An Agadir travel guide: the beach and Corniche, the Oufella kasbah, Souk El Had, Taghazout, Paradise Valley and how Agadir links to Marrakech and the desert.
Agadir is Morocco’s main beach resort, a modern city on a long sandy bay on the Atlantic, known for mild winters and plenty of sun. Beyond the beach it has the hilltop kasbah of Agadir Oufella, the big Souk El Had market and easy access to the surf villages of Taghazout and Tamraght, Paradise Valley and the Souss-Massa National Park.
Agadir in brief
Most of the old city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, and Agadir was rebuilt as a planned modern city. That means wide streets, a long beachfront promenade and resort hotels rather than an ancient medina. Travellers come for the climate, the beach and the coast to the north, and many combine a few days here with Marrakech or a desert tour.
What to do in Agadir
The beach and the Corniche
The bay’s wide sand runs for kilometres along the city, with a promenade of cafés and restaurants and a marina at the northern end. The water is the Atlantic, so it is cooler than the Mediterranean and the waves vary with the season.
Agadir Oufella
The ruined kasbah on the hill above the port is the main reminder of the old city. The view over the bay and harbour is the best in Agadir, especially at sunset; a road and a cable car climb to the top.
Souk El Had
A large walled market selling fruit, spices, argan oil, household goods and crafts, much more local than the shops near the beach.
The port
Agadir is one of Morocco’s big fishing ports, and simple grills near the harbour serve the day’s catch.
Day trips from Agadir
Taghazout and Tamraght: surf villages a short drive north, with surf schools for beginners and well-known point breaks.
Paradise Valley: a palm-lined gorge with rock pools in the foothills of the High Atlas, about an hour inland.
Souss-Massa National Park: coastal dunes and a river estuary south of the city, known for birdlife.
Taroudant: an inland walled town with ochre ramparts and quieter souks.
Essaouira: the walled port further north along the coast; read our Essaouira guide.
On the road between Agadir and Essaouira you pass argan forests, where goats are sometimes seen standing in the branches.
When to go
Agadir is a year-round destination. Winter days are usually mild and sunny, which makes it popular from November to March, while summer is warm but tempered by the ocean breeze compared with the 40°C heat often found inland. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for combining the coast with the desert; our month-by-month weather guide has details.
Getting to Agadir
By air: Agadir Al Massira airport has direct flights from many European cities.
From Marrakech: about 3 hours by motorway.
From Essaouira: along the coast road, a scenic drive of a few hours.
Agadir or Essaouira?
Both are on the Atlantic and both are reachable from Marrakech, but they suit different trips. Agadir is a modern resort with a long, sheltered beach, large hotels and the best winter sunshine, so it works for a week of beach time. Essaouira is a small walled medina with a fishing port and a windy beach, better for atmosphere, seafood and a slower stay of a night or two. Many travellers see Essaouira as part of a tour and choose Agadir for a beach extension.
Practical tips
Where to stay: the hotels along the bay put you on the beach and the promenade; Taghazout and Tamraght suit surfers and those who want a village feel.
Getting around: the seafront is walkable; taxis cover the souk, the port and Agadir Oufella, and a car or driver makes the coast and Paradise Valley easy.
Swimming: the bay is sheltered compared with the open coast, but currents vary; swim where lifeguards are present in season.
Dress: beachwear is normal on the beach and at hotel pools, but cover up in the souk and in town.
Agadir on a Morocco tour
From Agadir, private tours can head inland to the Sahara and on to Marrakech, or you can visit Agadir as a long day trip from Marrakech. See our Morocco private tours, the day trips from Marrakech and the Morocco destinations guide to decide how many days the coast deserves.
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Is Agadir worth visiting?
Yes, if you want beach time, winter sun or surf. Agadir is a modern resort rather than a historic city, so most travellers pair it with Marrakech, Essaouira or a desert tour for culture and landscapes.
What is the best time to visit Agadir?
Agadir is pleasant all year. Winter is mild and sunny, which makes it popular from November to March, and summer is warm but cooled by the Atlantic breeze compared with the inland cities.
How far is Agadir from Marrakech?
About 3 hours by motorway. Agadir can be a long day trip from Marrakech, but staying at least one night lets you see the beach, Agadir Oufella and Taghazout without rushing.
Is Agadir good for surfing?
Yes. The villages of Taghazout and Tamraght, a short drive north of Agadir, have surf schools for beginners and well-known breaks for experienced surfers, with the most consistent waves in autumn and winter.
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