenly work of art. Get lost in the atmospheric alleys lined with traditional craft shops selling everything from textiles and leather to perfumes, jewellery, oils, and spices. The entrance to the medina will set you back around 3 euros.

• Agadir cable car: Take the unique cable car from the Tildi Bridge to the ancient Kasbah of Agadir to enjoy majestic views of the stunning coast and the city. This modern cable car with wheelchair-friendly cabins covers a distance of 1,700 meters and reaches an altitude of 236 meters. You share the cable car with other people at a regular price or pay a bit extra for a private ride.

• Agadir Oufella: Once you reach the amazing Agadir Oufella ruins, feel free to explore the remains of an ancient fortress and enjoy views of the marina and the city of Agadir. Sitting on a hilltop, the Kasbah was built in the 16th century to protect the city from the Portuguese invaders. Unfortunately, the fort has been destroyed by the earthquake. Today, crumbling walls are the only thing that remains of this ancient fortress. The sunset views from Agadir Oufella are simply breathtaking.

• Kasbat Souss: If you are searching for an alternative to Souk El Had, visit this great little souk that is usually not that crowded. The Kasbat Souss is home to local artisans selling amazing crafts ranging from pottery and jewellery to furniture, rugs, shoes, and other items. In case you get thirsty, there is a cute coffee/tea shop right in the middle of the market.

• Argan Palace, Massage Agadir: Discover the relaxing benefits of treatments and massages at the Argan Palace. A traditional Eastern spa with a hammam, Argan Palace is a perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing in the city. In addition to a hammam, this place offers body scrubs, massages, facials, and other wellbeing treatments.

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: In recent years, hot-air ballooning has become quite popular in the city of Agadir. You will find dozens of companies in Agadir that offer this thrilling outdoor activity. Ballooners are usually picked up right before sunset and taken with a 4X4 to the desert where they hop aboard the balloon. Once you are high up in the air, you can enjoy bird’s-eye vistas over the valley and the desert.

Day Trips from Agadir

• Paradise Valley: Located about 60 kilometres north of the city, this lush and scenic valley is one of the most popular day trips from Agadir. You can either drive to the valley or join one of the many guided tours. Nestled along the Tamraght River, this enchanting destination known as the Paradise Valley is a picturesque oasis of natural pools suitable for swimming. You will come across a few beautiful waterfalls while visiting the valley. It is also a great place for hiking with a few well-maintained trails that allow you to explore nearby Berber villages where you can purchase souvenirs, argan oil, and honey.

• Souss Massa National Park: One of the country’s most notable parks and bird reserves, Souss Massa National Park is known for its natural beauty. Explore the park’s dunes, forests, and wetlands and see a wide range of animals like red foxes, lizards, and wild cats. There are a variety of exotic birds in the reserve including cormorants, flamingos, Audouin's gull, thick-billed lark, and many other species. The best place to spot these birds is at the mouth of the Souss River. It takes about 40 minutes by car to get from Agadir to Souss Massa National Park.

• Taghazout: Just 18 kilometres from Agadir, Taghazout makes for a quick day trip from the city. This old fishing village is one of the best surfing destinations in Morocco. Visitors will find a few surf schools here that offer lessons for both beginners and experienced surfers. Apart from surfing, you can try other water activities like kayaking and bodyboarding. End your day in Taghazout with a camel ride along the sandy shores. The nearby ruins of Buyirdn are also worth checking out.

• Amesnaz: Located about 30 km north of Agadir, this small town is known for its beautiful beaches with gorgeous mountains in the back. Protected by Cape Ghir, the beaches here offer ideal conditions for swimming. You can also try surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing in Amesznas.

• Taroudant: For a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life pay a visit to the city of Taroudant. Often described as the mini version of Marrakesh, Taroundant is known for its ancient walls, souks, and crafts. Visit a leather tannery, enjoy a cup of mint tea, and explore the local souks where you will find spices, jewellery, clothing, rugs, and souvenirs. Taroudant can be reached in 1 hour and 20 minutes from Agadir.

• Imsouane: This picturesque village is located about 70 km from Agadir. Welcome to Imsouane, a popular surfing destination on Morocco's Atlantic coast. There are two main beaches in the city: the northern one, known as Imsouane, and Beach 2, which is a bit wilder. Wish to see surfers in action? Cathedral Point and the Bay are the two main surfing spots. Imsouane has a cool red lighthouse, as well as dozens of awesome seafood restaurants.

Best golf courses in Agadir

• Golf Du Soleil: Agadir is a popular golf holiday destination and Golf Du Soleil with its well-maintained fairways and greens is one of the best courses in the area. There are actually 2 golf courses here which are combined with majestic fountains, lakes, and eucalyptus trees. Designed by Fernando Muella and Gerard Courbin, Golf Du Soleil has a golf club, an on-site restaurant, and a Pro Shop where will find a large selection of essential accessories for playing golf.

• Ocean Golf: This fabulous 27-hole golf course is located in the Bensergao forest, just 16 minutes from the centre of Agadir. Spread across over 90 hectares of land, Ocean Golf has 3 different types of 9-hole courses including the Garden, the Dune, and the Desert. Admire the beauty of natural sand dunes and cypress, mimosa, eucalyptus, and palm trees while golfing. The golf course features a pro shop and a restaurant and bar with a beautiful terrace.

Things to do with kids in Agadir

• Crocoparc: Visitors traveling with kids will find this spectacular zoological centre just east of Agadir. Crocopark is a place where you can see the rare Nile crocodile, as well as iguanas, pythons, and tortoises. In addition to endangered animal species, the park is home to a gorgeous botanical garden filled with over 300 plant species.

• Train Touristique: Wish to experience the city of Agadir from a unique perspective? Hop on Le Petit Train d’Agadir (Train Touristique) in front of the Agadir Bird Valley with your kids and see some of the best attractions in the city. The train ride takes about 40 minutes.

• Agadir Bowling: If you want to take your kids go bowling, head out to the Marina of Agadir where you will find the Agadir Bowling Lounge. There are 3 bowling tracks and a bar area where you can purchase drinks. You don’t have to worry about the weather outside, as this is an indoor bowling alley.

• Karting Agadir: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head out to this spectacular karting centre in Agadir. With 3 race tracks ranging from a short 300-meter track for the little ones to the 1.2km track for competitions, Karting Agadir is a great place to spend a few hours with children. In addition to karting, the venue offers other activities for children such as the trampoline, the space shoot, the zipline, the house of horror, and the climbing wall. In case you get hungry or thirsty, there is an on-site snack bar.

• Accrobranche Souss Park: If your kids are into climbing trees, spend a few hours at the Accrobranche Souss Park. This treetop adventure park offers fun courses conducted by licensed instructor. These guides are professional and will equip your kids with a pulley, harness, and a carabiner before providing the necessary safety instructions. Kids can enjoy this thrilling activity and wander from branch to branch via wooden bridges and zip lines. 

• Agadir Dolphin World: Located just a 15-minute drive from the city close to Taghazout Bay, Agadir Dolphin World is the first dolphin park in the country. This popular marine park allows visitors with kids to interact with dolphins in a controlled environment. The park offers kids various activities like educational programs, swimming, and dolphin shows, with presentations twice daily at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• The University Museum of Meteorites: Take your children to this fascinating museum which houses over 150 meteorite pieces from Morocco and other nearby countries. There are two sections in the museum. The first section is where you will find the collection of meteorites and information about pieces such as the famous Martian Tissint meteorite and the Chelyabinsk meteorite. The second section is dedicated to documentaries about astronomy and audio-visual shows.

• Aqua Parc Imi Ouadar (Parc Aquatique): A water park with 7 different types of water slides and a kid’s pool, Aqua Parc Imi Ouadar is an ideal place to spend a day with children. In addition to the slides, this aquapark has acrobatic/gymnastic performances. You will find a few shops on-site selling snacks and drinks.

Where to eat in Agadir

• Le Mauresque: To try traditional Moroccan dishes in Agadir, book a table at Le Mauresque. The menu is extensive with plenty of tagine options, couscous, and seafood. Start with a bowl of Harira soup or order one of the traditional Moroccan salads as a starter dish. Visitors with a sweet tooth should definitely get the dessert pastille.

• La Scala: With a bright dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a lovely outdoor terrace, La Scala is a beautiful restaurant with warm décor. Step inside this popular dining establishment in Agadir to find a tank full of lobsters and a seafood-focused menu. Once you get seated, enjoy the complimentary olives and aubergine dip with bread. You can pick out your fresh lobster from the tank or go for popular dishes such as monkfish with saffron sauce, beef carpaccio, and the 500g steak. They have a liquor license, so feel free to order something from their extensive wine list. On your way out, don’t forget to pet or give a treat to the resident golden retriever.

• Le Jardin d'Eau: This fine dining establishment in the centre of Agadir serves both French and Moroccan cuisine. The camel tagine is mouth-watering, as well as the roasted lamb. Seafood lovers can feast on a variety of fish entrees and delicacies such as lobster and prawns. Pair your meal with a glass of wine and listen to live music performances in the evenings. Reservations at Le Jardin d'Eau are necessary.

• Pure Passion: One of the newest additions to the dining scene in Agadir, Pure Passion is located right in the marina. The restaurant offers everything from fish and meat dishes to soups, pasta, and desserts. The entrees list is extensive and includes options like calamari and goat cheese salad. Try the roast duck with orange and honey or order the scallops and prawns with saffron. Guests can sit on the terrace to enjoy mesmerizing views of the marina and the boats.

• Les Blancs: For Spanish foods and spectacular beach views, book a table at Les Blancs. This culinary oasis in the marina is a popular beach bar and restaurant that offers dishes such as signature seafood paella, garlic mushrooms, pizza, octopus, and burgers. They also have a nice selection of wine, cocktails, and beers. It’s an ideal place to visit in the afternoon and enjoy sunset views.

• Restaurant Rafiq: One of the best restaurants in Agadir for reasonably priced traditional Moroccan cuisine, Restaurant Rafiq has everything needed for an unforgettable dining experience in the city. The menu is extensive with options such as kebabs, tagine, couscous, and salads. Try the goat tagine with rice or order a portion of chicken skewers. If you are craving something sweet, don’t leave before trying their delicious sweet pastilla with almonds and milk.

Where to stay in Agadir

• Riad Villa Blanche - Boutique Hotel & Spa: Located just a short walk from the beach, this boutique hotel boasts a lovely décor with a mix of contemporary and Moroccan styles. Guests can go for a swim in the outdoor/indoor pool, visit the spa to enjoy massages, hammam, and a hot tub, or unwind with a drink in the bar. You can look forward to a memorable dining experience at the Villa Blanche Restaurant which offers a wide range of French and Moroccan dishes.

• Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa: Searching for luxurious 5-star accommodation in Agadir? Book your stay at the majestic Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa, a top-quality beachfront property with state-of-the-art facilities. Go for a dip in one of the two swimming pools, enjoy French, Mediterranean, and Moroccan cuisine in one of the three on-site restaurants, and work out in the fitness centre. Guests can choose from a variety of luxurious rooms, each fitted with spacious bathrooms, air conditioning, and seating areas. This Sofitel property has a tennis court and offers easy access to a magnificent golf course.

• Riad Les Chtis d'Agadir: If you prefer traditional accommodation in Agadir, check out this beautiful Moroccan house called Riad Les Chtis d'Agadir. Run by a French couple, the guesthouse is located in the city centre and just a short drive from the beach. The house looks very harmonious with blue tiles and other traditional Moroccan décor. In the centre of the house, you will find a picturesque patio with a cute fountain in the middle. The property also has a nice breakfast area on the rooftop terrace.

• Kenzi Europa Hotel: With a luxurious spa with a traditional hammam, a private beach, tennis courts, and two high-end dining establishments, this all-inclusive coastal hotel has everything needed for a memorable stay in Agadir. Relax by the outdoor pool which has its own bar, enjoy the steam room, and sip on cocktails at the piano bar in the evenings. Rooms are spacious and a mix of Moroccan décor and modern furnishings. Some rooms/suites come with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Dar Maktoub: Located just a short drive from the centre of Agadir, this riad with its luxurious lush gardens, Moroccan tiles, and a large outdoor swimming pool is a perfect place to stay. The on-site restaurant serves a great choice of French and Moroccan specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay in one of the tastefully decorated rooms or spacious family suites fitted with stylish lamps, minibars, and private lawns with palm trees.

• The View Agadir: This 5-star hotel is one of the most beautiful properties in Agadir. Welcome to the View, a beachfront hotel with an award-winning spa, 6 restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The sun terrace lined with palm trees is an ideal spot to grab a cocktail or two. If you wish to relax, go to the spa for hammam and massage treatments. There is also a fitness centre for guests who wish to stay in shape.

• Tikida Golf Palace: You will find this beautiful 5-star hotel on the outskirts of the city. Falling in love with Tikida Golf Palace is easy. The charming building constructed in riad style looks magnificent, as well as 54 guestrooms with large Moorish windows. Have a memorable meal at the onsite restaurant where Chef Mustapha Elbaz is in charge of preparing regional dishes. There is also a spa centre, a large central pool area, and beautifully maintained gardens where guests can relax. The property’s crowning jewel is the popular Golf du Soleil with its 36 holes.

The best time to visit Agadir

Thanks to its remarkably pleasant climate with approximately 300 days of sunshine, the city of Agadir is a year-round destination. In winter which lasts from December to February, temperatures range between 8°C and 20°C. The summer season is warm, but it doesn’t get too hot because of the cool Atlantic breeze. The best time to go to Agadir depends on what you want from your vacation. If you wish to spend your days on the beach, visit this beautiful Moroccan city in summer. For sightseeing, we recommend autumn or spring, a time of year when rainfall is minimal and sunny days are plentiful.

Agadir Festivals

• Timitar: If you are visiting Agadir in July, don’t miss the annual Timitar, Signs and Culture festival. It is one of the largest music festivals in the country receiving more than a million visitors per year. Expect to hear various music styles ranging from world music to tunes celebrating Amazigh traditions. Featuring over 40 artists, the Timitar festival lasts for 4 days, and the venues are spread over the Municipality of Agadir. During the festival, you will come across local vendors offering everything from traditional clothing, art, and jewellery to carpets and ceramics.