Dramatic desert landscapes, spacious sandy beaches washed by deep blue waters and a spectacular mountain range backing to it. It’s fair to say Agadir has quite a portfolio of natural attractions. The city was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1960s and is now a popular seaside resort with great facilities and an enticing range of things to do and see. You can take 4x4 tours through the Atlas Mountains, enjoy folk shows or, if you fancy something different, sandboarding in the dunes.
Top six things to do in Agadir
1. Go off-road in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains stretch across North Africa, and Agadir is wedged between the Anti-Atlas to the south and the High Atlas to the north. On a 4x4 safari from Agadir, you can drive from sea level to thousands of metres above sea level in one day. And if you’d rather be on the move yourself, a guided walking tour is a great option. Most excursions stop at the awe-inspiring oasis of Tamzargout. It’s a showstopper.
2. Sandboarding in the dunes
The surfer’s mecca of Taghazout is half an hour's drive north from Agadir. Its waves are ideal for beginners and advanced surfers. But water isn’t the only thing you can surf on in these parts. Drive further north along the coast to Tamri, famed for its towering dunes. Here, you can sandboard down the dunes, enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean as you do so.
3. Laze on the most beautiful beaches
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Agadir’s trump card will always be its beaches – there’s more than 10km of blond-sand strand for you to relax on. The indigo-hued Atlantic is ideal for activities such as sailing, diving and surfing, while the beach is popular for horse riding excursions. But if you fancy upping the ante, go on a day trip to Legzira beach. All raw red sand and cliffs, it boasts a mammoth arch, hollowed out by the wind and waves. It’s like planet Mars – but with an ocean.
4. Explore Essaouira and its medieval Medina
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, Essaouira makes for a great excursion from Agadir. Its medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautifully preserved old town is a joy to stroll through for hours on end. And the rest of Essaouira has more than enough to offer, too. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’re in for a treat as it was a filming location for the city of Astapor. A walk along the Skala ramparts overlooking the ocean and a visit to the Espace Othello gallery are also highly recommended.
5. Experience Moroccan traditions
Agadir is a modern city that was completely rebuilt – its new Italian-designed medina is straight out of the Arabian Nights – after the earthquake of 1960. But age-old Moroccan traditions are still a part of everyday life. An atmospheric Moroccan evening with a folkloric dinner show allows you the chance to admire local culture while enjoying a herb-rich dinner in a Bedouin tent. Get ready to be dazzled by belly dancers, acrobats, Berber music and more.
6. Explore the desert behind Agadir
Discovering the desert is a must-do during a holiday in Agadir. And the most traditional way to do this is on a camel ride. Amble through the desert on the back of these beautiful animals, admiring the immense landscapes as you go along. To take the experience to the next level, you can visit a camp, where you even spend the night in the desert, or go for a sunset tour that ends with a BBQ under the stars.
