By Monika | Bewildered in Morocco
If Agadir is on your Morocco radar, you’re in for a treat. This sun-soaked coastal city on the Atlantic might not have the ancient medina vibes of Marrakech or the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, but trust me — it has its own irresistible charm. From bustling markets and mountain adventures to desert quad biking and a lovingly rebuilt medina, Agadir packs a serious punch when it comes to things to see and do.
I’ve put together a countdown of my top five experiences in Agadir, plus a couple of bonus activities that are absolutely worth your time. Let’s dive in!
#5 — Souk El Had: One of Africa’s Biggest Markets
If you love a good market, Souk El Had will absolutely blow your mind. With over 6,000 stalls packed inside, this is one of the largest markets on the entire African continent — and it has everything. Handmade crafts, leather bags, vibrant spices, fresh fruit, clothing, homewares — you name it, it’s here.
Getting there is easy and cheap. A taxi from the central promenade along Agadir beach costs around £2 (roughly 25 dirham). Once you arrive, remember two golden rules: bring cash, and get ready to haggle.
I know haggling can feel intimidating if you’re not used to it, but honestly, it’s part of the experience and most vendors expect it. Here’s my little trick: before you head in, pull up a currency conversion on your phone and save it in your notes. That way, you can quickly check prices at a glance. Always start lower than you’re actually willing to pay, work your way up, and if you can’t land on a price you’re happy with, don’t be afraid to walk away. More often than not, they’ll call you back with a better deal!
Quick Info — Souk El Had
- Taxi cost: ~£2 / 25 MAD from the promenade
- Top tip: Save currency conversions on your phone before you go
#4 — 4×4 Trip into the Atlas Mountains
This was one of those days that stays with you long after you get home. We booked a 4×4 excursion through TUI for £82 per person, which included hotel pickup, drop-off, and a knowledgeable tour guide for the full six-hour adventure.
Our first stop was a women’s argan cooperative, where we enjoyed a lovely breakfast spread of Moroccan honeys, peanut butters, and freshly poured mint tea. The women at the cooperative showed us how they process argan nuts by hand — grinding, pressing, and transforming them into everything from cooking oil to beauty products. It was genuinely fascinating and there was absolutely no pressure to buy (though it was hard to resist).
From there, we wound through the mountains on dusty roads with hairpin bends and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. Along the way, we stopped at local craft shops, stretched our legs, and even had a spontaneous group dance in the middle of the road — the kind of moment you just can’t plan!
Our guide was incredible. He shared stories about Berber history, their traditions, and their deep connection to the Atlas landscape. We also visited a traditional Berber village and learned about their way of life, which is so beautifully different from anything I’d experienced before.
Lunch was a family-style feast — steaming tagines, fresh salads, and oranges dusted with cinnamon. The kind of meal where you sit back, sigh happily, and wonder why you ever eat any other way.
After one final stop at the highest accessible viewpoint, we headed back to Agadir — but not before our eagle-eyed driver spotted those famous tree-climbing goats stealing argan nuts by the roadside. The perfect end to a perfect day.
Quick Info — Atlas Mountains 4×4 Trip
- Price: £82 per person (booked through TUI)
- Includes: Pickup, drop-off, guide, breakfast, and lunch
- Highlights: Argan cooperative, Berber village, mountain views, tree-climbing goats
#3 — The Cable Cars and the Kasbah
Want a truly spectacular way to see Agadir from above? The cable car takes you soaring up the hill to the old Kasbah ruins, and the views on the way up are nothing short of breathtaking — the glittering Atlantic on one side and the rugged mountains on the other.
A return ticket costs around £10.50 for an adult, and a taxi from the beach promenade runs about 25 dirham. The ride itself covers approximately 1,700 metres and takes about six minutes each way. It’s smooth, it’s scenic, and honestly, it’s worth it for the photo opportunities alone.
The cable car opened in 2022, making it the very first of its kind in Morocco. Before that, you had to hike up on foot (which you can still do if you’re feeling adventurous, but personally, I’d take the cable car every time).
Once you reach the top, there’s plenty to explore. We didn’t go inside the old Kasbah itself — which dates back to the 1500s and was mostly flattened by the devastating 1960 earthquake — but we wandered around the outside and soaked in the atmosphere. There are ancient stone walls, camels roaming about, street vendors, food stalls, and local kids running around. It’s lively, vibrant, and another wonderful slice of Moroccan culture.
And then there’s the famous hilltop sign that lights up at night. It reads “God, Country, King” in Arabic — a powerful national motto and a gorgeous sight after dark.
Quick Info — Cable Cars & Kasbah
- Price: ~£10.50 return (adult)
- Taxi cost: ~25 MAD from the promenade
- Ride: ~1,700m, about 6 minutes each way
- Don’t miss: Sunset views and the illuminated hilltop sign at night
#2 — ATVs in the Desert
If you’ve got even a small adventurous streak, this one’s for you. We booked our ATV experience with Agadir Quads (we found them on Instagram and TikTok) for just £25 per person, with an optional £5 extra for sandboarding. That price included free return pickup and drop-off from our hotel — brilliant value.
After getting our helmets fitted and a quick rundown on how the quads worked, we were off! Our group was small — just six of us — with a guide leading the way. We started on forest trails before hitting the open desert, tearing over massive sand dunes that had us grinning from ear to ear. The route finished with a cruise along the beach before looping back.
One thing we thought was really lovely: our guide took turns using each person’s phone to film them riding, so everyone went home with their own action footage. It’s those little touches that make a difference.
The whole experience lasted about two hours from pickup to drop-off, and they even served Moroccan mint tea at the end. There are plenty of quad companies in Agadir, but we had a genuinely great time with Agadir Quads and would happily recommend them.
Quick Info — ATVs in the Desert
- Price: £25 per person (+£5 for sandboarding)
- Duration: ~2 hours (including pickup/drop-off)
- Includes: Hotel transfer, helmet, guide, Moroccan tea
- Company: Agadir Quads (find them on Instagram/TikTok)
#1 — Medina d’Agadir: The Absolute Must-Visit
And at number one — the undisputed highlight of our trip — is the Medina d’Agadir. If you visit Agadir and only have time for one thing, make it this.
Now, Agadir is a fairly modern city. New resorts are popping up everywhere and it doesn’t have that ancient medina feel you’d find in Marrakech or Fes. That’s because the devastating earthquake of 1960 levelled much of the original city. But Italian architect Coco Polizzi rebuilt this medina in a way that beautifully honours traditional Berber architecture, creating an authentic and living tribute to Moroccan craftsmanship and culture.
Entry costs just £3 per person, and a taxi from the beach promenade runs no more than 40 dirham. The medina is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Inside, you’ll find live workshops where artisans craft everything from textiles to beautiful handmade wooden goods right before your eyes. There are places to eat, lovely pathways to stroll along, and even a big play area for children.
What really sets this place apart from Souk El Had is the atmosphere. It’s completely relaxed. There’s no pressure to buy anything, no one calling out to you from every doorway. You can just wander at your own pace and soak it all in. And let me tell you — everywhere you look is absolutely gorgeous. If you want that traditional Moroccan backdrop for some stunning photographs, this is your spot.
If you visit Agadir, this is the one place I would insist you go and see.
Quick Info — Medina d’Agadir
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Taxi cost: ~40 MAD from the promenade
- Vibe: Relaxed, no-pressure, stunning photo opportunities
Bonus Things to Do in Agadir
These didn’t quite make the top five, but they’re still well worth your time if you’re spending a few days in the city.
Bonus #1 — Hit the Casino
Whether it’s day or night, Agadir has three main casinos worth checking out: Casino Shem’s, Casino Atlantic, and Le Mirage. Now, these aren’t exactly Vegas — think smaller venues with around 50 slot machines plus some table games — but they’re a fun way to spend an evening.
You’ll need cash and your ID (especially if you hit a nice win!). The dress code is smart casual — no beachwear allowed. You can play on very low denominations, so it’s easy to have a couple of hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. We spent around £20–£30 and got plenty of play out of it.
Bonus #2 — The Tourist Train of Agadir
Here’s a little tip I wish I’d known sooner: take the tourist train on your first day. For around £1.20, you get an hour-long loop around Agadir that shows you the bars, restaurants, beach spots, and general lay of the land. It’s a hop-on, stay-on kind of deal (you don’t get off along the way), but it’s a brilliant orientation tool.
We saved it for our last day, which was a shame because it would have been so useful at the start of the trip for getting our bearings. It’s great for families with kids, but honestly, we loved it as adults too. For that price, you really can’t complain.
Over to You!
If you’re heading to Agadir soon, I’d love to hear what you’re most looking forward to! And if you’ve already been, what was your favourite thing to do or see while you were there? Drop me a comment below — I read every single one.
Until next time — happy adventures!
Monika x
Bewildered in Morocco
