Morocco’s warm climate and unique culture make it a great place to visit, and the thriving city of Agadir stands out as one of the country’s best locations. Read on for a guide on what the city has to offer travellers of all types – from hiking and sightseeing to eating and shopping.
For Outdoor Types and Animal Lovers
Souss Massa National Park
Perhaps one of the best places for hiking in the entire country, the Souss Massa National Park spans 33,000 ha, covering all kinds of landscapes from the lush banks of the Oued Massa River to rippling sand dunes.
You need a guide to visit, but this is no bad thing: a range of tours is available and a local guide will ensure you see all the best sights.
The Kasbah
Although the city was largely rebuilt following the catastrophic earthquake of 1960, much of its history remains on display. One especially interesting site is the Kasbah, a sixteenth-century fortress that sits high atop a hill. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but visitors are rewarded with unique architecture and stunning views.
Crocopark
While Souss Massa boasts its fair share of wildlife, including some rare birds, this conservation park is top of the list when it comes to exotic animals.
As you can probably guess from the name, it’s dedicated to the Nile crocodiles and, if you’ve never seen one in real life before, you’re unlikely to forget the sight of a six metre long, armour-plated, prehistoric killing machine. Don’t worry, though: the enclosures are big enough that they can grow and socialise happily – and, of course, guests view them from a very safe distance!
For Relaxing and Exploring Culture
Agadir Beach
No summer holiday would be complete without a trip to the beach, and the good weather here in North Africa means you can relax under the sun on the sand and cool off in the sea for much of the year.
Hammam
A bathing tradition across much of the Arab world, the hammam has many different forms, but it’s always a wonderful experience. While you might come for the steam room, the calming bath and the pampering, the practice has actually endured so long because of its importance in social life as well.
La Medina
Destroyed in the 1960 earthquake, La Medina d’Agadir was the traditional city centre for much of the area’s long history. Its restoration in the years since 1992 allows you to marvel at both the authentic ancient architecture and the modern triumph of historians, architects and more working together.
Memoire d’Agadir
As its name suggests, Memoire is dedicated to the memory of the city. Smaller and less glitzy than many major museums, its collection of clippings, photographs and artefacts immerses you in city life throughout its history, focusing especially on the time of the earthquake.
For Shopping and Eating
Souk El Had
We all like to pick up some trinkets when we go away, and Agadir has the perfect spot for that. In addition to larger big-name stores, it boasts a great central market in the form of Souk El Had. Everything from arts and crafts to local produce is available here, and it’s worth coming even if you don’t buy anything just to wander the area and see city life in full flow.
Restaurant Les Blancs
As you’d expect from a large and well populated city, Agadir has a lot of restaurants, and there isn’t anywhere enough space in this article to sum them all up.
One of the absolute best, though, is Les Blancs, which offers Spanish-influenced Moroccan cooking with friendly service at reasonable prices. Don’t miss it!
Where to Stay
Located just 100 yards from the city’s tourist centre, guests at Odyssee Park can enjoy a buffet restaurant, snack bar, pool and garden before retiring to their air-conditioned rooms.
This newly renovated four-star hotel boasts a private beach, a fitness centre, a pool and more, including beautifully appointed marble bathrooms in guest rooms and an option of sea or pool views. There’s even a sports field with a variety of equipment, for those who like to exercise outside.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Agadir airport are reasonably priced all year round, although you can save a lot by avoiding popular times like school holidays. At more than three and a half hours for the journey, you might also want to consider comfort when booking. Several airlines offer the route, so you’re not without choice.
Once you land, the best way to get to town is with a prebooked transfer from the airport, which will make the 26km journey in around a half-hour – and without you having to worry about navigating Morocco’s public transport or taxis.
Overview
- UK to AGA Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- AGA to Agadir Distance: 26 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 32 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we pride ourselves on offering easy journeys with friendly, experienced drivers at affordable rates. Even better, our customers agree, ranking us Europe and North Africa’s best airport transfer operator.
