When talking about Morocco, many people always miss the city of Agadir. However, if you love the beautiful scenery of the coastline, this southern coastal city may be the most charming holiday resort in Morocco.
The great earthquake in 1960 almost razed it to the ground. Now, the brand-new Agadir has found the right balance between modernity and tradition. There are golden beaches, maze-like markets, and warm and healing traditional baths waiting for travelers. If you are interested, why not follow me and walk into the beautiful scenery of Agadir.
Climb along the winding mountain road to the ruins of the Agadir Oufella Castle, overlooking the fishing port and the coast. The former fortress still stands on the top of the mountain. It was built in 1540 to resist the invasion of Portugal and was later destroyed by an earthquake. Today, the ruins are vaguely visible, but when the sun sets, the view overlooking the entire city is particularly magnificent.
As Morocco's most popular coastal city, Agadir has a long golden coastline. Compared with Essaouira, which is often hit by strong Atlantic winds, the beaches here are quiet and peaceful, with waves lapping gently far out on the sea. In summer, the sand is clean and the water is clear, and lifeguards are on duty. You can take a boat trip along the coast, book a surfing lesson, or enjoy a delicious meal facing the sea on the lively seaside promenade.
One of the most unmissable experiences in Agadir is to walk into a part of Moroccan life - a traditional Hammam (steam bath). The steam is thick and the pores are dilated, followed by a careful exfoliation with black olive oil soap, and the whole person is refreshed. If you want to reward yourself, why not go to Argan Palace for a private Hammam and aromatherapy massage to calm your body and mind.
If you want to dine with a sea view, the Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant Les Blancs on the seaside is not to be missed. The open terrace faces the azure sea, with fresh seafood and various snacks, and more than ten kinds of paella for you to choose from. The service here is warm and thoughtful, and it is deeply favored by locals and yacht guests.
The colorful and spice-filled El Had market is one of the largest markets in Morocco, with more than 6,000 stalls stretching over dozens of hectares, and it is closed only on Mondays. Entering any of the twelve gates, you will start a feast for the senses - spices, painted pottery, carpets, and handicrafts are dazzling, and you can experience the various aspects of Morocco's market while bargaining.
If you want to get a glimpse of what Agadir looked like before the earthquake, head to Medina d’Agadir in Benselgau. Designed and built in 1992 by Moroccan Italian architect Coco Polizzi, this replica of an ancient city is a living art museum. Mottled stone walls, rocks and slates from the Atlas Mountains outline the charm of traditional Berber architecture. The streets are winding, and carpenters, painters, metalworkers and craftsmen have passed down their craftsmanship from generation to generation.
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Why not walk into this vast wetland, forest and undulating sand dunes. The Massa River flows slowly, where flamingos, cormorants and sand grouse live, and the only bald ibis in North Africa also breeds here. Only by traveling with a guide who knows the place well can you make the most of your trip.
In the Crocodile Park in the eastern suburbs, the long-lost Nile crocodiles are sleeping. They once bred in the wild in Morocco, but now only this artificial habitat is left for people to watch. In the hatchery and laboratory, you may still see baby crocodiles hatching. The 4-hectare botanical garden in the park is lush and green, with more than 300 species of plants scattered in an orderly manner, full of vitality.
If you want to overlook this land from another level of light, a hot air balloon trip is the best choice. The sky is slightly bright, rising slowly with the wind, and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Atlas Mountains are in full view. The vast world is refreshing. If you choose to set off in the early morning, you can also encounter a magnificent sunrise, which will open a dream prologue to a new day.
Agadir is surrounded by vast mountains and countryside. If you have time, you may want to book a desert buggy tour, jump on a sand buggy, shuttle through the shade of fig and forrest trees, gallop over the rolling sand dunes, and finally stop in a Berber village, hold a cup of mint tea, slowly relax, and experience the real Morocco.
In the bustling city, this oasis is a great place for a family outing. The park is free to open and has a playground, bird gallery and animal area, where parrots, flamingos, deer and even kangaroos are leisurely. The shade of the trees is shaded by magnolia and banana trees, the fountain is gurgling, and there is a cafe at the door for a rest.
Every summer, Agadir welcomes the Timitar Festival, the largest festival in Morocco. As an important celebration of Amazigh culture, it attracts more than 40 groups of artists and tens of thousands of spectators, and the performances are free. There are not only traditional Amazigh music echoing here, but also music feasts from all over the world. On the market stalls, traditional costumes, carpets, jewelry and handicrafts are in full bloom, and delicious food is fragrant.
Although the marina area is expensive, it doesn't cost a penny to walk around. The boats are gently rocking, and occasionally a few luxury yachts can be seen. Looking up from a high place, the huge Arabic characters engraved on the hillside have a unique flavor.
Agadir's seaside promenade is the most lively place at night. The bars and restaurants along the road are brightly lit and bustling with people, making it a great place to take a walk and enjoy the night view.
This museum is dedicated to the inheritance and display of Berber (Amazigh) culture. It has a rich collection of jewelry, carpets, clothing, musical instruments and ancient documents, telling the story of this land.
Not far from the city is this veritable "Paradise Valley". Emerald springs flow between reddish-brown rock walls, and Berber villages dot the mountains. This is a great place for hiking, swimming and leisurely sunbathing.
Talborjt is a vibrant neighborhood filled with countless cafés, restaurants, and authentic local bathhouses. This place is not built for tourists, the price is affordable, and you can enjoy the cleanliness and relaxation that the locals are accustomed to with a few coins. A baptism of black soap and scrubbing will make you feel comfortable all over.
Agadir, this seaside city that has been reborn from the ashes, is waiting for you to come and take in the sunshine, sea breeze and thousand-year-old culture.
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
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