About Agadir
A quick, factual introduction to the city and its surroundings — useful before you choose your experiences.
Where is Agadir?
Agadir is a city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, in the Souss-Massa region in the south-west of the country. It sits where the Souss plain meets the sea, with the foothills of the Atlas rising to the north and east. Agadir Al Massira airport lies around 25 km south-east of the city.
A city rebuilt
On 29 February 1960 a shallow earthquake struck Agadir. Between 12,000 and 15,000 people — roughly a third of the population at the time — lost their lives, and the old town on the kasbah hill was destroyed. The city was rebuilt a little further south, which explains its wide avenues and modern architecture. The walls of the hilltop kasbah, Agadir Oufella, have since been restored, and a cable car to the summit opened in 2022.
Beach, port and marina
The city's long, sandy bay is lined by a seafront promenade. At its northern end are Agadir Marina, opened in 2007, and a busy working port below the kasbah hill. Further north, the coast becomes wilder, with surf villages such as Tamraght and Taghazout.
Culture and language
The Souss is a heartland of Amazigh (Berber) culture, and Tashelhit is widely spoken alongside Arabic; French is common in shops and hotels. The region is also the home of the argan tree — the Arganeraie was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1998 — and you will see argan oil, honey and almonds sold in markets such as Souk El Had.
Around Agadir
- Paradise Valley — palm-lined gorges and rock pools in the foothills.
- Atlas villages — Amazigh hamlets and Imouzzer Ida Outanane.
- Taghazout — the surf village up the coast.
- Crocoparc — crocodiles and gardens in Drarga.
Planning your stay? Read our practical travel tips next.