Holiday rentals in Agadir

Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, three hours southwest of Marrakesh, Agadir is largely a modern city due to an earthquake in 1960 that almost destroyed it entirely. Rather than rebuild, officials started from scratch, and today Agadir is filled with striking white buildings, palm-lined boulevards, European-style cafes, and lovely parklands. That’s not to say that you won’t find traditional touches. There are still colourful bazaars and spice-scented souks dotted throughout its centre, and many authentic restaurants serving Moroccan dishes.

Agadir is home to a nine-kilometre-long continuous stretch of gorgeous beach, and a restaurant- and bar-filled promenade that runs along it. If you’re looking for some greenery, the Vallée des Oiseaux Park is lush with magnolias and banana trees, which offer shade from the hot afternoon sun. And Souss-Massa National Park offers wetlands, forests, and beautiful dunes to explore just outside the city. Here, you can spot migrating birds like cormorants and sandgrouse by the river; this is one of the only places on earth where you might see the northern bald ibis.

Agadir experiences a subtropical desert climate with year-round sunshine. June and August are the hottest months, so ensure you pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. In July, one of Morocco’s biggest events, the Timitar Festival, takes centre stage, featuring more than 40 artists, from traditional and modern Moroccan musicians to contemporary international artists. Spring and autumn months are the most pleasant times to be in Agadir, when you can expect plenty of warm, sunny days to enjoy the beach. Winter is also a great time to visit, and although the temperatures will be cooler, you can still expect it to be warm and sunny enough to enjoy a swim. Whenever you visit, you’ll find a range of apartments and accommodations available in Agadir.

Agadir Oufella

The Agadir Oufella ruins, also known as the Kasbah, sit high on the hill overlooking the city’s beach. Here, you can explore the remains of a fortress that was built in 1540 to protect the city from invasion. Unfortunately, parts of it were destroyed by the 1960 earthquake. The crumbling walls of the fortress are still worth visiting, and the views over Agadir alone are worth the trip, especially at sunset.

Agadir Beach

This pristine, nine-kilometre sandy beach is largely sheltered from the winds of the Atlantic and is patrolled by lifeguards in summer. While here, you can book a surf lesson or slice through the waves on a jet ski. Dune buggies are also a common sight. Swimmers should test the waters before jumping in, as the beach is known for its strong undertow.

Souk El Had d’Agadir

The bustling Souk El Had offers a real taste of life in Agadir at this traditional Moroccan market. Nearly 6,000 stalls sprawl over more than 30 acres, making it one of the largest markets in the country. Here you’ll find fragrant and colourful spices, delicious Moroccan treats, clay tagines, handmade rugs, homewares, and many quintessential Moroccan gifts. Most sellers will advertise set prices, but if you’re feeling brave, they won’t mind some friendly haggling.