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The coastal city of Agadir in Morocco first came to my attention a number of years ago when a relative stayed there, over the winter, to recuperate from cancer. So when the opportunity arose to travel, in the depths of January, to somewhere warm with a beach, Agadir ticked all the boxes. So did the Canary Islands but I was looking for a non-European destination.
So is Agadir worth visiting? Read on to find out.
WHY VISIT AGADIR?
Agadir is a beach resort city on Morocco’s south Atlantic coast and is an excellent introduction to North African Islamic culture.
If you are European and want a culturally different version of the quality facilities and climate conditions of the Canary Islands, then a holiday in Agadir is an excellent choice. Its latitude is just two degrees north of the Spanish autonomous island region. Plus, it’s warm during the European winter.
THINGS TO DO IN AGADIR
Water sports
With several miles of it, Agadir is all about the beach. Although Agadir’s beach is one of the most sheltered on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the waves can still be quite strong.
If you want to swim outdoors in Agadir in January, book a hotel with a pool just in case swimming is not permitted due to strong waves. However, such a windy environment is perfect for water sports like surfing, kite-surfing and windsurfing.
By the way, the sea was not warm in January, but we coped as it felt like Ireland summer sea temperatures (i.e. too cold for anyone except the Irish and Nordic folk).
Walk the promenade
Agadir’s seafront promenade is a delightful place, particularly at sunset. Joggers and cyclists use it as their playground, while sole traders and entertainers use it as their place of work. Whatever the Moroccan version of Italy’s passeggiata is called, it happens here in the evening time.
Eat, drink (mint tea), and be merry
The promenade and the adjacent area is lined with cafes and restaurants. Food is an integral part of Islamic culture, so each meal is a celebration. Moroccans are quite rightly proud of their outstanding cuisine.
I was delighted to discover that my favourite herbal tea, mint tea, is the number one tipple in Morocco. Not only does the mint tea in Morocco taste far superior to anything I’ve tasted before, the traditions and customs associated with its serving are fascinating. Plus, it banished any post-meal sugar cravings.
Shop in the souk
Agadir’s shopping market is Souk El Had in the south eastern part of the city. While business is brisk and it’s busy all day long, the sounds, sights and smells are worth experiencing once. Herbs, spices, fruit, veg, home appliances and decorations, clothing and everything else a human could possible want and need can be found and haggled for here.
Visit the Kasbah
The Kasbah (fortress) of Agadir Oufella is located on the hill that towers over the north side of the city. The view from the Kasbah is worth the trip alone. The information boards at the Kasbah outline the rich history of the area.
For independent travellers, the Kasbah is best reached by cable car from the Danialand cable car station.
Do a day trip (or two)
Agadir has plenty of day trip activities and companies providing these services. We did a day trip of the Souss-Massa National Park, the desert dunes of the Atlantic coast, inland to Tiznit, and a Berber village for lunch.
Other popular day trips are tours of Paradise Valley, and desert activities such as sand-boarding, quad biking and camel rides.
Pop on GetYourGuide for a comprehensive range of day trip activities.
AGADIR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where to stay in Agadir
The bulk of the quality cafes, restaurants and hotels are located along the beach area. We stayed in the Allegro Agadir before our trip to Marrakech and in the Anezi Tower Hotel upon our return. The breakfast options and pool facilities in the Allegro Agadir were better. Both hotels come recommended.
Is Agadir safe?
We felt safe as there was a visible security presence around the tourist hotel area. Those selling wares on the promenade took no for an answer straight away, apart from the children who had to be told firmly a few times.
We travelled as a male/female couple, so I would love to hear from solo travellers regarding their experiences. Pop a comment in the comment box at the end.
Is Agadir cheap?
The unit of currency is the Morocco Dirham (MAD). The exchange rate during our visit was approximately 10 MAD to €1. We were able to exchange our euros into MAD in the baggage hall at the airport.
Prices in Agadir were significantly cheaper than in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. For example, one night in the 4-star Anezi Tower Hotel cost €59. A main course at a restaurant cost anything from 80-120 MAD (€8-€12). A cup of coffee cost between 15-20 MAD (€1.50-€2).
What language is spoken in Agadir?
Arabic and French are the main languages. Servers in some hotels, cafes and restaurants speak English. As French-speaking tourists frequent Morocco in their droves, bear in mind that some hotels will cater specifically for French-speaking tourists. Get au fait with le francais in advance.
Can you drink alcohol in Agadir?
Yes, but only in the place that serves it. If you buy it in a shop, then it has to be consumed in the privacy of your hotel room/apartment.
What to wear in Agadir?
On the beach and at the swimming pool, women can go as minimalist as a bikini. Cover up outside of these areas with at least a short-sleeve t-shirt and a skirt/shorts to the knees.
For men, swimming trunks/speedos are fine for the beach and swimming pool. T-Shirt and shorts are fine outside of these areas.
What is Agadir weather like in January?
From 11am to 6pm, the weather hovered around 20°C during our trip. Sundown took place between 6-7pm and temperatures dropped significantly after that. When dining al fresco at night, I wore a jeans and jacket.
Can you hold hands and kiss in public in Agadir?
Yes and no, and it depends. For heterosexual tourist couples, holding hands is fine but expressive displays of affection such as kissing is frowned upon.
Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. For LGBT travellers, check your government’s international travel advisory service for further information.
Can you do a day trip from Agadir to Marrakech?
Tour companies offer this trip but, as Marrakech is four hours by bus from Agadir, this is a long and exhausting day trip. The scenery is stunning.
My advice would be to do Marrakech as an overnight stay (what we did), or fly into Agadir and fly home from Marrakech (what we should have done with hindsight).
How to get to Agadir?
Agadir is well served from Europe by charter flights and budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet. We travelled direct from Dublin with Ryanair.
Royal Air Maroc flies to Agadir from domestic airports. As there is no passenger train service to Agadir, you will be reliant on buses.
IS AGADIR WORTH VISITING: CONCLUSION
Morocco is prone to earthquakes and Agadir experienced a devastating one in 1960. Most of the city had to be rebuilt which is why most of the buildings are of a contemporary style with modern facilities.
As beach lovers, we enjoyed our holiday in Agadir. We’re looking forward to exploring more of Morocco in future trips.
To answer the original question, is Agadir worth visiting? Maybe not during the blistering heat of the summer months. But, if you are looking for a winter beach holiday in a resort with modern facilities, and would like to venture outside of the resort for day trips, then Agadir is certainly worth visiting.
Arrivals Hall 