Agadir and Taghazout Travel Guide: Beaches, Surf and Where to Stay
Sunny beaches, the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, Souk El Had and surfing in Taghazout, plus the best hotels and surf houses in every budget.
Agadir is Morocco’s sunniest beach city: a long golden bay, a palm-lined promenade and around 300 days of sunshine a year. Just up the coast, the fishing village of Taghazout has become one of Africa’s best-loved surf spots, with blue boats on the sand, white houses tumbling down to the waves and a relaxed, barefoot rhythm. Together they make the perfect place to slow down after the medinas and mountains.
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Agadir and Taghazout at a glance
- Best for: beach holidays, surfing, winter sun, family trips
- Ideal stay: 2 to 4 nights, longer if you are learning to surf
- Best months: October to May for surf and mild weather; summer for beach holidays
- Arrive by: flight to Agadir Al Massira Airport, or about 3 hours by motorway from Marrakech
Agadir in brief
Agadir looks different from other Moroccan cities, and there is a reason. In February 1960 an earthquake destroyed most of the old town and its hilltop kasbah. The city was rebuilt further south as a modern resort, with wide avenues, gardens and a beachfront promenade that stretches along the bay. What it lacks in old medina charm, it makes up for with sunshine, space and easy living.
Best things to do in Agadir
- Walk the beach promenade. The corniche runs for kilometres along the sand, lined with cafés, ice-cream stalls and restaurants. Go at sunset, when locals come out for a stroll.
- Ride up to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella. The 16th-century kasbah on the hill above the port was ruined in 1960 and has since been rebuilt on its original layout. A cable car takes you up in a few minutes, and the views over the bay, the port and the Atlas foothills are the best in the city.
- Get lost in Souk El Had. One of the biggest markets in Morocco, with thousands of stalls behind its walls selling spices, fruit, pottery, argan oil and amlou, the local almond, argan and honey spread.
- Eat fresh fish at the port. The fishing port is one of the busiest in the country. Simple grills near the harbour cook the day’s catch in front of you.
- Stroll the marina. Boutiques, waterfront cafés and boat trips along the bay, including sunset cruises.
Taghazout: Morocco’s surf village
About 20 kilometres north of Agadir, Taghazout grew from a small fishing village into Morocco’s surf capital. The coast here faces the big Atlantic swells, and a string of famous breaks lines the bay, from gentle beach waves for beginners to the long right-handers that experienced surfers travel for. Surf schools, board rentals, yoga studios and rooftop cafés fill the village, while the newer Taghazout Bay resort area to the south adds golf, large hotels and a long beachfront promenade.
- Learn to surf. A few days of lessons is the classic Taghazout experience. Schools provide boards and wetsuits and take you to the right beach for the day’s conditions.
- Watch the sunset from a rooftop. Grab a mint tea or a smoothie above the bay as the surfers catch the last waves.
- Visit Paradise Valley. About an hour inland, this palm-filled gorge in the Atlas foothills has natural rock pools for swimming. Go early to avoid the crowds.
- Take a day trip to Imsouane. Further north, this tiny fishing village is famous for one of the longest waves in Africa.
Where to stay in Agadir
Most hotels line the beachfront or sit a few streets back. For quiet, family-friendly stays, look at the Founty area at the southern end of the bay.
Agadir Gardens Center Hotel
Budget · Talborjt
A friendly, great-value hotel in the Talborjt neighbourhood, with air-conditioned rooms with balconies, a garden, free Wi-Fi and free parking. A good base if you want to explore the city on foot and save money for activities.
Ocean Atlantic View
Mid-range · Founty · 5 minutes from the beach
A spacious apart-hotel a short walk from the beach, with an outdoor pool, sauna and hammam. Every room looks over the sea or the pool, and some have kitchens, which makes it a good choice for families and longer stays.
Amadil Ocean Club
Mid-range · Direct beach access
A popular 4-star resort with direct access to the sand, swimming pools, a spa and sea-view rooms with traditional Moroccan décor. A favourite for relaxed beach holidays close to the city centre.
Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Luxury · Private beach · thalassotherapy
A 5-star resort on its own stretch of beach, with a thalassotherapy centre, pools set in gardens and modern rooms with terraces. The place to stay if you want a spa holiday by the ocean.
Where to stay in Taghazout
Tafokt Surf House
Budget · Surf house · 5 minutes from the beach
A sociable surf house in the heart of the village, with a shared kitchen, lounge, terrace and breakfast. Perfect for solo travellers and surfers on a budget.
L’Auberge Taghazout
Mid-range · Beachfront · village centre
Right on the beach in the centre of the village, with sea views, a sun terrace, rooms with balconies and kitchenettes, and yoga classes. Step out of the door and into the waves.
Taghazout Palm Hotel
Mid-range · Tamraght · pool
A modern 4-star hotel in neighbouring Tamraght with a year-round outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurant and bar. Comfortable rooms with balconies make it a calm base between surf sessions.
Pickalbatros White Beach Taghazout
Luxury · All-inclusive · beachfront
A large beachfront resort with an infinity pool, spa, several restaurants and direct access to the sand. Ideal if you want an all-inclusive break with the ocean on your doorstep.
Getting there and around
Agadir Al Massira Airport has direct flights from many European cities, and it is the easiest way in. Book a fixed-price airport transfer with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups to reach your hotel without haggling. From Marrakech, the motorway makes the drive about three hours, and comfortable CTM and Supratours buses run several times a day. In town, orange petits taxis are cheap; ask the driver to use the meter. To explore the coast at your own pace, compare car rentals on DiscoverCars.
Book activities
Surf lessons, quad rides in the dunes, Paradise Valley excursions and sunset boat trips can all be booked in advance on GetYourGuide. Stay connected for maps and taxi apps with a Morocco eSIM from Airalo.
Do it like a Moroccan: local tips
- Respect the ocean. Atlantic currents can be strong. Swim where lifeguards are on duty and ask surf schools about the conditions.
- Cover up away from the beach. Swimwear is fine on the sand, but wear a T-shirt and shorts or a dress in town and in the souk.
- Buy argan oil from cooperatives. The Souss region is the home of the argan tree. Women’s cooperatives sell genuine oil and amlou, and you can watch the traditional process.
- Bring a layer. Even in summer, evenings by the ocean can feel cool and windy.
When to go
Agadir is sunny all year. From October to April the surf is at its best in Taghazout and the weather is mild and pleasant, which makes it a favourite winter escape for Europeans. Summer brings hot days, calmer seas for swimming and busy beaches, as Moroccan families from the north head south on holiday.
Continue your trip with our Essaouira travel guide, the Dakhla travel guide or the Marrakech travel guide, or plan your route with the free Moroccanly trip planner.
Cover photo: SnapSaga on Unsplash
Questions and tips
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