Salam! Hassan here. So you're coming to Morocco for CAN 2025? Excellent choice! While you're here cheering for your team, Agadir offers incredible attractions between matches that will make your tournament experience unforgettable. This coastal city combines football excitement with beach relaxation, rich history, and authentic Moroccan culture—perfect for when you need a break from the stadium energy.
I've been showing visitors around Morocco for years, and Agadir during a major tournament has special magic. The city buzzes with football fever, but it also gives you space to breathe, explore, and truly experience Moroccan hospitality. Let me show you exactly where to go.
Why Agadir Is Perfect for Football Fans
Agadir isn't just about the matches. This city rebuilt itself after a devastating earthquake in 1960, and that resilient spirit matches the passion you'll find in African football. The modern amenities mean you'll be comfortable, while the authentic Moroccan touches remind you exactly where you are.
The weather? Even during the tournament, expect sunshine and temperatures around 20°C. The 12-kilometer beach gives you endless space to relax after intense matches, and the Atlantic breeze keeps everything fresh.
Between Matches: Top Agadir Attractions for CAN 2025
Hit the Beach (Obviously!)
After shouting yourself hoarse at the stadium, Agadir Beach becomes your recovery zone. That golden sand stretches forever, and you can walk for hours without leaving the shore. The promenade has cafes everywhere—grab a fresh seafood lunch or just sit with mint tea and watch the ocean.
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Here's what makes the beach special for tournament visitors: it never feels crowded, even with extra people in town. You'll find pickup football games happening on the sand. Join in! Moroccans love when visitors play, and it's the fastest way to make friends.
The water stays refreshing year-round. If you're brave enough for a swim, the Atlantic wakes you up fast!
Ride the Waves at Taghazout Bay
You came for football, but Taghazout Bay might steal your heart. Just 30 minutes north of Agadir, this surf spot ranks among the world's best. Anchor Point and Killer Point draw surfers from everywhere, and the vibe matches tournament energy—passionate, welcoming, and a bit wild.
Never surfed? No problem. Surf schools line the beach, and instructors get you standing on a board within an hour. After a tense match, catching waves clears your head like nothing else. The salty air, the physical challenge, that moment when you actually ride a wave—it's addictive.
Even if surfing isn't your thing, grab lunch at one of the beachfront cafes. The fish tagine in Taghazout tastes better with your feet in the sand and surfers riding waves in front of you.
Climb to Agadir Oufella Kasbah for Sunset Views
This ancient fortress sits high above the city, built back in 1540. The earthquake damaged it badly, but the restored walls still stand proud. Here's my tip for tournament visitors: go late afternoon, right before sunset.
Why sunset? Two reasons. First, the views blow your mind—the entire bay, the marina, the Atlas Mountains in the distance, and the city sprawling below. Second, after a hot day of matches and beach time, the evening breeze up there feels perfect.
The new cable car makes reaching the kasbah easy. The ride itself gives you incredible views, and you arrive fresh instead of sweaty from climbing. Stand by those ancient walls as the sun drops into the Atlantic, painting everything gold and orange. You'll understand why this spot survived centuries of history.
This is where you feel Morocco's spirit—old and new, resilient and beautiful, all at once.
Dive into Moroccan Culture at Souk El Had
Between matches, skip the tourist restaurants and head to Souk El Had. This market has over 6,000 stalls crammed with everything imaginable. Spices pile high in colorful mountains. Vendors call out prices. The smell of leather, mint, and grilled meat fills the air. It's sensory overload—in the best way.
Bargaining is part of the fun here, not a hassle. Start at half the asking price, smile a lot, and meet somewhere in the middle. Even if you're terrible at negotiating, vendors appreciate the effort. They'll probably offer you tea while you shop.
What to buy? Argan oil (Morocco's famous beauty product), leather goods, traditional clothing, or small rugs make great souvenirs. The food section sells fresh dates, olives, and spices. Pack some Moroccan spice blend to bring match-day energy to your home cooking!
One warning: don't bring your entire wallet. Bring cash for what you plan to spend, leave the rest at your hotel. Not because it's unsafe—just because you'll buy more than you planned when surrounded by beautiful handmade things.
Unwind at Agadir Marina
After noisy stadiums and crowded markets, Agadir Marina offers calm sophistication. Modern restaurants line the waterfront, luxury yachts bob in the harbor, and the atmosphere shifts from traditional Morocco to contemporary elegance.
This is where you celebrate a big win or recover from a heartbreaking loss. The seafood restaurants serve incredible catches—grilled fish, calamari, prawns—and most places have tables right by the water. Order a fresh fish platter, watch the boats, and discuss the match with other fans who gather here.
The marina stays lively into the evening. Live music often plays at the restaurants, and the relaxed vibe welcomes everyone. You'll meet fans from other countries, share tournament stories, and maybe make plans to watch the next match together.
Family Fun at Crocoparc (Yes, Really!)
Traveling with family during CAN 2025? Crocoparc provides a completely different experience. This botanical garden houses over 300 crocodiles—some stretching 4 meters long! The setting is beautiful, with water lilies, cacti, and lush greenery creating an oasis atmosphere.
Kids love it because, well, crocodiles. Adults love it because walking these peaceful gardens offers a break from tournament intensity. Try to catch feeding time—watching these ancient reptiles move is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
The park designers did something clever. They combined wildlife with Moroccan landscaping, so you're experiencing local flora while seeing exotic animals. It's educational without feeling like homework.
Escape to Paradise Valley
This hidden gem sits in the Atlas Mountains, about 40 minutes from Agadir. The name doesn't exaggerate—Paradise Valley really is paradise. Natural pools of crystal-clear water fill a dramatic gorge, surrounded by palm trees and stunning rock formations.
Here's what makes it perfect between matches: it's the complete opposite of stadium crowds. You hike through beautiful scenery, swim in refreshing mountain water, and feel like you've discovered somewhere secret. Local kids jump off rocks into the pools, and the atmosphere stays joyful and relaxed.
Pack swimming clothes, water shoes (rocks can be slippery), and snacks. Small restaurants near the parking area sell drinks and simple food, but bringing your own picnic makes the day better. Find a spot by a pool, swim until you're tired, then just float and stare at the sky.
The contrast between coastal Agadir and mountain Paradise Valley shows you Morocco's incredible diversity. One morning you're on the Atlantic, one afternoon you're in mountain oases. Both feel authentic, both feel magical.
Practical Tips for CAN 2025 Visitors
Getting Around Agadir
Walking works great along the beach and in tourist areas. For longer distances, taxis are everywhere and affordable. Always make sure the meter runs! A local secret: most trips within Agadir shouldn't cost more than 20 dirhams. If a driver refuses the meter, just find another taxi.
For day trips to Taghazout or Paradise Valley, shared taxis save money and add adventure. They leave when full—not on a schedule—so bring patience. But you'll ride with locals, practice your Arabic, and usually pay half what private taxis charge.
Cultural Courtesies
Agadir welcomes tourists and handles diversity well, but small gestures matter. Say "Salam" when entering shops or greeting people. Dress modestly when visiting the mosque or traditional areas like Souk El Had—shoulders and knees covered works fine.
During match days, you'll see Moroccan fans everywhere. Join the celebrations! Moroccans love sharing their football passion with visitors. Just keep politics out of it, respect the local team (even if you're cheering for someone else), and everyone stays happy.
Money Matters
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is what you need. ATMs are common, and exchanging money at official places gives fair rates. Avoid exchanging on the street—the "good deal" usually isn't.
Many restaurants and hotels accept cards, but carry cash for taxis, markets, and smaller places. Markets only take cash anyway, and bargaining works better when you're holding actual money.
Make Your CAN 2025 Experience Unforgettable
Agadir during CAN 2025 gives you something special—world-class football combined with authentic Moroccan experiences. Between matches, you're not stuck in a hotel. You're surfing Atlantic waves, exploring ancient fortresses, bargaining in crowded souks, and swimming in mountain pools.
The tournament brings the excitement. Agadir brings the memories.
Every visitor I've guided here leaves with the same expression—slightly dazed, completely happy, already planning their return. The football might bring you to Morocco, but Agadir's warmth, beauty, and energy make you want to stay.
What attracts you most about combining football with travel? Have you been to Morocco before, or will CAN 2025 be your first time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I love hearing from fellow football fans and travelers!
And if you need specific advice about timing your visits between matches or want restaurant recommendations near the stadium, just ask. That's what this community is for.
Yallah, see you in Agadir! 
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