Salam, fellow travelers! There's something I need to tell you about Agadir that might save your family trip to Morocco. After spending time exploring both Agadir city and the nearby Aourir beach, I've discovered a striking contrast that could make or break your Moroccan adventure, especially if you're traveling with little ones or in a campervan.
Let me take you along on our journey from the bustling streets of Agadir to the peaceful shores of Aourir, and show you why sometimes the less famous spots offer the most authentic experiences.
Agadir: The Unexpected Challenge for Families
Our day in Agadir began with what should have been a simple stop at Marjane for supplies. But as we exited the parking lot, we got our first taste of the city's frenetic energy. Cars honking from every direction, mopeds weaving through traffic, and horse-drawn carts somehow navigating it all – just leaving the supermarket felt like an adventure sport!
Finding parking in the city center was another feat, but we eventually secured a spot along the roadside and continued our exploration on foot. Walking along the coastal promenade, I was immediately struck by how different Agadir feels from the traditional Morocco I'd fallen in love with.
The contrast is impossible to miss: luxury hotels tower over the streets, restaurants display Western prices that make your wallet wince, and trendy nightclubs advertise their evening entertainment. If you're seeking the authentic Morocco of ancient medinas and traditional souks, Agadir might leave you feeling a bit... bewildered.
That said, the city isn't without its charms. The corniche offers beautiful pedestrian walkways facing the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for children to run and play. From any vantage point, you can spot the iconic inscription on the hillside that proudly displays Morocco's motto: "God, The Fatherland, the King" (الله، ٱلْوَطَن، ٱلْمَلِك).
The Children's Perspective
For our little ones, the beach provided a welcome break from the busy city. They happily dipped their toes in the golden sand and breathed in the refreshing sea air. After much searching, we found a small, family-friendly restaurant for a well-deserved snack – not an easy task in a city that caters primarily to a wealthier clientele.
The street performances visible from our table added some local flavor to our meal, and of course, our family's infamous appetite ensured we savored every bite!
The Kasbah of Agadir Oufella: History and Disappointment
No visit to Agadir would be complete without seeing its most emblematic site – the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella. Perched high above the city, this historic fortress offers spectacular panoramic views that showcase the entire bay.
To reach the summit, visitors have two options:
- Take the cable car for approximately €50 round trip (quite steep, and no, there's no ski slope at the top despite the price!)
- Hire a taxi for around €15 round trip, which is what we chose
The view from the top is truly breathtaking, but the experience inside the Kasbah itself left our family feeling somewhat disappointed. The site preserves the memory of the devastating 1960 earthquake – a 5.7 magnitude disaster that destroyed the city in seconds, claimed thousands of lives, and reduced much of Agadir's history to rubble.
While the outer walls remain impressive, very few structures inside survived the earthquake. For the entrance fee, we expected more to see and do, especially for our children who found little to engage with among the stone remains. If you're traveling with kids, be prepared for them to lose interest quickly.
Traveler's Tip: For those interested in learning more about the Kasbah's history, look for the explanatory panels located at the entrance, which provide detailed information about this significant site.
Aourir Beach: A Vanlife Paradise
After our somewhat mixed experience in Agadir, we headed to Aourir beach, located just a few kilometers away – and what a difference those few kilometers made!
Aourir quickly revealed itself as a hidden gem for travelers, especially those in campervans or embracing the vanlife. This wild, natural spot offers everything that Agadir doesn't: peace, simplicity, and an authentic connection with Morocco's stunning coastline.
We parked our vehicle right by the beach, something unimaginable in Agadir. As the sun began to set, we were treated to one of the most magnificent sunsets I've ever witnessed in Morocco – the sky ablaze with orange and pink hues reflecting off the Atlantic waves. This simple pleasure, completely free of charge, was worth more than any luxury hotel experience.
A Day of Simple Joys
The next day became our "day off" from travel – a day dedicated to simply enjoying where we were. We spent hours jumping in the waves, playing beach games on the sand, and breathing in the rejuvenating sea air. It's in these unplanned moments that I'm reminded of how fortunate we are to be experiencing this journey as a family.
I've been dreaming of trying surfing for ages, and Aourir is famous for its waves. But watching the massive rollers crash onto the shore, I had to admit that perhaps this wasn't the day for my surfing debut! The waves looked rather monstrous to my inexperienced eyes, and I found myself wondering if it was just another excuse to postpone my surfing career. Is it the wrong spot, or is the ocean trying to tell me something?
One unexpected highlight of Aourir was watching horse shows on the beach. The riders train their horses in the parking area during the day and then parade them at full gallop along the shoreline at sunset – a magnificent sight that adds to the magical atmosphere.
The Reality of Wild Camping
For vanlifers and those traveling by campervan, Aourir beach is pretty much perfect – with one important caveat. Occasionally, police come to evacuate everyone for safety reasons. It's simply part of the game when wild camping in Morocco. During our stay, we were fortunate enough to avoid any evacuations, while others we met had stayed for over three weeks without issue. Some travelers, however, don't even get to spend a single night before being moved along.
Our evenings at Aourir were filled with family board games – we're quite competitive (and good winners, I might add!). Games have always been central to our family culture; we learn through play, share through play, and truly live while having fun together.
The Verdict: Agadir or Aourir?
If you're traveling through the Agadir region, especially with family or in a campervan, my honest recommendation would be to use Agadir for what you need – shopping, banking, perhaps a quick visit to the Kasbah for the views – but base yourself in Aourir or similar coastal spots for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Agadir certainly has its place in Morocco's tourism landscape. Its modern infrastructure makes it convenient for certain necessities, and its historical significance following the 1960 earthquake gives it importance beyond just being a beach resort. However, for families seeking the true spirit of Morocco, the simpler pleasures of places like Aourir often provide more meaningful connections and memories.
Our next adventure would take us to Paradise Valley, still within the Agadir region – but that's a story for another day!
Practical Tips for Visiting Agadir and Aourir
For Agadir:
- Be prepared for busy traffic and limited parking in the city center
- Visit the Kasbah early for the best views and fewer crowds
- Consider the taxi option (€15) instead of the cable car (€50) to reach the Kasbah
- Budget more for restaurants as prices tend to be higher than in traditional Moroccan cities
- The corniche is great for evening walks with children
For Aourir:
- Perfect for campervans and those embracing vanlife
- Be aware that occasionally authorities might ask you to move for safety reasons
- Great spot for watching sunsets and experiencing beach culture
- Suitable for beginner to advanced surfers (though perhaps not complete novices like me!)
- More budget-friendly than staying in Agadir proper
Have you visited either Agadir or Aourir? Which did you prefer? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you're planning a trip to this region, feel free to ask any questions – I'm always happy to share more details from our family adventures in Morocco.
Until next time, happy travels!