© Jeannette D’Souza 2025

What comes to mind when booking a vacation…. the experience of thrilling adventures or exotic aromas, bright sunny seas or enchanting cultural experiences, or simply quiet and serene moments…, Morocco’s Agadir has a bit for everyone!

Tucked within the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the vibrant city of Agadir is situated near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it boasts of a prolonged and charming coastal line by the marina and sunlit breathtaking spells that face the Atlantic Ocean!
The city of Agadir is a cultural home to the Berber tribes also known as the Amazigh, with more than a few languages originating from Berber communities, Tamazight is one of Morocco’s official languages and another native language is Tachelhit. Besides being a vast fishing port, Agadir is also a prominent city in Morocco with booming business opportunities and real estate development. While on the other hand its rich cultural heritage is intriguing, the lifestyle of the rural people is traditionally interwoven in harmony with nature and wonderfully sustainable.
The scenic hills and dunes of Agadir are a surreal treat when passing about them in coaches of comfortable rides, and even more so dreamlike when closing up on these rich experiences in person.
What makes one want to try out from any desert adventures or even milder ventures for that matter is the inviting spirited nature of Agadir! Its unique culture, the heartfelt offering of one’s humanness and most of all wrapped in a hearty smile.
I could choose and pick from many of my personal favourite spots to visit yet limiting myself to the few memorable ones.
From the fascinating views of the city it felt like Agadir is a place for family holidays that could be packed with excitement and fun!

Nothing like spending first few days by the refreshing beach of Agadir watching the rising sun, gazing on the pristine waters that burst into inviting warm waves!
Experience the mid morning balmy sands as you stroll down by the relaxing marina, listening to the sound of sea life and savouring local treats! A calm stillness pervades the mornings as the sands reflect the warmth from the sun, if you drift along towards late afternoons there is a distinct rush of sea breeze…

The unmissable Kasbah Agadir Oufella- the fortress of Agadir sits gracefully atop a mountain that is 236 metres above sea level with an Arabic inscription over the mountain that reads- ‘God, Country, King’! To the people of Agadir the inscription is significant; in few words to state that their hearts be foremost to align with the phrase. The Kasbah is a historical monument that has become a place of memory and a place of history, in ancient times it was a site for promoting international trade.
The fortress stands at one end of the marina and the views from atop are spectacular that capture the harbour line and the city. There is also a religious site and ancient remains from excavations that give insight into the history of the city.
As you start walking towards this mountain there is much to see and experience from local culture to booking excursions and guided tours along the bay. There are colourfully strewn shops very alluring, while the unique food joints around offer on their menu most dishes made from farmed local produce and fresh fish from the sea, hence menu items can be seasonal.

During leisure hours by the sea front, entertainers sing and play on their traditional instruments taking you back in time, away from the noises of city-dom!
There are traditional entertainers and buskers who perform on unique musical instruments during the afternoon and evening, their soulful folk tunes and other popular favourites linger on whilst pottering by. If you are a fan of folk music, wander along the sea front towards late afternoons to enjoy family moments best and savour some local traditional delights…

Nature excels at its best when left unmoved , the desert vegetation of Agadir reveals a lush growth of cacti and shrubs spiralling over sandy dunes creating a spectacularly brilliant scene. Getting away from the main city area you can experience a cultural shift in the topography…even the freshness from the sea air is irresistible and exhilarating especially around verdant groves and fruit orchards.
And, those beautiful sands of Tamri region over distant hills invite panoramic views of the sea and farming areas with livestock grazing around.

Deserts echo mystic sounds and soothing sights which are very therapeutic and enchanting, giving it a spiritual sense. There is this inexplicable need to find one’s expression and emotions when walking through endless sand, it is the feeling of finding yourself in this space of time and you realise the minimal need of human beings… watching desert life with its flora and fauna under blue skies evokes a sense of being one with divinity in nature and adapt to its beautiful ways!
Walking for distances you also realise that treading from lower altitudes to higher can be challenging 😉 yet rewarding!

Camel safaris; they can be fun and educating as you can get to gel with groups and share experiences together.
About the skilful camel owners; they are experts at making their way into the desert surviving through extreme desert conditions especially sand storms. The furrows on their countenances with hidden expressions speak so…
Travelling through larger arid regions is rigorous, cameleers who are local tribesmen dress differently and cover their faces to shield from extreme weather. They also ensure the safety of their camels with natural woven coverings over them.
When leading camel caravans, cameleers pace along beaten tracks that are greener and identifiable only through natural landmarks and the skies. They secure the animals into a connected line with ropes, as cameleers lives revolve around these gentle animals they have learned to communicate effectively with them and also direct them by their names. They teach you simple ways to manoeuvre the camel as you make through the desert and enjoy being a part of it through changing landscapes.

Tourists often put the experience of camel rides as their first little adventure and so it was… with a touch of apprehension of mounting a really tall camel-back I finally made it atop.
Edging a little as all the camels slowly rose up to their feet, riders soon started onwards into the desert, as all reached a comfortable pace over plateau ground we relaxed to their lateral movements. Our group safari had many families and so it seemed enjoyable pacing together.

Exploring the hilly areas around Agadir is adventurous and fun especially for youngsters who fancy Quad bikes. Quad bikes are easy to ride and beginners can book group excursions to get a first feel of the desert.
The Quad trip starts midday and circles around the dunes and hilly wadis of Agadir routing over simple as well as rugged terrain. As the quad guide leads groups over sandy curves and peculiar bends it gets a bit adventurous yet equally thrilling when you get to confidently manoeuvre over the machines. In the cooler months the sport is enjoyable and exhilarating especially when the bikes track upwards and downwards over sandy dunes. Trailing along pebbled sea fronts is enjoyable and relaxing when moving through the exhilarating sea air.

If you prefer more relaxed ways to experience the sultry stunning landscapes of Agadir there are 4 wheeled drive & mini coach companies too that take tourists. Visitors at leisure can be seen halting in between to take in stunning views. En route one might stop over to experience local sea food and other treats at traditional restaurants, they are good however few and far between and operate seasonally.

The arid desert regions call to nomadic life and local Berber tribes are skilful self trained experts thriving through every mood of the region. Their innate expertise, vigilance and mastery over the gentle beasts while having an in-depth understanding of the desert are all remarkable and noteworthy.
We were privileged to encounter such persons, -Muhemmadh and Reza ‘the camel whisperers’, who enchanted us over agile feats and with a gentle mastery over the ships of the desert! Demonstrating how the huge camels interacted with strangers, we were led into a unique experience of looking closely into camel dwellings and got to see baby camels that were a few days old.
Age old techniques from animal husbandry are still employed in Agadir to bring about a harmonious culture for breeding and thoughtfully regarding the rearing and use of these wonderful animals.

The crisp and light breeze into the mountains is favourable to sports like hot air ballooning which got recently added to tourist attractions in Agadir. The sport has sparkled interest for last few years among tourists and locals alike in Marrakesh and so it was extended into Agadir.
While hot air ballooning can be fun, and some would regard the sport as a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience yet I had to miss this.. However it was enjoyable enough living vicariously through my family’s exciting venture that came to be a visual delight to me!
At dawn the safari tours assembled groups deeper into the desert to start off the unique hot air balloon experience. There were more than a handful passengers moving into the small partitioned compartments in the wicker basket of the balloon, the gondola’s gates were secured ready for take off….Amid wonder and excitement the group’s lift off took place precisely noting in timing towards favourable weather conditions.
As the balloon made its way upwards, its brilliant hues reflected over the waking morning shadows, transforming it into a large floating lantern! The balloon floated for about an hour while the landing grounds were being cleared for the descent which was not all that appealing, nevertheless the adventurers had a great time in the air and carried away some wonderful memories!

Agadir’s itinerary is only considered complete with a trip to one of the world’s largest traditional market – Souk El Had. The market boasts of over 6000 shops and offers goods from fine leather, authentic argan oil, hand woven rugs, pashmina scarves, hand made furnishings, delectable local produce and one of the finest Moroccan mint tea!
Locals take pride in spreading their craftware and produce in their shops and are quick to offer customers their service, however one has to learn to bargain, and so ….as per our guide’s instructions beforehand we followed the directions. 🙂
I was particularly drawn by the traditional crafts and handwork displayed; embroidered materials, kaleidoscopic pottery, carved wooden figurines and objects. Enchanted by this melange of folk life, tribal artwork and the unique aroma from spices coming alive, the memory of it all inspired me to actually write this blog.

The gigantic souk takes one by surprise as there are 10 gates, each with a special name given appropriately that one can enter as per choice. The souk’s massive expanse and enormity is only felt as you make your way inside the busy streets that wind in multiple directions, it can be overwhelming. It was the never ending atmospheric shops that made it an adventurous walk through- checking from foods and spices to sampling dates and sharbat , to trying on naturally made argon oil and watching henna artists working, it all seemed to mesmerise me. And further along there were live animals and butchers one side, followed by scent shops and exotic tropical fruits on the other, even further were upholstery and weaving areas, all of this seemed like a nostalgic visit into a bygone era.
The locals that run a range of businesses are pleased when approached with local greetings, and bargaining especially for commodities is considered a part of shopping so they welcome bargainers, and tourists expect a sound haggle. There were peddlers at times pursuing potential buyers, however if you choose to walk your way confidently it helps. As guides trailed along known routes explaining traditional ways of doing business, tourist groups were sticking close to their groups and kept up pace.

The sumptuousness of a traditional bazaar with its colourful sights, inviting aromas and breathtaking folk art , and at times the clamour of tourist and bargainers alike made it a riveting site to visit.

Then there was the ‘Garrab’ (the water-porter) profession ‘Tagarrabt’ dressed in red attire flashing brass water jugs along the souk alleys. His attractive attire and embellishments invited tourists to take photos with him, and tourists were eager to get photos in return for some offering. Traditionally, owing to the region’s weather and heat there were actual water-porters carrying water around souks, mosques, bazaar enclosures, basically all public places offering water to people. They would in return get some offering by thirsty crowds especially travellers. Although this tradition is no longer actively visible in the city yet it is kept alive through the water-man models roaming the souk’s alleys.

Some of the cultural experiences are wonderful and are an essential experience in Agadir!
We had the opportunity to watch dances performed by a folk group in the traditional style of Morocco, the dance probably has its origins around the Atlas Mountains. This charming folk dance began with a song performed by a group of men that circled around the women. They were playing musical instruments and singing sentimental lilts as they kept to rhythmic beats of the bendir. As this dance is usually performed during weddings the women were clad in ceremonial outfits and responded similarly yet in shy tones to the uplifting sound of the lute.
The Berber tribes are famous for their soulful music which exudes a calming resonance. In this uplifting sound of Taarija(tambourines), Oud(lute) and Bendir(frame drums) one can transcend to feel the blue hued scene of the Atlas mountains!

Night life is vibrant in Agadir and one can choose from casinos, pubs, jazz clubs, open bars by the sea and traditional entertainment (including Belly dancing) dotted around prominent lanes. Evenings can be fun and very often you can hear the loud soundtracks to western music being played while the crooners entertain diners in open styled restaurants along the sea side….
Street food is plenty to choose from, all located within reaching intervals and even a choice of the usual fast foods are available. The city’s atmosphere at night seems safe with cops patrolling areas regularly. Families stroll out a lot after sundown enjoying their walks until late night.

Desert safaris and excursions into the mountains are other enjoyable attractions in Agadir. The spirit of Agadir comes alive as you move towards rural dwellings and experience the culture and traditions of the Berber tribes. Many of the ancient ways of living which entwine in harmony with nature are still visible through the different tribe’s welcoming traditions, the ancient methods of extracting Aragon oil, the quaint thatched mud dwellings that remain cool in summer, the camel breeding tents, the local artisan’s craftsmanship, the mountain goats being led to grazing…. all these valuable skills are rooted in sustainable ways and wrapped in mysterious folklore!
We looked forward to seeing the mountain goats climb trees but no such luck, however the distant views were very exhilarating and memorable!

Security in Agadir is amazing- streets are interspersed with cops ensuring people’s safety, there is constant patrolling and vigilance which ensues the absence of worry while freedom is not curtailed. Even at night time cops patrol the beach areas enabling families and women to take a late evening stroll peacefully!

Domestic Cats are found everywhere is Agadir, they are welcomed with love everywhere and are allowed to enter homes, shops, eateries; they get fed by people and, almost at every street bend you see cats ! Meow..🐈‍⬛

Agadir leaves an impression that is truly unforgettable…, from the vast desert expanses girded with date palms to rolling sunny shores, from colourful edifices of traditional architecture to some French influence too thus making its own yet richer culture, from warm days to bask in sunshine and savouring wholesome cuisine, not missing the exciting tours – it is but a family destination that offers only memorable experiences!

31st May 2025

© Jeannette D’Souza