Best Things To Do in Agadir

Agadir is a coastal city in the south of Morocco where traditions, a pleasant climate and something for everyone come together. In every street you can feel the joy that characterises the Moroccans and there are places like El Zoco, ideal for delighting yourself with spices or buying handicrafts.

Don't miss the opportunity to take a camel ride or go sandboarding on the dunes. In its calm waters you have the opportunity to learn to surf and its clear skies are perfect for a hot air balloon flight. Below I'll take you on a virtual tour of Agadir that will surely encourage you to organise your next holiday.

There are so many things to see and so many unforgettable plans in Agadir, but any itinerary should start with the must-sees. Especially if it's your first time in the city or if you want to revisit the main tourist attractions. Here is a little bit about the most important ones.

The Great Mosque

There are places that take your breath away and the Great Mosque of Agadir is one of them. Also known as the Mohamed V Mosque, it is a symbol of the country's independence and the largest mosque in the city. Its tower can be seen from different angles and is quite impressive because of the small windows that surely offer breathtaking views of the city, but which unfortunately you are not allowed to enter.

Consider that in Morocco it is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter the interior of the mosques. I would opt to book a guided tour of Agadir to see them from the outside and understand their history.

El Had Souk

During your tour, a stop at the impressive Souq el Had is a must. It tops the Moroccan markets and you should be prepared to haggle, walk through the crowds and have a keen eye for special souvenirs. I won't deny that some days it can be chaotic, but the truth is that it is very organised, as it is divided into 12 gates.

For example, there are special gates leading to the spice aisles and others leading to the textile area. Overall, it is a sensory experience where bright colours delight the eye, while traditional dishes and aromatic spices sneak in and stimulate the palate. If I were you, I'd buy a typical Berber rug or hand-painted pottery. I'd also fill your suitcase with handmade Moroccan jewellery, which you won't get anywhere else in the world.

La Corniche La Cote

To enjoy the sea breeze you can lose yourself in La Corchine La Cote, where you can stroll or eat in front of the sea. Bring your swimming costume because you'll be right in front of the beach and you might want to go for a dip, or perhaps take part in some of the extreme sports on the coast.

At this marina you can also enjoy the spectacle of boats bobbing in the warm waters of the Moroccan Atlantic.

Medina of Agadir

Don't miss a trip back in time in the Medina of Agadir, a near-exact reconstruction of a medieval citadel that was demolished by the 1960 earthquake.

The surrounding alleys are impressive and it is considered the centre of Moroccan handicrafts. It's no wonder you'll find so many shops selling Moroccan oils, leather, textiles and spices.

Agadir and its desert landscapes are the ideal setting for a camel ride. In fact, many people are attracted by this activity. The best thing is that you can also enjoy the coastline and enjoy the scenery and the smell of sea salt.

Of course, camel riding is part of Morocco's tradition and African heritage. However, it is important to respect the wildlife of the places you visit and to opt for sustainable tourism. It is advisable to look for reputable operators and ensure that the camels are treated humanely.

Camel trekking in the desert

Booking a camel ride in the desert is a spectacular experience not to be missed. Considering the arid climate that characterises Agadir, the usual itinerary is scheduled around sunset. You will be able to ride up and down the dunes and into villages that have preserved centuries of history.

You will pass through a eucalyptus forest and, if you are lucky, you may even have an encounter with the flamingos that roam the area. Such experiences can be combined with a quad bike ride or a barbecue under the stars, as well as a Moroccan-style dinner.

Horseback riding along the Agadir coast

Another alternative is to book a horseback ride along the coast of Agadir to gallop along the Souss Massa River and explore the golden beaches. It's a refreshing experience where you can stop and enjoy a dip if the heat exceeds your expectations. I think it' s more suitable for children as they won't be exposed to the desert heat for as long.

When visiting Morocco it's important to learn about the Berbers, the ancient locals who used to live in the mountains and villages. They are believed to have been the masters of Africa for many years and looked after places like Agadir. Their imprint can be seen in different features of the culture and the best way to get close to them is to visit a Berber camp.

Berber camps allow you to camp in the desert and live as this community did. Your 'room' will be a tent, which can be private or shared, where you will sleep among rugs, cushions and lamps. Over the years they have modernised and added comforts such as private bathrooms and extra blankets, as well as water and electricity services with limited supply.

It's ideal for stargazing and enjoying a barbecue while keeping warm with Moroccan mint tea . You can also experience traditional Berber music, which is characterised by a mixture of drumming and singing.

If you don't like the idea of staying overnight, you can book a jeep tour of the desert. This experience usually passes through the campsites, but also takes you to hidden beaches, ruins and the Massa Valley.

Rituals are an important part of Moroccan culture, with the hammam being the most suitable for purifying and renewing energy. It is similar to the Turkish bath and the rooms are clouded with steam that helps to open the pores, so that the special products and fragrances of black soap and eucalyptus oil can better penetrate.

During the hammam you can also chat with other people while the products take effect. In addition, some rooms are prepared with natural herbs and include skin exfoliation. It is certainly an exotic experience and, although its origins date back to Rome and Greece, it came to Morocco as a form of purification before prayers.

Later, they became an attractive and in-demand activity, so I would recommend booking a traditional hammam experience in advance.

To introduce you to oriental customs, nothing better than accompanying this ritual with a relaxing massage or releasing tension with a Berber massage, which is characterised by gentle, flowing movements, with just the right amount of pressure to stimulate and release tension.

Details of interest

• Price: the full experience can be found for around €23.

Another typical Moroccan activity is sliding down the dunes on a sandboarding experience. Think of it as surfing, but on the shiny desert sand. It's ideal for enjoying the scenery and getting to know the mountains and the Tamri region.

Generally, the experience begins by climbing to the top of a consolidated dune that will offer you panoramic views of the desert and the nearby beauties. Don't worry, an instructor will teach you the correct use of the boards and the real adventure begins on the way down. As you go down you can expect the speed to increase rapidly, at which point you can take the opportunity to turn and feel the arid breeze against your face.

My recommendation is that you opt to book a sandboarding experience in Agadir that includes transfers, as the desert is far from the city centre and it's more convenient if you don't have to worry about the logistics.

Details of interest

• Price: you can find options from €67.

If you'd like to learn how to surf, you're in the right place! Agadir's beaches have a pleasant temperature and a controlled swell. You don't need any level of experience, the idea is to learn and enjoy yourself. It is important to do this activity with a professional instructor who will teach you how to handle the board. In general, after this experience you will be able to do:

• The most basic like paddling and feeling confident.
• The more professional like getting up and standing up, as well as catching waves of different intensities.

Booking a surf lesson on the beach in Agadir is ideal to satisfy your curiosity and experience your connection with the sea. Remember to always wear a wetsuit and don't stray too far from the shore.

Details of interest

• Price: Lessons usually start from 32€.

Agadir's scenery is breathtaking from the ground, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience offered by hot air balloon rides. Soaring into the Moroccan skies feels like immersing yourself in a postcard and is the best setting for watching the sunrise. You will have the dunes at your feet and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The colours will change as the weather changes, and the landscapes will give way to the mountains and forests that surround the Moroccan coast. One of the many advantages of booking a balloon ride in Agadir is that when you return home you can show off your photos and flight certificate.

Details of interest

• Price: options are available for around €226.

In Agadir you can also marvel at the variety of species found in its forests. But if you fancy a more controlled experience you can visit Crocoparc, the city's zoo. You can see Nile crocodiles, reptiles, iguanas and their feeding sessions.

The biology exhibits are also popular, along with the botanical gardens which include:

• The Blue Garden.
• The Cactus Garden.
• The Tropical Garden.
• The Exotic Garden.
• The Aquatic Garden.

By purchasing tickets for Crocoparc Agadir in advance you will be able to enjoy your pass without queuing, which is very welcome on hotter days.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance costs approximately €13 per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 10am to 7pm, but may be shorter during Ramadan.
• How to get there: Located on the outskirts of the city, but easily accessible by bus number 5 or 9.

Cooking classes are ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the gastronomic secrets of Agadir. If this is your case, I recommend booking 2 to 4 hours for this activity, where you can choose the dish to prepare. You will learn more about the local ingredients and a local will reveal the recipes that make the local food so tasty.

Plus, you can choose to do it at a cooking school or at a **local'**s home. So that you know what to expect, I'll tell you a bit about Moroccan dishes and spices.

Moroccan dishes

• Tajine: a stew served in an earthenware bowl and prepared with different types of meat.
• Pastelas: a sweet and sour dish consisting of filo dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon but, to the surprise of many, it is filled with chicken.
• Ghribias: These biscuits are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with an unmistakable almond flavour.

Moroccan spices

A classic of Moroccan cuisine is Ras el Hanout, a mixture of 42 different aromatic spices. You should ask before buying it, as sometimes other versions with fewer spices are sold.

Agadir is not all sun, desert and beaches. Its getaways are an adventure you have to experience, especially if you'd like to see a major city like Marrakech or relax among the cool landscapes nearby - here's all you need to know!

Excursion to Paradise Valley in Taghazout

If I had the chance to visit Agadir, I would definitely book a trip to Paradise Valley in Taghazout. It's ideal if you like natural and adventurous scenery. Waterfalls, valleys, mountains and natural pools await you.

Located half an hour from Agadir, it is a hidden natural gem characterised by its serenity. You could say it's the opposite of the big Moroccan cities and a glimpse of how ancient communities used to live, as you're bound to come across a village along the way.

Excursion to Marrakech

If you plan to book an excursion to Marrakech from Agadir, you should know that a magical city awaits you. Enjoy the colours of its squares and the contagious energy of its markets, as you explore every corner at your own pace. Don't miss the snake charmers and the beauty of the Koutoubia Mosque or the Bahia Palace.

You'll certainly eat well here, and you can't leave without trying the tajine and couscous.

• Safety: it's a safe destination, but it's best to book guided experiences, especially when it comes to activities such as camping or camel rides. At night, extra precautions are recommended for women travelling alone.
• Culture: Moroccan culture is somewhat different from what you may be used to, but very beautiful if you maintain a respectful attitude. Remember never to enter sacred places that are usually reserved for locals or certain religions.
• Dress: There is no strict dress code and on the beach you can of course wear your swimming costume. What is true is that in some areas you should wear looser clothing and no cleavage, especially in the villages.