I had heard people talk about Agadir for years. Everyone told me it was incredible. But when I finally visited this beautiful coastal city, I understood why it has such a special reputation among Moroccans and travelers alike.
Agadir Morocco is different from other Moroccan cities I've explored. While Fes has its ancient medina and Casablanca buzzes with business energy, Agadir offers something more peaceful—a chance to breathe, relax, and enjoy life by the ocean.
My First Impressions of Agadir
When I arrived at Agadir's airport on a Sunday morning, the first thing I noticed was the clear blue sky. After leaving behind cold, foggy weather up north (just 4 degrees with fog for a week!), stepping into Agadir's sunshine felt like a gift. The temperature was around 10-15 degrees in the morning, quickly warming to a comfortable 20 degrees by midday.
The drive from the airport showed me immediately that Agadir Morocco was going to surprise me. Wide, palm-lined avenues. Brand new public buses with "I Love Agadir" written on them. Everything looked modern and well-maintained—like a postcard come to life.
Walking to the Ocean: First Discoveries
My partner and I decided to walk from our neighborhood toward the ocean. This gave us a real feel for the city. We passed through newer residential areas with beautiful palm tree-lined streets. The architecture here is modern, with many new buildings still under construction.
What struck me most? The calmness. Compared to Casablanca or even Fes, there was almost no traffic. I'm not sure if this is because we arrived on a Sunday, or if Agadir is always this peaceful. Either way, it felt incredibly relaxing.
As we walked, we saw:
- The Congress Palace (still under construction but already impressive)
- A lovely urban park with playgrounds, skate parks, and sports facilities—perfect for families
- The Royal Palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens and well-landscaped areas
- Residential areas mixing modern villas with older buildings and construction sites
This mix is common across Morocco. You'll see brand new, modern buildings next to construction sites and older structures. At first, if you come from Europe, it might feel unusual. But you quickly understand this is how the city grows—step by step, piece by piece.
The Corniche and Beach: Agadir's Crown Jewel
After walking several kilometers, we finally reached the ocean. The view took my breath away.
The beach in Agadir is huge. Golden sand stretches as far as you can see. The Atlantic waves roll in constantly—I saw surfers everywhere. In fact, at the airport, I had noticed surfboards being carried by travelers from all over. Agadir Morocco is clearly a surfing destination.
The corniche (the seaside promenade) is beautifully developed. The entire beachfront area has:
- Clean, well-maintained walkways
- Restaurants along the waterfront
- Modern apartment buildings and hotels (though I'm not certain which were residences and which were tourist accommodations)
- A central swimming pool in one of the seaside residences I passed
Everything felt welcoming and easy to navigate. You can walk, sit at a café, or simply watch the waves. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.
The Medina: A Modern Surprise
After our beach walk, I visited Agadir's souk (medina). I had been told it wasn't as traditional as the medina in Fes. And honestly? For me, Fes will always be the best medina in Morocco—it's my favorite.
But Agadir's medina surprised me in a different way. When I walked in, my first thought was: "Wow! I wasn't expecting this at all."
The medina is enormous. Truly huge. The main difference from Fes is that Agadir's medina feels more like covered markets rather than tiny alleyways with small stands. It's organized, spacious, and incredibly impressive in scale.
You could easily get lost exploring. In the heart of the medina, like in all Moroccan medinas, you'll find the fruit and vegetable markets. The selection is magnificent—fresh produce in every color, with vendors ready to help you choose the best.
The medina is surrounded by ramparts (protective walls), just like traditional Moroccan medinas. Even though it's more modern, it still has that authentic Moroccan market feeling.
Taking the Cable Car: Views from Above
One evening, after a successful business meeting, my partner and I decided to take Agadir's cable car (téléphérique). This was an incredible experience.
The cable car is apparently only about 2 years old. It takes you up to the Kasbah of Agadir, high on the hills surrounding the city. This is a brilliant idea because Agadir Morocco is surrounded by hills, which gives the city its pleasant, temperate climate.
From the top, the view of the corniche is magnificent. You can see the entire coastline, the beach, the modern city below, and the ocean stretching to the horizon. The hills create a natural amphitheater around Agadir, making it feel protected and peaceful.
We had dinner up there with a view of the sea. It was the perfect way to end the day.
What Makes Agadir Special
After spending a couple of days exploring, I can tell you what makes Agadir Morocco stand out:
The Weather: Even in winter, Agadir has pleasant temperatures. We were in t-shirts by midday. The climate here is mild year-round, making it perfect for a beach getaway any season.
The Peaceful Atmosphere: This is the most relaxed Moroccan city I've visited. Very little traffic, calm streets, and a slower pace of life. It's perfect if you want to escape the busier cities.
Modern Infrastructure: Everything feels new and well-planned. The public transportation is modern, the streets are clean, and there's ongoing development everywhere.
Surfing Culture: If you love surfing or want to learn, Agadir is the place. The waves are consistent, and you'll see surfers all along the beach.
Beautiful Beaches: The wide, sandy beaches are clean and well-maintained. Unlike some beach towns that feel crowded, Agadir's beaches have space for everyone.
The Corniche: This seaside promenade is perfect for evening walks, dining, or simply watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Practical Tips for Visiting Agadir
Getting There: I flew with Transavia, and the flight was excellent—comfortable and on time. The airport is modern and easy to navigate.
Car Rental: I rented from Aircar, and the service was efficient. Having a car helps you explore different neighborhoods, though the city is also walkable in many areas.
Where to Stay: We paid about 40 euros per night for an apartment with two bedrooms, a kitchen, air conditioning, and a clean bathroom. The accommodation was decent and well-located.
Getting Around: The public buses are brand new and reliable. However, the city is calm enough that you can also easily walk or take shared taxis.
When to Visit: We visited in winter and had beautiful weather. Summer must be even more pleasant, though probably busier with tourists.
Language: Like much of Morocco, French is widely spoken in Agadir. I saw construction signs and information all in French, which made navigation easier for French speakers. Don't worry if you don't speak Arabic—you'll manage fine with French or even basic English in tourist areas.
A Quick Note About Moroccan Cities
If you're coming from Europe, you might notice something about Moroccan cities like Agadir. You'll see modern buildings next to construction sites, sometimes with areas that look unfinished or "in progress."
This is normal here. Construction happens gradually. Once buildings are finished, they're pristine and well-maintained. It's just a different rhythm of development. Don't let it worry you—it's simply how things work, and you quickly get used to it.
My Honest Opinion
Would I live in Agadir Morocco? The city is so peaceful and beautiful that the thought crossed my mind. My partner might complain if I suggested it (we're planning to settle in Casablanca for business reasons), but I can see why people choose Agadir for a quieter life.
We'll definitely have strong connections here through our business partners, and I'm sure we'll visit often. Agadir has that special combination of modern comfort and Moroccan charm that makes it hard to resist.
The city is perfect for families, surfers, beach lovers, and anyone seeking a more tranquil experience of Morocco. It's less intense than Casablanca, more modern than traditional medina cities, and has year-round sunshine. What's not to love?
Breakfast Before Leaving
On my last morning, I had a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local spot. Fresh avocado juice (a Moroccan favorite), Moroccan crepes, mint tea of course, fresh fruits, and toast. Magnificent. Simple, fresh, delicious—just like Agadir itself.
Final Thoughts
Agadir Morocco exceeded my expectations. I arrived not knowing much about the city, and I left impressed and already planning my next visit.
If you're looking for a Moroccan destination that combines beach relaxation, modern amenities, good weather, and a calm atmosphere, Agadir should be at the top of your list. It's not the ancient, maze-like medina experience of Fes. It's not the business hustle of Casablanca. Instead, Agadir offers something uniquely its own—a chance to enjoy Morocco at a slower, sunnier pace.
The hospitality was wonderful, as always in Morocco. We were welcomed like royalty by our Moroccan partners, who showed us the best of their city. This warmth and welcome is something you'll feel throughout Agadir.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Agadir Morocco? What did you love most about it? Are you a surfer who's ridden the Atlantic waves there? Or are you planning your first trip and have questions?
I'd love to hear your stories and answer any questions about Agadir. Drop a comment below and let's chat about this beautiful coastal gem!
And if you're deciding between different Moroccan cities to visit, feel free to ask—I'm happy to share more insights based on my travels around Morocco.
Safe travels, and maybe I'll see you on the corniche in Agadir!