Looking for some winter sun? Agadir is the perfect place to escape during the colder months for some sunshine and a coastal escape. I've just come back after five days spent exploring the North African city and I've found the best things to do in Agadir for this extensive city guide. Having visited Marrakech previously, arriving in Agadir is almost like a reverse-culture shock as you soak up this modern city with its high rise buildings, seafront all-inclusive hotels and well maintained beaches. Compared to the dusty, busy heart of Marrakech, Agadir felt like another world, but the Moroccan city had its own unique charm that you won't want to miss.
Did you know that even more direct flights have just opened up from London airports to Agadir? I was lucky enough to try out a brand new flight to Morocco with Jet2Holidays so that I could explore this city and see what it has to offer. If you're in need of a bit of winter sunshine, it makes a great destination to escape to this autumn/winter season.
The best things to do in Agadir, Morocco, include hiking the Agadir Oufella Ruins, spice shopping at the Souk El Had market, trying a traditional Moroccan hammam, surfing at Taghazout Bay and exploring Agadir's Medina.
Don't forget to check out The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide (2024) before you visit Morocco for safety tips and travel hacks.
Planning a trip to Agadir? Here's everything you need to know:
AD – press trip with Jet2Holidays
12 Best Things to do in Agadir
The relaxed North African coastal city is a great spot to soak up the winter sunshine, especially with new flight routes that have just opened up with Jet2Holidays from London Stansted. But, if you're planning a visit, you'll need to know the best things to do in Agadir, so here's my highlights from this beautiful Moroccan city:
- Hiking Agadir's Oufella Ruins & Kasbah
- Spice shopping at the Souk El Had market
- Eat a traditional Moroccan tagine
- Take the cable car up to Agadir's Oufella Ruins
- Trying a traditional Moroccan hammam
- Surfing at Taghazout Bay
- Visit The Polizzi Medina – a reconstruction of the Medina of Agadir
- Visit Paradise Valley in the Atlas Mountains
- Go on safari at Souss-Massa National Park
- Try out water-sports including paragliding and kitesurfing
- Enjoy a fresh Moroccan mint tea
- Explore the desert on quad bikes, ATVs or enjoy dinner in the desert
Please if you are visiting, make sure not to support animal tourism such as the goats in the trees, camel rides, dolphin shows or crocodiles in captivity.
Everything You Need To Know Before A Trip to Agadir
Is Agadir, Morocco worth visiting?
Agadir is the perfect seaside escape for those who don't fancy the hustle and bustle of busy Marrakech and instead want to enjoy the Moroccan coastline and surfing the Northern Atlantic. If you're looking for a winter sun escape, Agadir provides a great alternative to the popular Canary Islands, particularly the all-inclusive crowd. Although there is definitely a side to Agadir that goes beyond the hotels, just be prepared for Agadir to be a far more modern city than Marrakech's old town.
Is it safe to walk around Agadir?
I first visited Agadir when I was 14 with my family and don't have the best memories from that visit, we were constantly hassled on the street, street children tried to pickpocket us. Visiting again in 2024, my experience couldn't have been more different. There's a very prominent tourist police presence along the beachfront and main areas of Agadir, the hotel staff will also ensure that touts move on and don't bother you. It's a very different atmosphere in Agadir these days and everyone is very welcoming, I actually found that the local people seemed to be very friendly towards tourists and didn't pressure you to buy as they did in Marrakech. Agadir is a much less intense city to visit.
Do you get hassled in Agadir?
As a solo female traveller, I would feel very comfortable walking around Agadir solo. Even in a mixed race relationship, I found we didn't get looked at or hassled. When it came to touts and sellers, they were actually very friendly and didn't pressure you in the souk to buy their products. It was a totally different experience to what I was expecting.
How many days do you need in Agadir?
I think 3-4 days is perfect in Agadir, you could easily spend a long weekend there and have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sunshine. It's also a great day/overnight trip to add on to your stay in Marrakech. You could easily spend a few days in each and fly in/out of different airports to minimise travel time. Agadir is very much the antidote to a few days of exploring busy Marrakech.
What is the best month to go to Agadir?
You can visit Agadir all year round to enjoy the sub tropical desert climate which brings sunshine and warmth all year round. If you want the hottest temperatures, visiting during June, July and August – but be prepared for an intense heat even by the sea. It's a great place to visit for winter sun – I visited in October and it was 25ºC or higher every day, and perfect sunbathing but also exploring conditions.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Agadir
If you're planning to visit Agadir, now is the best time to get great travel deals and find cheap flights to Agadir. Did you know that the cheapest months to fly to Agadir are November, December and January? With just over a four hour flight, you could be relaxing in the sunshine by lunchtime! Fly to Agadir-Al Massira Airport, with flights starting from as low as £27. Book flights to Agadir with Jet2 and you get the added bonus of transfers to your hotel which takes all the stress out of travelling. Did you know that Jet2 have just launched their new flights to Morocco from London Stansted? I was on one of the first flights from London Stansted Airport to Agadir and had a great experience, it makes it easier than ever to reach your destination without having to travel as far to the airport.
How To Get Solo Travel Discounts on Trips to Agadir
One thing I love about Jet2Holidays is that they offer solo travellers an amazing solo travel discount so we don't get stung by the single occupant tax. Anyone who books a solo holiday with Jet2 is automatically eligible for their solo travel discount using the code SOLO30 which takes £30 off your hotel booking. They also have a whole section of their website specifically for solo holidays and offering single occupancy rooms for your next solo adventure.
Booking Hotels in Agadir
There are lots of different areas to stay when visiting Agadir, while many choose the popular beachfront hotels, there are also lots of great hotels which offer all inclusive, half board or bed and breakfast options set just outside Agadir. I stayed at the stunning Tikida Golf Palace which was a short drive away from the beach and offered free shuttles several times a day. The food and service there was impeccable and I highly recommend the hotel for a more luxe stay, while the hotel is amazing for those who enjoy golf, it is also a beautiful place to stay even if you don't.
If you want to stay outside of central Agadir but crave a beach escape, you could also stay in Taghazout which is a popular beach area with travellers and surfers looking for a laid-back beach vibe. One of the easiest ways to visit Agadir is to book package holidays to Agadir with Jet2Holidays – these will include your flights, hotel, transfers and often food/drink if booking an all-inclusive or half board package.
- Check out 24 Ways To Get Cheap Hotel Deals in 2024
Travel Insurance For A Trip To Agadir
It's always a good idea to have travel insurance, particularly if you love outdoor adventures. A good travel insurance policy will cover you for any lost luggage, flight delays and of course, if you are injured or need assistance during your trip. World Nomads are my go-to for adventure travel insurance and they offer a range of policies tailored to your needs with various packages available. These also cover emergency medical assistance, gear protection, trip cancellation and delayed and lost baggage cover.
- Find out more about the best solo travel & adventure travel insurance providers
SIM Cards & VPN in Morocco
If you're visiting Morocco, I recommend getting an eSIM for your phone so that you have connection the second you arrive. It really helps with navigating when exploring Agadir, looking up restaurant recommendations on the go or simply checking in for your flight home. I always use Airalo eSIMs for Morocco and really recommend them.
Also, stay safe when browsing the internet in Morocco by using a VPN, it provides you with a secure network connection. This also means that using a VPN can allow you to access the internet as though you were in the UK – it's a great trick for catching up with your Netflix shows as you can access your shows as often these aren't available on Moroccan Netflix. It can also help you to save money if you're shopping online, booking more flights or travel. I always use Surfshark VPN for surfing the net when travelling.
Visiting Agadir FAQs
Is there lots of things to do in Agadir?
There are a lot of fun things to do in Agadir including lots of great options for surfing and water-sports along the coastline, including kitesurfing, paragliding and jet-skiing. If you love exploring the local culture, why not take the cable car up to the Agadir Oufella Ruins where you can explore what is left of the Kasbah with incredible views across the North Atlantic. Dine on delicious seafood and traditional Moroccan tagine, or go spice shopping at the Souk El Had market. Explore Agadir's Medina and try a traditional Moroccan hammam. There's also lots of great day trips you can take to Paradise Valley, surrounding towns and ancient ruins, or even the Atlas Mountains.
Can you drink alcohol in Agadir, Morocco?
Morocco is an Islamic country, bars and drinking are not part of the traditional culture. Yes, as a tourist you can drink in Morocco but you must be respectful of the traditions and cultural sensitivity. The bigger cities such as Agadir, Marrakech and Casablanca will have specific areas where you can drink alcohol, but you must not drink outside of these areas. It's also worth noting that outside of the tourist areas, you may find you go to dry restaurants without realising. Always research before you go for dinner if it is important to you to drink. Please don't be drunk in a public place and be respectful.
Which is nicer Agadir or Marrakech?
Both Agadir and Marrakech have so much to offer travellers – it very much depends on the kind of trip you prefer. Agadir is a very modern city because much of it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1960, so expect lots of high rise buildings, shiny hotels and a modern seafront. It's beautiful and a lovely coastal escape, but if you're looking to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, it might not be the place for that. Marrakech is a city in two parts, the Old Town and "New Marrakech" which is where you'll find the more modern part of the city – you have a choice when you visit which part you wish to stay in, and where you wish to visit. If you're looking for authentic Morocco, personally I think you are better placed to visit Marrakech and stay in the old town.
Is Agadir cheap or expensive?
Agadir is generally a very cheap destination – in comparison with Marrakech it is a far more affordable place to visit. You will find that food, accommodation and transport is cheaper in Agadir, but often the tour and activity prices are about the same as Marrakech. However, if you choose to stay in the popular tourist area of the beachfront (south and central) you will find that costs are higher and it will be far more restaurants than street food so you are more limited on choice. If you stay at the North end of the beach near Downtown, you will have far more choice of lower price point places to eat and stay. Generally street food and market meals will cost around £1.50-£4, while mid-range restaurants will cost around £6-12 for a meal.
Is Agadir a party town?
Morocco is an Islamic country so if you are from the UK, please note that your understanding of "party town" may be a little different to nightlife in Agadir. Agadir does have a vibrant nightlife with lots of bars and nightclubs, I found a great salsa club when I visited which was amazing!
