Once a quiet fishing village, Agadir is now a popular holiday destination. With luxury spas and spacious, white sandy beaches, you can easily relax and soak up the sun. Pair your visit with a day trip outside the city to visit more stunning, natural attractions.
Historically a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast, Agadir is now considered to be Morocco’s most modern cities.
Sunny all year round, this city is a desirable destination for natives and foreigners. It’s easy to get around and no matter where you are, the beach is always within walking distance. Health and wellness are big draws here and there are several incredible spas from budget to luxury.
Following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the majority of Agadir was rebuilt anew. Now, it’s the country’s largest resort destination.
Get ready to relax and explore the city where the sun shines 300 days a year!
Beaches
Clean, spacious, and golden sandy beaches stretch across the coastline for 10km (6 miles). The beaches here are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water sport activities like paragliding and surfing. There are also several surf schools to choose from for all levels of learning.
Agadir Oufella/Kasbah
What remains of this fascinating, medieval structure built in 1572 are its ramparts since most of the citadel was destroyed during the massive earthquake in the ’60s. You can hike to the top if you feel like a workout or take a taxi. The views up here are incredible and definitely worth a trip.
Agadir Bird Valley/Vallee des Oiseaux
This small, yet charming animal and the botanical park is free to enter and a great alternative for families with kids. Home to an array of animals from goats to kangaroos plus a massive aviary with several varieties of bird species such as parrots, peacocks, and flamingos live here. It’s a pleasant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Museum of Amazigh Culture/Musee du Patrimoine Amazigh d’Agadir
An interesting and impressive collection of cultural artifacts of the Amazigh of the Souss-Massa region. The collection includes traditional arts and crafts, musical instruments, clothing, silver jewelry, and carpets. There are also tools on display to better understand how these authentic handicrafts were made.
This museum provides insight into the Amazigh way of life, their past and provides a better understanding of their culture and the culture of Morocco. The displays are in Amazigh, French, and Arabic, so unless you can manage any of these languages, a guided tour may be helpful to make the most of your visit.
Corniche la Cote
Take an evening stroll along this spacious and popular promenade that runs along the coast. It’s also a great place for people watching since it’s packed with restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, hotels, and spas. A major attraction here is La Grande Roue, a gigantic ferris wheel that lifts you high above the city where you can experience amazing views of the kasbah, marina, medina, and the ocean.
Agadir Memorial Museum/Memoire d’Agadir
This small museum is dedicated to the memory of the devastating earthquake that killed close to 15,000 people and nearly destroyed the entire city of Agadir on February 2, 1960. This tragic event is documented with newspaper clippings and photographs. You can recount the history of the city before and after the earthquake.
Upcycle Mo
This local boutique features the unique, upcycled creations of Mohamed Khattou. All of his sustainable products are made from tires. Products include home décor, accessories, indoor and outdoor furniture, and toys. Mo and his team craft quality, handmade goods that are contemporary and sustainable. This is a great opportunity for you to support a local business and help out the environment.
Le Medina d’Agadir
Also known as the “new medina”, this reconstructed version of the city’s old medina that perished in the earthquake 60 years ago is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. You will also find vendors selling traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. This is a great place to take a break from the sun and wander through the shaded streets.
Thalassotherapy and Spas
Agadir has come to be known as the ultimate health and wellness destination in Morocco. Thalassotherapy is a seawater therapy; seawater has numerous healing properties and there are several preventative and curative treatments available to heal the mind and body. Many spas throughout the city offer such treatments along with traditional Moroccan hammam experiences. Luxury in Morocco lives here and you’re sure to find the five-star treatment that you deserve.
Thalassa Sea and Spa located within the luxury hotel Sofitel Agadir offers a diverse variety of health and beauty treatments including thalassotherapy and massage. Another fabulous option is the Spa Villa Blanche located inside the stunning Riad Villa Blanche. You can steam and soak away your stress plus indulge in various treatments that will renew your health and greatly improve your vitality.
Short Excursions from Agadir
Souss Massa National Park
Just an hour outside of the city you will find yourself in the heart of this magnificent nature preserve that encompasses 33800 hectares. An easy day trip from Agadir, this national park includes wetlands, white sand dunes, marshes, and wild beaches. The Oued Massa River runs through the park and it’s a popular breeding ground for several exotic bird species like pink flamingos, herons, and ibis. If you’re lucky, you just might spot the endangered bald ibis. There is a great nature trail that takes you through this diverse landscape.
https://visitareparcosoussmassa.jimdofree.com/
Crocparc
This wildlife refuge was created to preserve the Nile crocodile since the species was overhunted in Morocco. Other animal species that live at the park include giant tortoises, pythons, anacondas, green iguanas, and marmosets. There are also five thematic gardens: botanical garden, cactus garden, aquatic garden, blue garden, and an exotic garden. This is an amazing opportunity to see and learn more about this fascinating creature.
Paradise Valley
This breathtaking valley is full of natural wonders and numerous hiking trails. One hour away from Agadir and you’ll be deep in the picturesque Moroccan outback. You can hike around beautiful mountain vistas, swim in natural, emerald green pools, and relax next to a waterfall deep in the gorge.
For you thrill-seekers, quad biking adventures are where it’s at. You can roam the wilderness and venture into the deserts of Morocco. There are many food vendors near the entrance to the valley so chances are you will meet other travelers along the way.
Agadir is the ultimate holiday destination that is sure to fulfill your every desire making sure you return home well-rested and rejuvenated.
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