For some people, Morocco conjures up visions of an exotic, faraway destination with unfamiliar culture and food, and an overwhelming “difference” that makes it seem like it could be more hassle than holiday. While, of course, in some parts of the country (as almost anywhere in the world) visitors could find it hard going and a little intimidating, this is certainly not the case in Agadir — a modern coastal city located in southern Morocco.
Get to Know Agadir
An extremely accessible destination (it even has its own airport), Agadir has great touristic appeal for those looking for something a little adventurous, but still with the familiar comforts of home. It attracts a varied demographic of holidaymakers: some come for the gorgeous beaches, some for the fascinating and authentic culture, and some to explore the incredible surrounding landscape. But the smart ones make sure they immerse in a combination of all of those aspects.
Even if you’ve only got three days, here are three very different ways to enjoy them.
Explore the Culture
Agadir is that curious anomaly of a thriving, modern city with deep cultural and historical roots. What that means is you don’t have to look too far to find that heritage evoked, through its ancient architecture, souks, and monuments. Here are just two of the cultural highlights.
The Kasbah: A visit to the sixteenth-century hilltop Kasbah Agadir Oufella offers a dramatic window into the past. It’s not a gentle stroll to get there, so be prepared (or take the cable car!), but once there you can wander around and soak up the tangible sense of history that still remains. Even though only the outer walls have survived the centuries, the sheer scale of the rammed-earth construction is incredible, and the magnificent views of the city and Atlantic coastline it affords are the icing on the cake.
The Amazigh Heritage Museum: Museums offer a fantastic way to gain a potted history of a region, and the Musee du Patrimoine Amazigh is absolutely exceptional in doing that. The traditional culture and daily lives of the Amazigh people (the Berbers) come into sharp focus in the museum, with thoughtfully curated displays of jewellery, artefacts, crafts, clothes, objects, and weapons. It also houses ancient and contemporary art works, along with some impressive wooden doors. The modest building holds a trove of history within its walls and it’s a great starting point to immersing further in the region’s proud and tightly-held culture.
Get Cooking
The way to a destination’s cultural heart and soul is nearly always through its cuisine, but if you want to delve a little further than your own taste buds can take you, joining a small-group cooking class with a local chef can be hugely enriching. A cooking class is an authentic way of delving into the traditional cuisine with the bonus of a history lesson along the way. Understanding how to shop, prepare, and present food from recipes and methods that have been passed down for centuries is not only fun and delicious, but also very instructive. Naturally, the famous tagine (or tajine) is high on the agenda of most chefs, and you’ll discover how each ingredient and spice has a purpose in the overall flavour (and why). Choose a class that incorporates a visit to the local souk to purchase fresh ingredients and aromatic spices and it’s even better. Go beyond cooking into a genuine cultural immersion.
Talk to the Animals
Crocodiles: You might not be expecting to encounter crocodiles in the desert, but CrocoParc, situated just east of the city, makes for a fascinating day to get up close (although not too close!) to a host of other wildlife as well. The rare Nile crocodile is most definitely not rare here — and there are literally scores of them sunning themselves around the huge central pond. It’s an arresting spectacle, as it’s not such a common sight to see so many at once. As well as crocs you’ll see monkeys, iguanas, snakes and more, and be able to explore the beautiful gardens, which are filled with exotic and rare plants and flowers. There’s a shuttle bus that will take you to and from CrocoParc (bookings required through your hotel).
Camels: For a touch of adventure and romance, you can round out a wildlife-inspired day with something that goes right to the heart of Berber tradition. As sunset falls over the gorgeous beaches of Agadir, cast your apprehension aside and climb high aboard a camel, for a guided stroll along the sand under the steam of one of these gentle animals. For one of the most enduring memories of your holiday, watch the breathtaking colours paint the beach, ocean and skyline of the city in a picturesque palette, and enjoy the absolute joy and freedom of this unique experience.
There’s so much more to Agadir than meets the eye and, once visited, it’s a place that is very hard not to return … Same time next year?
Where to Stay
The View Agadir: With a seaside setting, luxury facilities, and an ambience of exotic, 5-star opulence, this stunning hotel features sophisticated decor, a convenient location, and warm, welcoming staff to cater to your needs. Onsite amenities include six restaurants, spa and wellness therapies, a sauna, an incredible breakfast buffet, and a spectacular pool and terrace in lush surroundings. Make your stay extraordinary!
Iberostar Waves Founty Beach: Set beside the beautiful beach and within easy reach of everything in central Agadir, this all-inclusive experience offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with balconies, air-conditioning, and a blend of modern and traditional furnishings and decor. There’s an excellent onsite restaurant serving up superb Moroccan and international cuisine, a hammam and beauty salon, a pool, piano bar, and much more. The perfect haven in Agadir.
Artisana Villa: This traditional style villa on the beachfront delivers a relaxed stay with everything at your fingertips. Complete with its own private indoor pool and outdoor dining space, and offering beautiful ocean and mountain views from the terrace, you’ll feel right at home in this spacious, beautifully presented villa.
How to Get There
While Morocco is an exotic destination, the logistics of getting there are easy. You’ll fly into Agadir Airport, with the journey taking just over four hours from the UK. Various carriers fly the route and you can choose from around 32 flights a week from airlines including British Airways, Tui, Jet2, and WIZZ. In the low season (December and January) flights start from as little as £27.
When you land, Shuttle Direct can get you from the airport at Agadir to Agadir itself in the easiest and most convenient way. Pre-book a shared or private airport transfer with us and a professional local driver will be waiting to get you wherever you need to go, with no delays and no standing around in a queue.
Overview
UK to AGA Flight Time: 4 hours, 10 mins approx.
AGA to Agadir Distance: 16 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 32 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
You can put your trust in Shuttle Direct to get you from the airport at Agadir to Agadir city centre safely, comfortably and without delay. Because we understand that everyone has different needs and wants when they travel, we’ve got an airport transfer for everyone.
The first option is to pre-book one of our local taxis. This means you’ll get the door-to-door convenience of a regular taxi service, but you won’t have to stand around in a taxi queue with all the other passengers. Your driver will meet you and then take you straight to your accommodation in Agadir without delay.
One of our most popular options is a shared shuttle bus, which is a very economical way of getting from the airport to Agadir. After your flight lands, you’ll go to a designated meeting point where you’ll meet your driver and other passengers, before setting off on the short journey in a comfortable, modern shuttle bus to a central drop-off point in the city.
If you’re keen to start and end your holiday with a touch of luxury, one of our door-to-door private transfers will make you very happy. When your flight lands, your driver will be waiting in the terminal to escort you to a high-end vehicle, then you’ll simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to the doorstep of your accommodation.
For anyone who’s travelling with a larger group of friends or family, pre-booking one of our minibus transfers from the airport at Agadir to Agadir itself means you can all travel together, with the larger capacity vehicle providing plenty of room for people and luggage. Holiday logistics are made so much easier when you can travel in one vehicle, so a Shuttle Direct minibus is the perfect door-to-door option for a group.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Deciding how to get from the airport at Agadir to Agadir city centre is a decision for the individual traveller. Your choice of which airport transfer will suit you best comes down to whether you prioritise cost or convenience.
Cost: For some people, saving money is the top priority so sticking to a budget is imperative. If that’s you, then one of our highly cost-effective shared shuttle buses will be ideal. While the service isn’t door-to-door, you’ll be taken to a central drop-off at your destination. Because it’s shared with other passengers it’s much more affordable than a private option.
Convenience: If, however, you don’t want to travel with other passengers and you’re more focused on the convenience of a door-to-door option, then our luxury private transfer options will get you from the airport at Agadir to Agadir accommodation in quick time, without any hassles. You’ll pay a bit extra but get exactly what you want!
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the most trusted and reliable operators of airport transfers to and from an extensive range of destinations all over the world. When you’re looking for safe, comfortable onward ground transport, we’ve got something to suit every kind of traveller. From budget-friendly shared shuttle buses right up to luxury private transfers direct to the door of your accommodation, we can help. Our friendly, professional drivers will ensure you start and end your holiday the right way. Get in touch today and secure your pre-booked airport transfer.
