Agadir

Agadir is a city located in the southwestern region of Morocco, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, warm climate, and vibrant nightlife. Agadir is also an important commercial hub and port, […]

Agadir is a city located in the southwestern region of Morocco, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, warm climate, and vibrant nightlife. Agadir is also an important commercial hub and port, with a thriving fishing industry and export of agricultural products such as citrus fruits and vegetables. The city was devastated by a massive earthquake in 1960, which led to its complete reconstruction and modernization. Today, Agadir is a cosmopolitan city with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, and a diverse population of locals and expatriates.

The name Agadir is a Berber origin and means fortified city. With only about 100,000 inhabitants, it is a very modern city that sometimes even makes us forget that we are in Morocco. Its interest lies in its location, as it is surrounded by the Anti Atlas, the Sahara desert, natural parks and secluded beaches of high quality, easily accessible from the city. It lacks the Medina and the hustle and bustle of Moroccan life.

This tourist city has more than 9 km of wide sandy beaches, it is protected from the north wind. This, along with the more than 280 days of sunlight it receives each year, are its main attractions, which result in practically 100% occupancy throughout the summer. Agadir has more than 20,000 beds, a majority German and international clientele and the most important hotel chains, making the city one of the most visited and recognized tourist destinations in the country.

The city that today stretches at the foot of the ancient kasbah has tripled its population since the cataclysm. Its great climate allows tourists to enjoy the terraces of the establishments even during the winter. Agadir has an interesting ethnographic museum and a contemporary architectural heritage, it does have a Medina. It’s a popular vacation destination for Europeans and has a beach with all the resources for a good vacation. Although as a city it is not particularly attractive, this page can serve as a short tourist guide to Agadir.

How to get To Agadir

There are several ways to get to Agadir, depending on where you are coming from and your travel preferences. Here are some common ways to get to Agadir:

By plane: Agadir has its own airport, the Agadir-Al Massira Airport (AGA), which is located about 25 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport is served by many international airlines and has direct flights from major cities in Europe and North Africa. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to get to Agadir.

By bus: There are several bus companies that offer regular services to Agadir from other cities in Morocco, such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Essaouira. The journey can take several hours, depending on the distance.

By train: Although Agadir does not have its own train station, you can take a train to the nearby city of Inezgane and then take a taxi or a bus to get to Agadir.

By car: You can rent a car or hire a private driver to take you to Agadir from other cities in Morocco. The roads in Morocco are generally in good condition, but it is recommended to drive during the day and to be cautious of other drivers.

Once you arrive in Agadir, you can get around the city by taxi, bus, or rental car.

Things to do in Agadir

• Jardin de Portugal
• Garden ibn Zaydoun, between the avenue of Prince Moulay Abdellah and the street of 18 November.
• Central Post Office, between Mohammed VI Avenue and Prince Moulay Abdellah Avenue.
• Loubnane Mosque, between Avenue des FARS and Avenue du Prince Moulay Abdellah.
• Mohammed V Mosque on Kennedy Boulevard
• Beato Salvatore Polizzi used conventional Berber construction methods to develop the Medina art center.
• Souk alhad (Sunday souk)

La Kasbah

Located on the top of the hill, overlooking the port and the city, is the most beautiful site of Agadir. At a height of 400 meters, the citadel offers a breathtaking view of the city and the water, making it the perfect place to enjoy the sunset over the bay. It was built in 1540 by Mohamed Ech-Cheikh (founder of the Saadi dynasty) as a base for his siege army and later served to protect the city against Portuguese attack. Two centuries later, in 1752, the place was reinforced by Moulay Abdallah.He repaired it in 1752 out of concern about another Portuguese invasion, leaving a garrison of 2000 outlaws and Turks.

After the earthquake of 1960 only the walls and the entrance door remained, in which we can read an inscription in Dutch dated in 1746 that says “Fear God and respect the king”. In memory of a factory the Dutch had here at the time.

The modern city

The centre of Agadir is covered by the avenues General-Ketani, Hassan II, F.A.R, Prince Moulay Abdallah and Prince Sidi Mohamed. These arteries, interspersed with pedestrian areas filled with restaurants, shops and craft shops, form the heart of the city.

After the earthquake Agadir rose from its ruins with beautiful modern neighborhoods, characterized by its concrete architecture, with green spaces and long avenues. Just behind the beach we find the boulevard Mohamed V, where most of the tourism is concentrated and where we can find an immense set of shops, restaurants, banks and establishments.

The Post Office Building, the Fire Station, and the Primary School are the three most notable modern structures in Agadir.

Avenue of FAR

It is always nice to go for a walk on the sidewalks while on holiday in Agadir or in Morocco in general. In this instance, it is one of the busiest areas in the city, with lots of restaurants and shops.

Boulevard Hassan II

This charming promenade separates the city centre with pedestrian walkways and a wide variety of restaurants, boutiques and shops. The avenue du General Kettani, the avenue des FAR, and the avenue Mohamed VI make up the urban core of Agadir today.

Cornice

The town of Agadir has a very picturesque promenade, a kind of long boulevard full of restaurants, shops and entertainment, around its charming and huge beach. It is a popular destination for tourists as it is a great area for walking both day and night.

The Central Market

In Agadir and Morocco, the central markets are amazing places to get to know the local cuisine a little better. This is renowned for its vast selection of spices, the most of which are grown locally.

The port of Agadir

Since its reconstruction, Agadir has had Morocco’s most important fishing port and the world’s first sardine port. It is surrounded by numerous frozen and canned food factories. Among the principal export goods handled here are citrus, canned goods, and minerals.

Agadir, in Morocco has surpassed its rival Safi to become one of the most important sardine ports in the world and fish auctions are held at the fish market every afternoon. It is interesting to go through the animation that is concentrated.

Agadir Museum

The Agadir Museum was established in 1992 on the grounds of the Municipal Theater and is primarily devoted to the folklore and popular arts of the Souss valley and the Desert areas. It houses an important collection of traditional objects collected by Bert Flint, an expert in local Dutch crafts that was established in Morocco in 1957. The museum is also worth a visit to compare its samples with the craft products sold today.

Boulevard 20 Août

Located between Boulevard 20 Août and Boulevard Mohammed V, the resplendent Vallée des Oiseaux (Valley of Birds) is a very well located and well maintained park where you can know everything about the native fauna, while on the playground children will be trained for hours.

The boulevard Mohamed V

Drawing a dividing line between the modern city and the tourist area, Mohamed V Boulevard differs from the other roads by its architecture and the excellent hotels it houses.

The theater of Agadir

Both its exterior design and its interior, with its semicircular amphitheater, recall the ancient Roman theaters. The stage, which is crowned by a sort of hanging garden, serves as a venue for performances throughout the year.

Where to eat

There are three main places to choice:

New Talbourjt: During your Morocco tours from Agadir, here where you are going to find cheapest resturants in Agadir, and it is frenquented by locals and Tourists.

The beach: Around the beach, there are many restaurants. You can find fast food places, international restaurants, good establishments to eat fish, etc. It is the most expensive and tourist area.

Around the Uniprix: it is an area of medium price. You can find tourist restaurants and some Local restaurants.

RESTAURANTS

– Expensive and moderate

Pure Passion Restaurant: with a pleasant terrace in the marina of Agadir, this restaurant serves international dishes, with a good seasonal product and a varied menu of European cuisine with a French style. Approximate price 200 – 300 Dh / pax.

Le Jardin d’Eau: specializing in a wide variety of fish, has a pleasant terrace. You can enjoy the live music every night except Sundays. Price approximately 100 – 200 Dh / pax.

Azyam restaurant in Agadir: it is a restaurant specializing in delicacies of the sea, as well as in varied dishes. Approximate price 70 – 150 Dh / pax.

Havana Restaurant: By walking in Agadir marina this Picturesque restaurant will enjoy beautiful decoration & excellent views, with old American cars in the entrace.

Cheap

Good Taste: Homemade Italian restaurant in Agadir, with all kinds of pasta dishes at a very affordable price. Specialties in pizzas in wood oven. Approximate price 30 – 60 Dh / pax.

Portugalia: family restaurant of Portuguese and European food at good prices (between 60 – 110 Dh / pax).
Cocktail bars

Agadir is a tourist site prepared for Europeans, so you can find bars in tourist areas. If you are a lover of Alcohol you can find it in all tourist places.

If you are looking for a place to talk and drink during the afternoon, you can go to the cafes that are on Hassan II Avenue, such as La Fontaine, Mirador del La, Le Dome, etc.

Things to do near Agadir

The beaches

Near Agadir, the beaches of Tamrhakht and Taghzout, lined with banana trees and restaurants, are frequented by the gadirí (local inhabitants). Cape Ghir is a promontory where ocean waves come crashing against the rocks. After Tamri, the coastal road continues to the beautiful Portuguese town of Essaouira, whose charm more than justifies the 180 km journey north.

Taghazout

19 km north to Agadir towards Cape Rhir, Taghazout enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. It should be noted that its superb 6 km beach is a world-renowned surfing center

Imouzzer Ida Outanane

The country of the Ida Outanane, northwest of Agadir, this area is known for the ‘Valle del Paraiso’. It is accessed by a winding road that allows you to admire the landscape: steep-walled canyons overlook the river lined with palm trees and pink laurels. Hippies in the 1970s gave the moniker “Valley of Paradise” to Morocco’s Tifrit Valley, one of its most stunning valleys. Located at 1,160 m altitude, the tourist region of Imouzzer Ida Outanane (60 km from Agadir) overlooks a valley of palm trees.

The region is also famous for its streams and waterfalls. This excursion, which a part can be done on foot or in MTB, 4 4 , on horseback or on a donkey, will liven up and complete with a great ending your holiday in Agadir and Morocco The best date to visit it is in winter. At the end of May, the Ida Utanane tribe celebrates the festival of honey.

Tiznit

77 km from Agadir, Tiznit begins to reveal itself to the visitor by showing its pink crenellated walls. The walk along them gives the impression of being part of the sets of a film.

The interior of the Medina hides authentic silver treasures: fibulas, frontal ornaments, rings, daggers for men. In an arcade courtyard, artisans can still be seen working silver according to traditional symbols and techniques. The large Mechouares Square is a good place to savour the nightlife of the city. The excursions to the surroundings are numerous and varied: Aglou-plage, the fishing village and troglodyte, the palm grove of Bad Targua 60 km on the road to Tafraoute, etc.

Tafraoute

From Tiznit to Tafraoute (111 km) begins the ascent of the Kerdous pass, the many curves warn us to be cautious, but do not miss any of the admirable landscapes: In the area of Tafraoute, the landscape changes, and the road enters a valley where a jumble of enormous pink granite boulders forms a colossal decoration.

It is dotted with palm palms and pink cube buildings. In the heart of this fantastic landscape that at sunset takes on colors ranging from yellow to orange and dark violet, Tafraoute is revealed to visitors as a place full of splendor.

 

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