Best Things To Do in Agadir

Agadir is a coastal city in southern Morocco where traditions, pleasant climate and proposals for all tastes merge. In every street you can feel the joy that characterizes the Moroccans and there are places like El Zoco, ideal to delight yourself with spices or buy handicrafts.

Do not miss the opportunity to take a camel ride or to venture into sandboarding on the dunes. In its calm waters you have the opportunity to learn to surf and its clear skies are perfect for a balloon flight. Below I will take you on a virtual tour of Agadir that will surely encourage you to organize your next vacation.

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 is the first time you visit the city or if you want to remember the main tourist attractions. Below I tell you a little about the most important ones.

The Great Mosque

There are places that leave you breathless and the Great Mosque of Agadir is one of them. Also known as the Mosque of Mohamed V, is a symbol of the country's independence and the largest of this city. Its tower can be appreciated 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 access.

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

The Souk el Had

During your tour you have a mandatory stop at the impressive Souk el Had. It tops the Moroccan markets and you should be prepared to bargain, walk through the crowds and have an expert eye for hunting down special souvenirs. I don't deny that some days it can be chaotic, but the truth is that it is very organized, as it is divided into 12 gates.

For example, there are special doors to sneak into the spice aisles and others that lead to the textile area. Overall, it's a sensory experience where bright colors delight the eye, while traditional dishes and aromatic spices sneak in stimulating your palate. If I were you, I'd buy a typical Berber rug or hand-painted pottery. I would also fill your suitcase with handcrafted Moroccan jewelry, which you won't get elsewhere 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 swimsuit because you'll be right in front of the beach and you might want to take a dip, or maybe sign up for the extreme sports that are practiced on the coast.

In this marina you can also enjoy the spectacle of boats moving through the warm waters of the Moroccan Atlantic.

Medina of Agadir

You can't miss a trip to the past in the Medina of Agadir, an almost exact reconstruction of a Medieval Citadel that was demolished by the earthquake of 1960.

The surrounding alleys are impressive and it is considered the center of Moroccan handicrafts. No wonder you will find so many stores selling Moroccan oils, leather, textiles and spices.

Agadir and its desert landscapes are the ideal setting to take advantage of a camel ride. In fact, many people are attracted by this activity. The best thing is that you can also enjoy on the coasts and delight yourself with the landscapes and the smell of sea salt.

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

Camel ride in the desert

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

You will pass through a eucalyptus forest and, if you are lucky, you may have an encounter with the flamingos that roam the area. This type of experience 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 coast of Agadir

Another alternative is to book a horseback ride along the coast of Agadir to gallop near the Souss Massa river and explore the golden beaches. It is a refreshing experience where you can stop and enjoy a dip if the heat exceeds your expectations. I find it more appropriate to do with kids, as they won't be exposed to the desert heat for as long.

When visiting Morocco it is important to learn about the Berbers, the ancient locals who used to live in the mountains and villages. It is believed that they were 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 closer 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 that can be private or shared, where you will sleep among carpets, cushions and lamps. Over time they have modernized and added comforts such as private bathrooms and extra blankets, as well as water and electricity services with limited supply.

It is ideal for stargazing and enjoying a barbecue while keeping warm with Moroccan mint tea. You can also experience traditional Berber music, which is characterized by a mix of drums and songs.

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 camps, 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 products and the special 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. Undoubtedly, it is an exotic experience and, although its origins date back to Rome and Greece, they 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 characterized by soft, flowing movements, with just the right pressure to stimulate and release tension.

Details of interest

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

Another typical Moroccan activity is to slide down the dunes on a sandboarding experience. Imagine it's like surfing, but on the shiny desert sand. It is 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 nearby beauties. Don't worry! An instructor will teach you the correct use of the boards and the real adventure will begin during the descent. 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 center and it is more comfortable if you don't have to worry about the logistics.

Details of interest

• Price: you can find options from 67 €.

If you would like to learn how to surf, you are in the right place! The beaches of Agadir have a pleasant temperature and a controlled swell. You don't need any level of experience, the idea is to learn and enjoy. 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 most professional like getting up and standing up, as well as catching waves of different intensities.

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

Details of interest

• Price: classes usually start at 32€.

Agadir's landscapes are breathtaking from the ground, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience offered by 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 the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The colors will change as time goes by, as well as the landscapes that 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 will be able to show off your photos and flight certificate.

Details of interest

• Price: there are options for around 226 €.

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

The biology exhibits are also a must-see, along with the botanical gardens including:

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

By purchasing tickets for Crocoparc Agadir in advance you can enjoy the pass without queues, something that is appreciated in the hottest days.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance fee is approximately 13 € per person.
• Hours: every day from 10:00 to 19:00, but can be shortened during Ramadan.
• How to get there: located on the outskirts, but easily connected by bus lines 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 you know what to expect, I'm going to tell you a bit about Moroccan dishes and spices.

Moroccan dishes

• Tajine: it is a cooked stew served in an earthenware bowl and prepared with different types of meat.
• Pastelas: it is 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 cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with an unmistakable almond flavor.

Moroccan spices

A classic of Moroccan gastronomy is Ras el Hanout, a mixture of 42 different aromatic spices. Before buying it you should ask, as sometimes other versions are marketed based on less spices.

Agadir is not only sun, desert and beaches. Its getaways are an adventure you have to experience, especially if you would like to visit a major city like Marrakech or relax among the cool landscapes that are close by. I tell you everything you should know!

Excursion to Paradise Valley in Taghazout

If I had the chance to visit Agadir, I would definitely not fail to book an excursion to Paradise Valley in Taghazout. It is ideal if you like natural and adventure-filled scenery. Waterfalls, valleys, mountains and natural pools await you.

It is located half an hour from Agadir and is a hidden natural gem characterized by its serenity. You could say that it is an opposite of the big Moroccan cities and a sample of how the ancient communities lived, as on the way you will surely find a village.

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 colors of its squares and the contagious energy of its markets, while exploring every corner at your own pace. You can not miss the snake charmers and the beauty of the Koutoubia Mosque or the Bahia Palace.

You will certainly eat very well here and you can not leave without tasting the tajine and couscous.

• Safety: it is a safe destination, but it is preferable to book guided experiences, especially when it comes to activities such as camping or camel rides. At night, extra precautions are recommended for women traveling alone.
• Culture: Moroccan culture is somewhat different from what you may be used to, but very beautiful if you maintain an attitude of respect. 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 swimsuit. What is true is that in some areas you should wear looser clothing and no cleavage, especially in the villages.