Agadir Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Getting Around & Logistics
Is there a train to Agadir? No, the rail network ends at Marrakech. You must take a bus (Supratours or CTM) or a grand taxi.
How much is a taxi from the airport? The fixed rate is usually around 200 MAD ($20).
Are there ride-sharing apps? Yes, “inDrive” and “Careem” are popular and often cheaper than street taxis.
What are the “Petit Taxis”? Small orange cars for city travel. They must use a meter; if they don’t, negotiate the price before getting in.
How do I get to Taghazout? You can take bus #32 or #33 from the city center, or a shared grand taxi.
Can I walk everywhere? The beachfront and tourist zone are very walkable, but you’ll need transport for the Souk or the Kasbah.
Is it easy to rent a car? Yes, and roads in Agadir are wider and easier to navigate than in other Moroccan cities.
Should I hire a private driver? It’s great for day trips to Paradise Valley or Essaouira if you don’t want to drive yourself.
Is Agadir safe at night? Generally yes, especially in the tourist areas, though avoid unlit alleys and use common sense.
How long does the bus from Marrakech take? Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours via the highway.
Things to Do & Attractions
What is Agadir Oufella? The ruins of the old Kasbah on the hill; go for the best panoramic sunset views.
Is the cable car worth it? Yes, it’s a modern way to get to the Kasbah and offers great views.
Where is the best market? Souk El Had. It has over 6,000 stalls and is one of the largest in North Africa.
Is Crocoparc worth visiting? Highly recommended on Reddit, especially for families. It’s a beautifully landscaped crocodile park.
What is “Paradise Valley”? A palm-lined mountain oasis with natural pools for swimming, about 45 minutes away.
Is there a Medina? The original was destroyed; “La Médina d’Agadir” (Coco Polizzi) is a beautiful 1992 reconstruction you can visit.
Can I surf in Agadir? The main beach is okay for beginners, but serious surfers head 20 minutes north to Taghazout or Imsouane.
What is Vallee des Oiseaux? A small, free bird park/zoo in the city center (note: it is currently undergoing renovations).
Are there boat trips? Yes, many half-day cruises leave from the Marina, often including lunch and fishing.
Is there a museum? The Musee Municipal du Patrimoine Amazigh is excellent for learning about Berber culture.
What is Souss-Massa National Park? A birdwatcher’s paradise south of the city, home to the rare Northern Bald Ibis.
Can I do a desert trip from here? You can do “small desert” (Pre-Saharan) dunes nearby, but the Sahara (Merzouga) is a 10+ hour drive.
Is the Marina worth visiting? It’s very modern and “European,” filled with luxury yachts and brand-name shops.
Where can I see camels? Usually at the south end of the main Agadir beach.
Are there quad bike tours? Yes, many tours operate in the dunes and forests just outside the city.
What is the “Banana Village”? Aourir, a village on the way to Taghazout famous for its sweet bananas and tajines.
Can I go to Essaouira for a day? Yes, it’s about 3 hours away. Many people prefer its “boho” vibe to Agadir’s resort style.
Is Agadir good for kids? Very. The beach is shallow, there are many parks, and the hotels are family-oriented.
Can I see goats in trees? Yes, along the road to Essaouira, goats often climb Argan trees to eat the fruit.
Where can I find a traditional Hammam? Argan Palace is a popular mid-range choice, or ask your hotel for a local “neighborhood” one.
Food & Drink
Is the tap water safe? Most travelers on Reddit recommend bottled or filtered water to be safe.
Can I buy alcohol? Yes. Unlike some cities, Agadir has many bars, and supermarkets like Carrefour and Uniprix have liquor sections.
What is the must-try dish? Seafood! Specifically grilled sardines or a fish tajine.
Where is the best cheap food? Look for the “fry shops” near the port or small stalls in the Souk.
Are there western restaurants? Plenty. You’ll find McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and high-end French/Italian bistros.
What is “Amlou”? A delicious Moroccan spread made of toasted almonds, argan oil, and honey.
Is mint tea served everywhere? Yes, it’s the “Moroccan whiskey”—ubiquitous and very sweet.
Should I tip? Yes, small tips (5-10 MAD) are appreciated in cafes; 10% is standard in restaurants.
Is breakfast usually included in hotels? Almost always, and it usually features fresh bread, olives, and eggs.
Are there vegan options? Vegetable tajines and couscous are everywhere, just specify “no meat/butter.”
Culture & Etiquette
How should I dress? Agadir is very liberal. Bikinis are fine on the beach/pool. In the Souk, it’s respectful to cover shoulders/knees.
Do I need to haggle? Absolutely, especially in the Souk. Start at about 50% of their first price.
Is it okay to take photos of people? Always ask first. Some street performers will expect a small tip.
What languages are spoken? Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber (Tachelhit), French, and increasingly English in tourist areas.
Is Agadir conservative? It is the most “Westernized” city in Morocco, but still holds Islamic values.
What is Ramadan like in Agadir? It’s quieter during the day, but the nights are festive. Some restaurants may be closed until sunset.
Can couples hold hands? Public displays of affection should be kept modest, but holding hands is generally fine.
Is Friday a special day? Yes, it’s the holy day. Many shops in the Souk close at midday for prayer and couscous.
What does “Shukran” mean? It means “Thank you.”
How do I say “No thank you” to street sellers? “La, Shukran” with a polite smile and a hand over your heart.
Practical Tips
When is the best time to visit? June to September for heat; March to May for perfect mild weather.
What is the “Agadir Fog”? A morning sea mist that often clears by midday in the summer.
Are there ATMs? Plenty in the tourist zone and at the airport.
Should I use a card or cash? Cash (Dirhams) is king in the Souk/taxis; hotels and big restaurants take cards.
Is there a SIM card I should get? “Maroc Telecom” or “Orange” are best. You can get them at the airport.
Are there many mosquitoes? Not many, but some hotels near the lush valley areas might have them.
How is the internet? Generally good in hotels and cafes (30-50 Mbps is common).
Do I need a power adapter? They use European Type C and E (two round pins).
Is Agadir expensive? It’s cheaper than Europe but slightly pricier than non-tourist Moroccan towns.
What should I buy at the Souk? Argan oil, leather goods, spices, and ceramics.
Is the Argan oil real? Buy from reputable cooperatives or “Argan Palace” to ensure it’s not diluted with vegetable oil.
Can I use Euros? Some places accept them, but the exchange rate will be poor. Use Dirhams.
Are the beaches public? Yes, though hotels have “private” cordoned-off sections with loungers.
Is there a lot of catcalling? Less than in Marrakech, but it happens. Ignoring it is the best strategy.
Are there pharmacies? Yes, marked with a green neon cross. They are very well-stocked.
What is the “Petit Taxi” capacity? Maximum 3 passengers. No exceptions.
How do I get to the airport? Arrange a transfer through your hotel or use the “inDrive” app.
Is there a cinema? Yes, though most films are dubbed in French.
Can I swim in the winter? The Atlantic is chilly ($18^{\circ}C$), but many hotels have heated pools.
What is the “Uniprix”? A famous fixed-price supermarket—great if you hate haggling for souvenirs.
Are there public toilets? Rare. Use cafes or restaurants (leave a 2 MAD tip for the attendant).
What is the voltage? $220V$.
Is Agadir disability-friendly? More so than other Moroccan cities because it’s flat and modern.
Can I visit a Mosque? Most are for Muslims only. The Mohamed V Mosque is beautiful to view from the outside.
What is the local beer? “Casablanca” or “Flag Spéciale.”
How much is a coffee? A “Nous Nous” (half milk, half coffee) is usually 10-15 MAD.
Is it safe to go solo? Yes, many solo travelers enjoy Agadir.
What is “Petit Dejeuner”? Usually a French-style breakfast with pastries and coffee.
Are there night clubs? Yes, mostly located within the larger hotels along the beach.
Can I rent a surfboard? Yes, plenty of shops on the beach and in Taghazout.
What is the wind like? It can be very windy (the “Alize”), which is great for windsurfers but less for sunbathing.
Do I need a visa? Citizens of the UK, US, EU, and Canada typically don’t for stays under 90 days.
Is the airport big? It’s medium-sized and efficient.
Can I fly direct from Europe? Yes, many budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet fly there.
What is the “Talborjt” district? A more local, authentic neighborhood with great, cheap food.
Are there sharks? No, the Atlantic coast here is safe.
Can I hike? Yes, in the foothills of the Atlas or through Paradise Valley.
How do I say “Hello”? “Salam Alaykum.”
Is there a laundry service? Most hotels offer it, or look for a “Pressing” in town.
What is the Sunday Souk? “Souk El Had” literally means “Sunday Market,” but it’s open every day except Monday.
Can I buy a carpet? Yes, but this requires serious haggling and research.
Is there a tourist office? Yes, located near the beach.
What is the “Banana Beach”? A beach near Aourir popular with campers.
Are there street cats? Yes, everywhere. Most locals look after them.
Should I bring a sweater? Yes, even in summer, the desert air makes the nights cool.
Is Agadir boring? Some find it “too modern,” but others love the lack of stress compared to Marrakech.
Can I visit Taroudant? Yes, it’s “Mini-Marrakech” and only 1.5 hours away.
Is there a lot of plastic? Morocco has banned plastic bags, but you’ll still see some litter in rural areas.
What is the “Corniche”? The long paved walkway along the beach, perfect for people-watching.
Will I want to come back? According to TripAdvisor, Agadir has one of the highest “repeater” rates in Morocco!