Just stepped off the local bus from Taghazout, and wow – what a difference! Here's my honest take on Agadir beach and why it might (or might not) be your perfect Moroccan getaway.
The Moment You Arrive in Agadir
The contrast hits you immediately. One moment you're in sleepy Taghazout with its laid-back surf town vibes, and the next you're surrounded by towering resort hotels, casinos, and the unmistakable energy of Morocco's most famous beach destination.
Getting There on a Budget: We took the local bus from Taghazout for just 7 dirhams per person (about 30 minutes). Sure, it was packed, but compared to the 300 dirham taxi fare, it felt like a victory! Sometimes the best travel experiences come from choosing the local option.
What Makes Agadir Special
The Beach
Agadir beach is massive – and I mean properly wide. After spending time on Taghazout's more intimate coastline, this felt like stepping into a different world. The Corniche (the waterfront promenade) stretches along the beach with cafes and restaurants lining one side and that gorgeous expanse of sand on the other.
The beach is mainly public, though some sections belong to the beachfront cafes. What struck me most was the sheer space – there's room for everyone here, from families to surfers to sun-worshippers.
Cultural Considerations for Beach-Goers
Here's something important I learned: while bikinis are perfectly acceptable for tourists in Agadir (unlike some other destinations I've visited), cultural sensitivity is still key. I've been to places like Oman where covering elbows and knees was mandatory, and others like Malaysia where beach attire varies by location.
In Agadir, the locals are accustomed to international visitors, and you'll see plenty of tourists in typical beach wear. However, I did witness one rather shocking incident where a European visitor changed completely naked on the beach – something that clearly made the local women uncomfortable. The golden rule? Respect the local culture while enjoying the freedoms this tourist-friendly destination offers.
Beyond the Beach: Agadir's Marina District
The marina area feels distinctly upscale – think luxury apartments, fancy restaurants, and a very Mediterranean vibe. Honestly, it reminded me so much of Portugal's Algarve region! The palm trees, orange trees, and even the construction style feel familiar. Even the seagulls here are the same massive, "seagulls on steroids" variety you find along the Portuguese coast.
It's a beautiful spot for an evening stroll, and if you're into fishing, the marina looked promising with what seemed like millions of fish visible in the clear water.
The Reconstructed Medina: A Unique Experience
Entry: 40 dirhams per person
Getting there: Local taxi with meter (about 23 dirhams)
Here's where Agadir gets interesting from a historical perspective. The original medina was completely destroyed in the devastating 1960 earthquake that killed around 15,000 people – a third of the city's population at the time. What you see today is a beautiful reconstruction built in 1992.
Now, I know what you're thinking – a "fake" medina? But honestly, it's stunning. Every corner is Instagram-perfect, complete with the obligatory medina cats! While it lacks the authentic chaos of places like Marrakech, there's something to be said for the craftsmanship and attention to detail. It actually looks better maintained than many original medinas I've visited.
Pro tip: We visited on a Sunday and found most restaurants closed, so weekdays might offer a more vibrant experience.
The Kasbah Views: Cable Car Adventure
Cost: 120 dirhams per person (standard), 800 dirhams for VIP (though ours was empty anyway!)
The cable car ride to the Agadir Kasbah is incredibly smooth – possibly the best I've experienced. The views over the city, beach, and Morocco's largest fish port are absolutely worth it.
The kasbah itself is another reconstruction (thanks to that 1960 earthquake), but the panoramic views make the trip worthwhile. Unfortunately, recent earthquake damage from 2023 means you can't go inside currently, but the exterior walkways and viewpoints are accessible.
Historical note: Before the current kasbah, this site hosted a Portuguese settlement from the 1500s. The layers of history here – Portuguese, Moroccan, destruction, and reconstruction – tell such a fascinating story of resilience.
Food Scene: International Flavors
After days of tagines and couscous (not complaining – Moroccan food is incredible!), we were ready for something different. Agadir delivers with international options galore. We tried a Pakistani/Indian restaurant right on the beachfront:
- Papadums: 30 dirhams
- Meat samosas (huge!): 55 dirhams
- Plain naan: 15 dirhams
- Chicken Tikka Masala with rice: 125 dirhams
- Chana Masala: 85 dirhams
The spice level was perfect – that sweet spot between flavorless and mouth-burning that's so hard to achieve when ordering abroad.
Nightlife and Entertainment
If you're looking to party, Agadir is your place. Bars, nightclubs, and casinos line the area – a stark contrast to quieter coastal towns where finding alcohol can be a challenge. This is clearly where the party crowd (especially from the UK) comes to let loose.
However, this party reputation is exactly why we chose to stay in Taghazout instead. Hotel reviews consistently mentioned noise from bars and clubs, which isn't our scene when we're seeking relaxation.
Transportation Tips
- Local orange taxis: Use the meter, much cheaper
- Grand taxis: Fixed price (we paid 70 dirhams vs. 23 for the meter taxi)
- Budget tip: Always opt for the meter taxis when available
My Honest Verdict
Agadir beach is undeniably impressive – wide, well-maintained, and offering every amenity you could want. The city feels very international and tourist-friendly, with excellent infrastructure and dining options.
Perfect for you if:
- You love resort-style beaches with all amenities
- You want nightlife and entertainment options
- You prefer international food variety
- You enjoy polished, reconstructed historical sites
Maybe skip if:
- You're seeking authentic, traditional Morocco
- You prefer quieter, more laid-back vibes
- You're on a tight budget (everything costs more here)
- You want to avoid party crowds
For me, I'm grateful we experienced Agadir, but I was happy to return to Taghazout's more authentic, relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes the most famous destination isn't necessarily the most special – but that's what makes travel so personal, isn't it?
What's your take? Do you prefer the convenience of resort destinations or the authenticity of smaller towns? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!