a sandy beach next to the ocean
Destination

Agadir

Discover the best hotel in Agadir

If you are looking for peaceful undeniably beautiful beaches, an exotic and surprising culture and delicious food, just a short flight away, we have what you need. Simply buy a plane ticket and book your room at the Iberostar Waves Founty Beach, one of the best hotels in Agadir.

Agadir is a magnificent city in southwestern Morocco, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, 508 km south of Casablanca, 235 km west of Marrakech and 173 km from Essaouira. It is the last big city in the south of the country and the sixth largest in the country, after Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech and Tangier, and is known for its marvellous coastline and for the vibrant and varied cultural and leisure activities on offer, attracting visitors from all over the world year after year.

Despite having been devastated by an earthquake in 1960, it was completely rebuilt and has managed to consolidate itself as one of the most visited areas on the Moroccan coast. In addition, this city of almost 700,000 inhabitants, whose name means 'fortified barn' in the Berber language, houses one of the most important ports in the country, which is said to be the largest sardine port in the world.

Next, discover the places you should not miss if you want to make the most of your Agadir holidays.

Book your hotel in Agadir

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has an exceptional 4-star hotel in Agadir: the Iberostar Waves Founty Beach. The hotel sits next to a bank of fine sand and is located a short stroll from the centre of Agadir, one of the main tourist spots in Morocco.

Located on the shores of the Atlantic, this seafront, spa hotel offers guests maximum comfort. It has a choice of swimming pools, a beauty and wellness area, family beaches, bars and restaurants where you can try authentic Moroccan food, such as couscous, tajines or tasty harira soup. There is also a complete entertainment programme and conference rooms, fully equipped for holding events in Agadir, such as meetings, team-building and incentive trips.

Moreover, if your only concern during your holidays in Morocco is to have a great time, you can choose to stay on an All-Inclusive basis, so you don't need to do the dishes or worry about running up a big bill by the end of your stay

Don't think twice: check out the latest hotel offers in Agadir at Iberostar, and treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway in Agadir, either as a couple, with your family or with friends. We are waiting to welcome you!

a large pool of water in front of a palm tree

Main beaches in Agadir

In Agadir the beaches are impossibly huge expanses of fine sand licked by the Atlantic Ocean, far from the hustle and bustle and framed by the Atlas Mountains, which form a beautiful bay. The exceptional climate on the Moroccan coast near Souss-Massa National Park turns the area into a year-round holiday destination.

Main beaches in Agadir

  • Agadir beach: This impressive stretch of beach is only a short drive from Agadir and runs along 10km. Framed by the waterfront promenade and amazing native vegetation, it is an oasis close to town that offers services and facilities for couples or families with kids.
  • Taghazout beach: Taghazout is an extensive wild beach with golden sand and a few rocks close to the shore. The swell is low to moderate in an ocean of pristine waters, perfect for bathing or windsurfing. Located to the north of Agadir, Taghazout is one of those tranquil beaches inviting to unwind and escape routine.
  • Amesnaz beach: Amesnaz is a small fishing village with a nice harbour and a flour-like sand beach surrounded by cacti. Actually, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of Agadir, enveloped as it is by the spectacular mountains on Cap Rhir. Thanks to the moderate swell and the winds, Amesnaz is a meeting point for surfers.
  • Tamri beach: Tamri lies north of Agadir. It forms part of a unique landscape where the river Tamri meets the ocean in a huge lake surrounded by dunes. The sandy beach has a moderate swell, perfect for an afternoon riding your surfboard.
  • Tiznit beach: Situated to the south of Agadir, close to Souss-Massa National Park, this sand beach protected by dunes and lush vegetation is one of the most amazing places on the coast of Agadir. Very close are the village that lends its name to the beach and the port that provides freshly caught fish to the whole area.
a view of a beach

What to do in Agadir

It is no secret that this resort has become such a tourist attraction thanks to the fine sandy beaches of Agadir, on the shores of the Atlantic. The most popular beaches are just 9 km from the town centre, and are well sheltered from the wind, making this an ideal place for those who want to travel to Agadir with children.

The local beach, stretches around 10 km in length, and has a pleasant boardwalk to enjoy a stroll by the sea, and is also ideal for relaxing or trying out water sports. Moreover, there are a large number of restaurants on the seafront where you can try the most authentic Moroccan food.

If you love shopping or, simply, taking in a spot of people watching, in that case, it is worth knowing the market of Agadir, Souk Elhed, is one of the largest in North Africa. Here you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat and fish as well as beautiful decorative souvenirs.

On Sunday, we recommend that you visit Souk al-Had, made up of some 6,000 stalls,  this bustling, expansive market features many goods ranging from spices to housewares, as well as food. Come and try out your bartering skills!

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Agadir golf courses or the marina, where you can rent out boats to explore the coastline of Agadir. There is also a fish market where freshly caught fish are auctioned.

What to see in Agadir

Agadir has several beautiful mosques scattered throughout the city. Among the most striking, is the Loubnane Mosque, also known as the Lebanese Mosque, located on the outskirts and considered the most beautiful in the city. Another is the Mosque of Mohammed V, which was built in the nineteen-sixties. Also worth visiting are the new medina -created in 1992, in the Ben Sergas district (4.5 km from the centre), using traditional Berber construction techniques, by the Italian architect, Coco Polizzi, who was born in Rabat.

And, of course you must visit the Kasbah. Built in 1572 by Mohamed Ech-Cheikh, this citadel is one of the most beautiful corners of Agadir, and offers fantastic views over the ocean and the city, at a height of 236 m. From there, you can relax and enjoy hypnotic sunsets. Have your camera ready!

The neighbourhood of Fount, located at the foot of the Kasbah, is the oldest part of the city and preserves vestiges of the old fortress.

Another remarkable place is the Bert Flint Museum. This institution is dedicated to the legacy of the Dutch historian after whom it is named, who gathered countless samples of popular art from rural Morocco during his travels around the country. It is therefore a great option to explore the many ways of life in the Alawite kingdom.

We should also mention the 3,000 seat open-air theatre; the zoo or the Vallee des Oiseaux (valley of the birds), which is home more than 500 species of birds and mammals such as kangaroos and wild sheep, and the garden of Olhão, which is free to enter, and is named after the Portuguese city with is one of Agadir's twin towns.

Towards the airport, to the east, is the city of Dajla, with picturesque Andalusian style houses.

Finally, you can take an excursion out to to Drarga, a town located 10 minutes from the city. There you will find the exciting Crocoparc, an enclosure covering 4 hectares, which is home to 300 nil crocodiles.

Experiences in Agadir

Visitors can have a thousand and one experiences in Agadir, from wonderful sunsets to fish unloading at the port or shopping in Avenue Hassan II. In Agadir you can walk along the streets, tour the busy souk or eat freshly caught fish with lemon in a small tavern. An explosion of colours, flavours and smiles is waiting for you in this Moroccan town.

Experiences in Agadir: What to do

  • Window shopping in Avenue Hassan II: Spend a morning walking leisurely along this avenue in the centre of Agadir and you will find an array of shops, high-end boutiques and shopping centres selling local crafts at bargain prices.
  • A day at the port of Agadir: A day at the port of Agadir can be a genuine Moroccan experience. The busy wharves are a good place to look at the fishermen unloading sardines while the sailors fix their fishing nets and workers load citrus fruit or build small wooden boats.
  • Tour of the central souk: In the centre of town, the large Souk al-Had used to be, and still is, one of the biggest in Morocco. Spices and fresh produce can be found in this bustling market whose stalls are a feast for the senses, bringing tourists closer to the gastronomy of the area and the character of locals.
  • Eating fish tagine in Agadir: The succession of fish stalls, traditional restaurants and small taverns in the port area all serve fresh fish. Fish tagine is one of the most popular and typical dishes in Agadir. Savouring it here can be a very nice experience.
  • Sunset on Agadir beach: With the fine golden sand and the breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir beach is great for admiring the sun going down as bathers become small silhouettes at sea in Morocco. A true relaxing moment and an encounter with nature.
  • Trip to Souss-Massa National Park: A must-visit place of natural beauty surrounding the city is Souss-Massa National Park. In the southern end of the reserve is the lake formed by the river Massa when flowing into the ocean. Close by are unspoilt beaches upon whose shore they say Jonah was washed after the whale spat him out.

Major events in Agadir

The festivals and feasts in Agadir are characterised by the traditional foods they serve during most celebrations. Music is another pillar on which popular festivals rely. Visitors can get to know the deeply-rooted traditions of Agadir taking part in these events, where locals add a wealth of joy and fun.

Major events in Agadir

  • March – Hassan II Golf Trophy: This golf tournament is one of the oldest in the world, as it was first staged 40 years ago in this coastal city in Morocco. It is a one-week event that gathers the top golfers on Earth.
  • 5 March – Enduro d’Agadir & X Rally: Traditional race that finishes in this coastal town after a long circuit divided into several stages: from Marrakesh to Taroudant, Tafraoute, Tiznit and Agadir. The entire four-leg race covers 1,200km.
  • June – Honey Festival: The Honey Festival is held in the mountain village of Imouzzer des Ida Outanane, where honey takes centre stage as the main ingredient in the traditional sweets of the country. Amlou, for instance, is a sweet made with toasted almonds, honey and argan oil.
  • Late June – Timitar Festival: This festival has kept the Berber culture alive and kicking across the country and beyond its borders. Every new edition gathers the best Berber bands and artists. Three days of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions in a unique atmosphere in town.
  • 30 July – Throne Day: The major national holiday, Throne Day commemorates the accession of King Mohammed V to the throne. If celebrations are held everywhere in Morocco with parades and fireworks, the most attractive take place in the capital, where the King reads his annual speech the day before.
  • November – Shellfish & Fish Fair: The vitality of the fishing port of Agadir and the Moroccan culinary tradition taking inspiration from the sea gave birth to the annual Shellfish and Fish Fair, where visitors can try the best Atlantic seafood recipes.
  • December – Agadir Festival: The main festival in the city of Agadir takes place in December. Here, the sun shines even in winter and the streets get filled with music, joy and shows of all kinds featuring artists from all over the world.

Activities in Agadir

Agadir offers a range of activities that reveal its interesting culture and the beautiful landmarks you can discover while taking a stroll across the Old Town. The city is rich in history, traditions and art, which are on display in museums, mosques and some of the largest greens in Morocco.

What to do and what to see in Agadir

  • Kasbah in Agadir: Of this historical fortress erected to protect the city from Portuguese attacks only the ruins stand – and wonderful vistas of the sea. Since the fortress is a few kilometres from the town centre, the best way to get there is by car or taxi. For visitors in search for adventure, there are camel back tours.
  • Jardim de Olhão: Located in the Talborjt district, this town garden in the Moorish style marks the twinning of Agadir with the Portuguese town of Olhão. It is a cool, relaxing spot in the heart of town, with shadowy trees that protect visitors from the sun. The garden features a restaurant where you can sit and have a refreshing drink.
  • Boulevards in Agadir: The city has three main avenues with all the tourist facilities in the area: Avenue Hassan II, Avenue Mohammed V and Bd.20 Août. These boulevards are always lively and look very much like European districts. Tourists will find here everything they might need.
  • Agadir Town Museum: Named ‘Bert Flint’ after the Danish historian who visited Morocco many times and even lived here, this town museum has numerous pieces, traditional costumes, musical instruments and decorative objects, jewels, weapons, and so on.
  • Agadir Zoo & Aquarium: La vallée des Oiseaux (Valley of Birds) is a peculiar zoo and aquarium with exotic birds and native fish from the coast of Agadir. The zoo is close to the beach, on Bd. Mohammed V, and features manicured gardens. It is a great attraction for kids.
  • Mohammed V Mosque: The mosque offers a display of beauty in the form of Arab art: tiles and decorated walls. It crowns the Avenue du President Kennedy and is the largest mosque in Agadir. It is closed to non-Muslims.
  • Port of Agadir: Agadir has one of the main commercial and fishing ports of Morocco. The port is internationally known for its exports of citrus fruit and fish, especially locally caught sardines. At the port you can still see men building wooden fishing boats.

Sports in Agadir

Agadir and its challenging Atlantic Ocean waves attract lots of surfers and windsurfers to its wonderful sand beaches. The city is a golf destination too, and sports like football or tennis are very popular. The city features good sports facilities and natural environments like Souss-Massa National Park, with unique spots.

Sports in Agadir

  • Horse riding in Taghazout: Horse riding is quite common in Agadir and environs. Taghazout has one of the best equestrian centres on the Moroccan coastal area. Visitors can go on horseback to dream-like places bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Tennis in Agadir: There are several tennis centres with courts of all types of surfaces in Agadir. Some of these centres offer intensive private courses to holidaymakers who want to master new techniques.
  • Golf on the coast of Agadir: Agadir is not a big city, but it has the largest golf courses in Morocco. Close to the town centre are five golf courses that look like real oases in a desert. Playing golf while staring at the Atlantic Ocean makes a great Moroccan experience.
  • Surfing on Amesnaz beach: Very near Agadir, on Amesnaz beach you will find one of the best surfing spots in Morocco. Next to Cap Rhir, the last peak of the Atlas Mountains merging with the ocean, windy Amesnaz has excellent waves to master on the board.
  • Hiking in Souss-Massa: The green paradise on the coast of Morocco is home to a great number of animals and features paths leading to wonderful valleys, empty beaches and sheer cliffs that drop vertically to the ocean. Here hiking can be a nice outdoor adventure for couples or groups of friends who love nature.