Things to Do in Agadir: A Modern Moroccan Escape by the Sea

To understand Agadir, there is no other place to start your Agadir holidays than at the corniche, the city’s beach promenade. This spans across six kilometres of buttercream sands which become a hotspot for early morning joggers and dog walkers as well as families gathering to buy fresh msemen flatbreads. Life here flows at its own pace, guided by the ebb and flow of the Atlantic. If you happen to visit at lunchtime, head to a local café to enjoy a plate of rich, lemony seafood tagine washed down with a glass of refreshing panaché - a Moroccan fruit juice blend. 

At the end of your corniche stroll, you will reach the Agadir marina where yachts gently bob on the calm waters. While this is a destination in itself with European style boutiques and coffee shops enticing holidaymakers inside, it is also where you can charter a boat and enjoy an Agadir boat trip. Set sail and marvel at the Agadir coastline from afar as the city becomes a distant blur the further you sail away from the shore. Some tours offer traditional food to enjoy as part of the excursion while others give you the freedom to hop into the water to enjoy a spot of snorkelling.

Agadir Beach is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers alike. This golden stretch of sand offers a sheltered and serene sunbathing spot with gentle waves tempting beachgoers with a refreshing swim. Enjoy a lazy afternoon by the shore, let little ones build their sandcastle kingdoms or chase the sunset during a romantic stroll across the sands. If soaking up the laid back atmosphere gives you itchy feet, many watersports and Agadir activities take place here. Choose from camel or horseback rides along the shoreline or for the more adventurous souls, kitesurfing and paddleboarding will give you an adrenaline boost. 

While the 1960 earthquake was a devastating hit for the city, with 90% of its buildings and infrastructure destroyed by the disaster, including the Old Talborjt area, some treasures still remain. Yet, the quake gave birth to something radical for the time; a Moroccan city influenced by Brutalism and mid-century modernism. Wide streets, geometric buildings and airy public spaces define the city centre. 

It's surprisingly alluring with its clean lines and light angles that wouldn’t look out of place in Palm Springs, softened by the ever-present scent of eucalyptus and sea spray. If you want to see the juxtaposition for yourself, head to the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh which celebrates the Berber (Amazigh) heritage of the Souss-Massa region. Inside are delicate silver fibulas, vibrant carpets and tools that tell a story of indigenous identity far older than the city itself. When it comes to what to see in Agadir, this museum is a great place to start. 

The Mohammed V Mosque is the biggest in Agadir and one of the most impressive in the country making it one of the must-see things to do in Agadir. While non-muslims cannot enter, there still remains something alluring about its imposing architecture, especially during a call to prayer. Admire the sheer level of work and craftsmanship that went into creating this place of worship and learn about the history and culture surrounding this central part of the city’s skyline.

If you are looking for Instagrammable views on your trip to Agadir, the best view is found atop of the old hilltop kasbah, Agadir Oufella. This 16th century fortress, now a shadow of its former glory with only its outer walls remaining, offers one of the most cinematic sunsets in Morocco. The golden hour casts long shadows over the sprawl of the new city below, as the Atlantic stretches endlessly westward. Getting here is easy with recently renovated walkways making the climb accessible and signs explaining the historical significance of the site at the entrance. Yet, some could argue that the real reward isn’t the view but the calmness of hearing nothing but the wind rustling through the eucalyptus trees only occasionally being interrupted by the distant call to prayer. If you prefer to see the views without the walk, jump on the Agadir cable car at Danialand and travel across the Agadir skyline 1756 metres in the air and admire the city from a completely new perspective before ending your journey at the kasbah.

At Souk El Had, the largest market in southern Morocco, the city pulses with colour and noise. Unlike the touristic souks of Marrakech which stock antique lanterns and desert fossils, here you will find more local scenes. Expect to find locals buying coriander by the handful, schoolchildren bartering for olives and vendors stacking pyramids of oranges so artfully they seem to defy gravity. One of the top things to do in Agadir, this souk sprawls across 13 gates, so choose one and let yourself be guided by the heady aromas of cumin, saffron, cedarwood and freshly baked bread. Looking for things to buy in Agadir? One of the top Agadir things to do is to stop at the spice stall and grab some ras el hanout and a tangia pot to smuggle home in your carry-on.

Once you have experienced the chaos of the souk, venture into Talborjt, one of the oldest post-quake neighbourhoods in Agadir. Here you can really get a taste of daily life. This low-key district of boulangeries, barber shops, and community squares, is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a piping hot mug full of sweet Moroccan mint tea. On Fridays, the scent of grilled sardines fills the air as families gather for couscous at long, communal tables.

Across Morocco, towns and cities are home to ancient medinas which act as the hub for daily life. Inspired by Agadir’s loss of their precious medina due to the quake, Italian architect Coco Polizzi decided to pay tribute to this heritage in 1992 by building La Médina d’ Agadir. This handcrafted, miniature version of the original medina was created using ancestral building techniques and locally sourced materials. 

Blending Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian, Greek, and Roman influences, it showcases the skill of master craftsmen through intricate passageways, carved doors, mosaics, and stained glass. More than an architectural marvel, it preserves and celebrates Amazigh culture and ancestral craftsmanship for future generations. Today, this space is one of the top things to do in Agadir for all visitors. Experience the buzz of this busy hive of activity as craftsmen gather to sell their wares. From Berber carpets and silver jewellery to colourful pottery and leatherwork, it will be hard to resist the treasures tucked away in this Agadir museum style landmark.

While there is no shortage of things to do in Agadir, those with time on their hands will be drawn to the dramatic scenery that surrounds the city. Bookended by the Atlantic and the Anti Atlas Mountains, Agadir is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts eager to experience their next thrill.

Surfing is one of the top Agadir beach activities and the city is known as a Mecca for surfers. Drawing in crowds of salty haired, wave-catching obsessives, Tamraght and Taghazout are the place to be if you want to enjoy surfing in Morocco. With consistent swells, warm waters, and a relaxed vibe, Tamraght and Taghazout, located just outside the city, offer everything from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging reef spots. Need a board or some lessons? There are plenty of surf schools dotted around Agadir to make sure you are fully prepared to brace the waves. Whether you're paddling out at dawn or watching the sunset with sandy feet and a smoothie in hand, these villages offer the perfect blend of adventure and chill.

You may have heard of the Atlas Mountains but the Anti Atlas Mountains, that punctuate the Agadir skyline are one of the top Agadir things to see for those wanting to stretch their legs after days lounging by the pool. Less explored but equally breathtaking, the Anti-Atlas mountains offer a rugged escape into nature, just a short drive from the coast. Winding trails lead through dramatic landscapes of red rock, argan groves and hidden villages where time seems to stand still. If you are looking for day trips from Agadir that offer peace and quiet and panoramic views at every turn, these mountains offer that and more. Here you can enjoy a true sense of discovery that contrasts perfectly with the city’s seaside ease. It's the ideal day trip for those craving adventure without straying too far from the sun and sea.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains, Paradise Valley is a hidden oasis of palm-fringed pools, cascading waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. Just an hour from the city, it is one of the top things to do in Agadir for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you're diving into crystal-clear waters or picnicking under the shade of date palms, this tranquil spot lives up to its name.

Just south of Agadir, the Souss Massa National Park is home to incredible wildlife making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Look out for the rare bald ibis and dozens of other migratory species. Not to mention its diverse landscapes which range from dunes and wetlands to cliffs and savannah, make it one of Morocco’s most important ecological reserves. Whether you're exploring on foot or by guided tour, the park offers a glimpse into the rich natural heritage of the region.