Agadir is also a fantastic jumping-off point for day trips and longer journeys to the villages and tourist attractions in the Souss Valley and Anti Atlas areas if you wish to blend sunbathing with sightseeing.

Scroll down to check out our pick for the top 10 must-do activities in Agadir!

Relax on the beach

Are you a beach vacation fan? Then visiting Agadir beach should be at the top of your to-do list activities in Agadir. Agadir Beach, a perfect crescent of deep, fine sand that stretches for miles to the south of town, is a top-rated tourist destination where visitors from all over Europe come to top up their tans all year.

Some of Morocco’s top beach resorts and a slew of amenities, including dozens of cafés and restaurants, line Agadir’s lengthy stretch of coastline. You may also take a boat ride along the coast, sign up for surf instruction, and dine with a view of the sea on the bustling promenade.

Take in the view from the Kasbah

The Kasbah, also known as Agadir Oufella, is located in the heart of Agadir and is one of the city’s most historically significant landmarks. It was built in the 16th century and visiting it is definitely one of the must-do activities in Agadir. The 1960 earthquake in Agadir destroyed much of the city’s old architecture, leaving the hilltop Agadir Kasbah as the city’s only proper historic feature.

The Kasbah means fortress in Arabic, and the ruins of a fortress that lie on a mountain above Agadir’s city deserve to be seen for the wonderful views of Agadir, as the Kasbah offers a magnificent perspective of the sprawling city of Agadir below and the Atlantic coast beyond, particularly around sunset.

Explore Agadir’s Medina

Do you want to see how Agadir looked like before the earthquake? Then add visiting Agadir’s Medina to your to-do list of activities in Agadir. In Ben Sergao, a few kilometers from Agadir’s center, you may step inside a reproduction of a typical Berber Medina.

The Moroccan Italian artist Coco Polizzi developed this open-air museum in 1992, and it is deceptively enormous, measuring more than five hectares. Picture traditional Berber architecture created from local materials such as Atlas Mountain rock and slate.

It’s like stepping back in time as you walk between the reconstructions of historic columns and walls. The Medina is part museum, part residential neighbourhood, with artisan workshops, a small hotel, and an exotic garden. Prepare to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture with the food and crafts on offer, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to take some fantastic photos!

Picnic in the Vallée des Oiseaux

Visiting the Birds Valley is definitely one of top fun activities in Agadir to do during the day if you want to avoid the heat, as the park is nicely covered and pleasant even in the summer. It’s a free-to-enter green space in the heart of Agadir that’s ideal for a family outing.

It has a playground, a walk-through aviary, and bird enclosures where you may see a diverse range of species. Parrots, flamingos, swans, peacocks, and a variety of other bird species from Asia and South America will surround you. Lambs, deer, and turtles are among the other species that inhabit there.

Banana trees, magnolias, bougainvillea, and oleanders line the walkway, and there’s even a tiny ornamental waterfall to cool yourself in the scorching summer heat. Relax with a refreshing drink at one of the cafes located around the front gate!

Observe crocodiles at Agadir Croco Park

Do you want to experience one of the surreal and fascinating activities in Agadir? Make a point of stopping by Agadir Crocodile Park. It is one of Morocco’s most distinctive and attractive sights, and it was originally built as part of a conservation project to protect Nile Crocodiles. It has been a huge success, with 325 Nile crocodiles presently living there.

The park also has a lovely botanical garden with over 300 types and varieties of plants native to the Agadir region as well as exotics, and the staff is extremely educated about both the crocodiles and the flora.

Go for a stroll in Souk El Had

There’s nothing like a stroll through the public markets to instantly immerse yourself in the new culture you’ve discovered. The central market in Agadir is massive, covering more than 13 hectares and employing 10,000 people, making it one of Morocco’s largest. It was built as a stronghold in the aftermath of the city’s devastating earthquake in 1960 and has since been upgraded with a roof and new flooring.

If you want to learn more about Moroccan culture, visiting souks and open-air markets in Agadir is one of the must-do activities in Agadir that can teach you a lot. You may look for fresh products (olives, spices, honey, dates, fabrics, leather goods, furniture, cedar carvings, clay tagines, Moroccan teapots, argan oil) and more than we could ever mention here if you’re willing to bargain!

Day Trip to Paradise Valley

Agadir isn’t just about relaxing on the beach; sightseeing is one of the many interesting activities in Agadir that you will undoubtedly enjoy! It won’t be long before you start hearing stories of a beautiful mountain valley if you spend enough time in Morocco. It’s a terrific place to get a sense of Moroccan country life, located 60 kilometres north of Agadir.

Day treks here along defined hiking paths travel through orchards of almond and olive trees, as well as little settlements, all with views of the Atlas Mountain peaks rising up in the distance. Locals picnic here on weekends, so visit the valley during the week for a more peaceful experience. It’s also an excellent spot to get fresh products from the area.

Visit Agadir’s Memoire

Because Agadir’s rate of development has been dizzying, this museum on the eastern end of the Jardin d’Olho will provide some background. The Museum of Memory is located in Agadir, in the center of the relaxing region known as the Garden of Portugal.

The latter was constructed to commemorate the devastating earthquake that struck the city on February 29, 1960. This museum is organized around three themes: the city before the earthquake, the city after the calamity, and lastly the city today, with excellent images, texts, and moving stories from survivors.

There are no high-tech exhibits on show; instead, there are newspaper clippings, details from the rescue operation, striking images from before and after the accident, and an account of the city’s rehabilitation. After that, stroll around Jardin d’Olho, named after Agadir’s twin city in Portugal, and reflect among the palms and cactuses.

Visit the Souss-Massa National Park of Agadir

If you enjoy wildlife, this is one of the amazing activities in Agadir worth doing. Souss Massa is a spectacular natural park south of Agadir. It was established in 1991 to protect the region’s wetlands and the species that inhabit them.

Wetland, marshes, swamps, and white sand dunes cover 33 000 hectares of the park. It is one of the few areas in Morocco where the northern bald ibis can be seen. This park also attracts a variety of other exotic birds that come to breed. Souss-Massa Park is an excellent place to visit in Agadir because of its conservation value and natural landscape beauty.

La grande roue of Agadir

Agadir’s Grande Roue is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The Ferris wheel, which is barely 25 meters from the shore, is a new attraction in Agadir that is growing in popularity. A French businessman spent six months building this wheel. It is the highest in Africa, standing 50 meters tall and has 27 rooms, each of which can accommodate six people.

The gondolas are computer-controlled and equipped with wind sensors to keep them steady in the face of Atlantic gusts. The wheel usually rotates five times, providing you spectacular views of Marina district, a portion of the city port, the entire promenade, and elements of Agadir’s new city. Sunset is, of course, the finest time to ride.

10 Top must do activities in Agadir
Must Visit Morocco

Galerie Art en Coin

The art gallery “Galerie Art en Coin” is a unique and distinguished place with its location near the bustling Nejjarine Square in the heart of the city of Fes. It stands out for its diverse collection of visual art, showcasing various forms of fine art.

This gallery presents a diverse range of artistic creations, including oil paintings, watercolours, and acrylics, as well as works on canvas, wood, and leather, offering a captivating array of artistic styles. The exhibited artworks draw inspiration from the old city, capturing the essence and beauty of ancient Fes.

Moreover, this gallery offers workshops for learning Arabic calligraphy and drawing, enabling learners to take home the fruits of their accomplished work. Given the artistic splendour reflected in this venue and its focus on portraying the old city, a visit here promises to be an enchanting and stimulating journey of exploring the beauty of art and the cultural heritage of Fes.

Coin Berbère

If you want to be surrounded by things both gorgeous and rare, then Coin Berbère is your go to shop in Fez. It is a treasure in the Medina of Fez owned by Bouzidi Idrissi brothers, and was mentioned in the New York Times magazine.

The shop includes a vast collection of rare Moroccan antique fabrics, 17th and 18th-century wooden doors, ceramics, exquisite embroideries, silver jewellery, historic silk caftans, and a large range of carpets from over 40 different tribes.

Fondouk Kaat Smen

Fez’s unique Honey Souk is possibly the most peculiar of all the anomalies in a Medina yet crowded with them. Locals line all day for single-origin wild honey, such as orange flower, acacia, saffron, and fennel and other unusual treats like caper and carob, which are consumed for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Sellers give samples to shoppers and the sweet delight is ladled into little plastic cartons for take-out. Honey, along with olive oil and khliyah, is a relatively new addition to Kaat Smen’s menu. So are you ready to taste your way through as many as 17 different wild honeys in this amazing shop in Fez?

Place Seffarine

The Seffarine Square is a small square located in the heart of the medina of Fez el-Bali, between the souk of the dyers and tanners. It is one of the most charming and authentic places where to shop in Fez and it takes its name from the coppersmiths who practiced a craft of great importance in the history of Fez.

Due to their expertise, all kinds of utensils are made: teapots, trays, pots, buckets, perfume burners, trays, tea and sugar boxes, high braziers, kettles, couscous pots…Although today’s boilermakers are almost exclusively dedicated to repairing old vessels, you will still find them striking the metal to give it shape in a remarkable concert of sonorities.

Medin’Art

The city of Fez’s first concept shop is located in the heart of the medina. Laurence Alberro, a charming Frenchwoman who works with Moroccan designers to present one-of-a-kind creations, runs the shop. From clothing to various accessories, you’ll find a lovely selection of handcrafted things manufactured using local resources in this well-organized boutique. They have the most up-to-date trendy pieces as well as classic slippers, purses, unique coats, traditional shirts, scarves, and jewellery.

So, whether you’re seeking for high-quality products for yourself or as gifts, this is a fantastic boutique where you can shop in Fez that showcases Moroccan artists.

Talaa Kbira

Talaa Kabira joins Talaa Saghira and flows through Fez el Bali. The most traditional of Fez’s two main shopping streets and one of the most colourful and interesting lanes where you can shop in Fez. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of carpet vendors, leather babouche manufacturers, Berber jewellery sellers, fondouks bursting at the seams with handmade pottery, food outlets, spice shops, butcheries and much more.

Henna Souq

It is one of the oldest and most pleasant marketplaces in the medina. If you want to learn about the interesting diversity of natural items Moroccans use on a regular basis, this is an excellent location to shop in Fez. This souk has long been known as a bazaar for traditional cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

The star product of the stalls is henna, which is commonly used by Moroccan women to colour their hands and hair and lends the souk its name. Other traditional cosmetic and therapeutic products include rassoul, soap, kohl, rose water, and so on. Recent stores have also specialized in selling pottery.

Souq R’Cif

R’Cif refers to a paved road. Next to the R’Cif square is this covered wooden market. It is the area’s primary food market. It is the ideal fresh products location to shop in Fez.

It is one of the most important souks in the medina because it brings together traders for all of the freshest foodstuffs and necessities of Moroccan cuisine, such as fish merchants, butchers, sellers of dried meat fats, vegetables, and so on. As a result, it has always attracted a large and diverse clientele made up of residents of Fez.

Les jardins des Biehn

The Owner, Michel Biehn, curates a great variety of superb Moroccan goods inside the charming hotel Jardins des Biehn. This antique costume collector has a variety of intriguing items in a wonderful store where you can shop in Fez, with plenty of surprises.

Textiles, embroidery, pottery, basketry, tableware, jewellery, traditional babouche suitable for wearing around the house to bring back memories, a range of leather bags created from local leather and other high-end accessories are all available. There are also antique fabrics and traditional Moroccan clothing, such as djellabas and caftans.

Art Naji

Are you interested in Fez’s magnificent ceramics and tiles? Then Art Naji is your must-stop shop in Fez. Since 1930, Art Naji and the Fakhari brothers have been creating high-end items that are noted for their aesthetic excellence and authenticity. All of the pottery is manufactured on-site by men who turn the wheel by hand to create the pieces, which are then put in a traditional urn for up to four days before being painted in traditional style and colours.

Stop over if you’re searching for a mosaic piece and watch the artisans hammer the small forms (stars, hexagons and squares) into position before laying everything down and producing a work of beauty. Even simply watching the process is worthwhile!

Read also: Where to shop in Casablanca

Where to shop in Fez? Here are the top 10 must visit places!
Must Visit Morocco

Water Activities to do in Morocco

Surfing

Sick of cold winters back home and in search of sun and waves? Then Taghazout is your go-to place if you’re a surfing enthusiast. It’s located north of the Agadir resort and gathers surfers from all around the world. Morocco has year-round surf due to its curving coastline that faces both north and south.

However, if you want to find those great, lined-up, grinding right-handers, it is best to go in September through to March. North of Essaouira, the industrial and port city of Safi is home to sandy beaches and constant strong wind and is popular with kites and windsurfers.

Kayaking

Under the constant Moroccan sunshine, along one of the country’s many rivers that wind through the hilly highlands give a tranquil background for some of the world’s most exciting Morocco kayaking and river rafting excursions. You can either go to The High or Middle Atlas Mountains.

A must for kayaking, Oum Er-Rbia is the second-largest river in Morocco after the Sebou River. It originates in the Middle Atlas and passes through the city of Khénifra, arriving at its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean at the port of Azemmour.

If you choose to raft through the Middle Atlas, you will be in the waters of Ahanssel, a popular kayaking destination, with many sections suitable for beginners to intermediate paddlers. Families will be glad to learn that rafting is a kid-friendly activity that takes place in specific locations where the river is tranquil and they can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Diving

Morocco offers 4000 kilometres of gorgeous coasts between the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans, where you may experience a variety of aquatic life. Divers can view dolphins, whales, sea turtles and spot tunas, eels, groupers, and sea bream on the reef.

Agadir and Essaouira are two of the most popular Atlantic diving destinations. The Atlantic provides year-round sunshine, wreck diving, continental drop-offs, and the opportunity to swim with orcas and sardines.

On Land Activities to do in Morocco

Camel riding

You should never skip a camel ride in Morocco, it would be for sure one of the highlights of your adventure activities to do in Morocco. Nothing compares to a sunset ride in the magnificent Sahara Desert with its sandy dunes and centuries-old majestic Kasbahs. Imagine riding your camel in a caravan lead by nomads towards your desert camp for the night under the million stars.

The first spot that comes to mind when thinking of camel riding is Erg Chebbi (Merzouga), the highest and most fascinating sand dunes in Sahara. Some camel tours include exploring the Dades Gorge and Ziz Valley plus visits to historical desert towns like Ait Ben Haddou or Berber villages. 

Hiking / Trekking

Exploring Morocco on foot is the ultimate adventure experience. Especially if you intend on trekking, you will get to enjoy the beauty of the cities and surrounding regions. While summer is peak hiking season, most areas will be empty if you visit before July. The hiking season runs from April through November.

North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal stands 4.176m tall is an excellent excursion with easy access to nearby cities but can take 2 to 3 days to hike. Then, there is Jbel Saghro, located in the Atlas Mountains and provides stunning winter scenery with fewer obstacles. You can take tranquil strolls along Essaouira’s Atlantic shore for the most pleasant treks of all.

Rock Climbing

With 400 mountains, it’s no surprise that rock climbing is becoming a popular activity in Morocco. Climbing is possible all year, although the months of March-May and September-November are the most pleasant and popular.

The two top places to rock climb are Todra Gorge, in the eastern portion of the High Atlas Mountains, a spectacular scenery with a thriving oasis encircled by limestone cliffs that rise up to 600 meters high. There are fantastic simple climbs, spectacular lengthy excursions, and difficult overhanging routes to choose from.

And the Taghia Gorge, located in the High Atlas Mountains that offers some of Morocco’s greatest large wall climbing, with routes up to 800 meters long. Taghia, a little community at 1900 meters, is encircled by overhanging red limestone cliffs and peaks reaching 3000 meters.

6 Top Outdoor Adventure Activities to do in Morocco
Must Visit Morocco

Sunsets, sunrises and stars in the Sahara

A fan of stunning views ? You should definitely camp out in one of the largest deserts in the world, to do sunrise camel rides and to admire the beauty of the shining stars in the dark night skies.

Reasons to visit Morocco: Scenic mountains

Among the wonders to discover in Morocco is the Atlas Mountain. Jbel Toubkal is the Morocco’s highest mountain. For adventure and thrill-seekers, you have so many activities to do in this amazing playground like hiking, skiing and rafting to soak up in the magnificent landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Or, you can explore the area and the treasures awaiting for you in Berber villages to learn more about the traditional life.

Colourful markets (souks) Of Morocco

Why bother with boring shopping at a mall when you can wander the stalls of Marrakesh ‘ The Red City ‘ and Fes? Known for their evocative colours, scents and exotic atmosphere, Morocco’s souks will immerse you in daily Moroccan life. Shopping lovers will surely be amazed by the multiple shops packed with clothing, rugs, jewelry and handmade goods where you can buy cheap souvenirs. There is a also a unique variety of food products, from tajines to sweets and biscuits.

Read also: Moroccan crafts: a testament of Morocco’s rich culture

Vibrant imperial cities

It’s true that each city of Morocco has its own unique charm and a distinct appeal that attracts visitors. But still, one of the reasons to visit Morcco is its imperial cities, four historical capitals : Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat. The current capital is Rabat, the second largest city of Morocco.

Be ready to enjoy the enticing Moroccan culture that waits for you around every corner of these cities. On this holiday, you’ll get the chance to discover the historic Medinas, perfect for giving in to temptation and experience endless sensations in these bursting with life cities.

Great hiking and cycling

Deep in the rocky mountains of Atlas Mountains, lies the breathtaking scenery of Todra Gorge. You can either explore it by foot, by bike or even go for a hike that will sure be the experience of your life. As for photography enthusiasts, the series of deep-sided canyons lined with ochre-coloured cliffs will defenitely capt your attention to make stunning pictures.

Want to try another way to travel around Morocco? Our Southern Oasis Cycling Tour takes valleys and mountain passes that are less traveled. From the Atlas Mountains to the Draa Valley, the largest date palm oasis in Morocco, through multiple scenic mountains passes.

Golden sand beaches

With thousands of miles of coastline, Morocco is known for its gorgeous golden sand beaches where visitors can try out several water sports or simply relax with the calming sound of the waves. Essaouira beach is an important stop in many of our Morocco holidays and the perfect opportunity for young children and teens to learn to surf.

Delicious food

For food lovers, this is one of your main reasons to visit Morocco. Moroccan cuisine is the perfect mixture of many civilizations such as Arab, Berber, Middle eastern…Once you try the Moroccan goods like tajines, couscous and pastries, you will surely get addicted. As you stroll through the souks, the smells and the vivid colors of the spice stacks will for sure get you to enter the restaurant. On our trips, our tour guides would be pleased to recommend local cafes and restaurants that provide traditional cuisine. For some good homemade Moroccan food, we go to Berber Villages.

Mixed cultural influences from Arabs, Berbers and others

Morocco’s magical motifs will enchant you, and the majority of them are rooted in the country’s rich culture. Throughout history, people of many ethnicities have come down to Morocco from all over the world and have been assimilated into Moroccan civilization, giving it a distinct multi-cultural identity. Morocco may be separated in general into two cultures: Arab and Berber.

Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa, and there are three primary Berber communities that speak three different Berber dialects. Tarifit is spoken by Berbers from the Rif area in Northern Morocco, Tamazight is spoken by Berbers from the Middle Atlas region, and Tashelheet is spoken by Berbers from the High Atlas and Souss regions in the south. Berber culture is characterized by a nomadic lifestyle, folklore music, exquisite poetry, and silver jewelry.

While Arabs are native to the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, invading Morocco in the late 7th century, they were greeted with severe opposition by Berber tribes. Morocco was finally conquered by the Arabs and make up around 40% of the Moroccan population and dwell primarily in Morocco’s northern regions. Customs, language, music, religion, food are all important aspects of Arab culture in Morocco.

You will also be able to spot influences from Andalousia in the North a Sub-Saharan influence in the South. 

Tolerable society with hospitable people

Still looking for other reasons to visit Morocco ? Moroccans hospitality is definitely one, and it is an essential element of their values. Many tourists who visit Morocco fall in love with the people, they come for the country but end up staying for the people.

I mean who can blame them ? Moroccans are very humble, down-to-earth, friendly, kind, and loving people, constantly smiling and happy to help and always willing to offer whatever they have, even with strangers. If you get the chance to be hosted by Moroccan family, don’t think twice and accept, you’ll be spoiled for sure !

When visiting Morocco, my advice is to mingle with the people and get to know them in order to learn more about their ways of life. One special thing about them is that they are quite protective of their identity, yet they are also courteous and open to the outside world.

Moroccan Music Scene

Moroccan music is as enthralling as the country itself. There are about twenty-five distinct varieties, and depending on which region of Morocco you visit, you will hear Andalusian, Berber, Raï, Chaabi, or Gnawa sounds pervading the air. The merging of the roots displays its variety and recalls its current and previous history.

Andalusian music originates in Al-Andalus, often known as Andalusia. Moroccans call it El-Ala, a mix of Arab and Spanish music that is regarded Moroccan classical music and performed in classical Arabic. Berbers, on the other hand, can gather a whole town outside to sing and dance in a wide circle around a drum and flute. The ahouache and ahidus are the most well-known dances.

Rai, with its origins in Algeria, has been adopted by Morocco and is connected with the country’s eastern area, particularly the city of Oujda. As for Chaabi, it is considered the Moroccan pop music. It is one of the most popularly listened to forms of music in Morocco since it is sung in Darija (Moroccan Arabic). Drums, lutes, stringed instruments, and more recently, electric guitars and buzuks are used in the music.

For Gnawa music, it is a mix of Arab, Berber, and African rhythms. It’s a strong trance music that dates back to the 16th century and has recently achieved international acclaim.

So are these enough reasons to visit Morocco for you ?

10 reasons to visit Morocco
Must Visit Morocco