Agadir is Booming With Tourists, But! is it truly worth visiting?
- Waleed
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 30

Hey, let me tell you about Agadir, this sunny beach city in Morocco that’s honestly having a moment right now. I’m talking killer beaches, warm weather all year, and a vibe that’s just so easy to love. Plus, nearby spots like Taghazout are pulling in tons of travelers too. Here’s why you need to put Agadir on your radar, with some fresh stats to show you how big this place is getting.
Agadir’s Tourism Is Popping Off: The Numbers
Morocco’s crushing it with tourism right now. In 2024, they welcomed 17.4 million visitors, a 20% jump from 2023, hitting their 2026 goals two years early. Agadir’s a huge part of that. Back in 2018, it saw over 1 million tourists in just 11 months, and I bet that number’s way higher now. For the first half of 2025, Morocco had 8.9 million visitors, up 19% from 2024, and Agadir’s grabbing about 25% of the tourist nights, only behind Marrakech.
You’ve got Europeans flocking here in droves. France is sending the most; 1.5 million tourists came to Morocco in 2023, and I’ve seen how Agadir’s beaches are a favorite for them. Spain’s right behind with 587,000 visitors, and the UK’s stepping up too, with 482,000 in 2023 and an 18% spike in Brits hitting Agadir from 2017 to 2018. Italians (240,000) and Germans (120,000) are also showing up for the sun and vibes. Americans are getting in on it too, though it’s harder to find exact numbers for Agadir. Still, the U.S. is a growing market for Morocco, and I can see why Agadir’s pulling them in.
Money-wise, tourism’s a big deal. Morocco raked in $10.3 billion in 2023, up 26% from 2019, and Agadir’s resorts and attractions are a huge part of that. Most people stay about 2.8 nights, usually in 4-star hotels or holiday spots, which you’ll find all over Agadir.
Why Agadir is Worth Visiting
So, why’s everyone (including me - a local) obsessed with Agadir? Here’s what makes it so great and definitely worth visiting:
1. Beaches and Weather That Are Hard to Beat
Agadir’s 10-kilometer beach is straight-up gorgeous; golden sand, blue waves, the whole deal. With over 300 sunny days a year, it’s perfect for you if you love soaking up the sun. Summers hit 25–35°C (77–95°F), and winters are super mild at 10–20°C (50–68°F). I love how the Atlantic breeze keeps things cool, so you’re not dying of heat like you might be inland.
2. It’s Modern and Easy to Get Around
Agadir feels like a modern beach town with a Moroccan twist. It was rebuilt after a 1960 earthquake, so it’s got wide streets, big hotels, and a chill vibe. I like strolling the seafront, checking out cafes and restaurants, and hitting up the El Had souk with its 6,000+ stalls for some fun shopping. If you’re new to Morocco, Agadir’s way less overwhelming than Marrakech, trust me.
3. So Much to Do
You won’t get bored here. I’d recommend checking out the Mohamed V Mosque for a bit of culture or heading up to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella for awesome views, even if it’s partly in ruins. If you’re into nature, the Souss-Massa National Park is a must for birdwatching; those northern bald ibises are so cool. Agadir’s also a great base for day trips to the Atlas Mountains if you’re up for some hiking or adventure.
4. It’s Super Easy to Reach
Getting to Agadir is a piece of cake. The Agadir–Al Massira Airport has cheap flights from tons of European cities, especially France, Spain, and the UK. If you’re in Europe, it’s a quick getaway. For you Americans, you can hop a flight through Europe or Casablanca without much hassle. Morocco’s roads and trains are solid, so you’ll have no trouble getting here.
5. It Feels Safe and Welcoming
Morocco’s pretty safe—ranked 84th globally in 2023, better than some other spots like Thailand. I’ve always felt at ease in Agadir, especially with police patrolling the beachfront. You might run into some pushy vendors trying to sell you stuff, but just say “no thanks” and keep walking.. it’s no big deal.
Don’t Skip Taghazout and Nearby Spots
Just a 30-minute drive from Agadir, Taghazout is this little fishing village that’s turned into a total gem, especially for surfers. Here’s why I think you’ll want to check it out:
Surfing Paradise
If you’re into surfing, Taghazout’s your spot. The waves are great for beginners and pros—sandy beaches for newbies and places like Anchor Point for the experts. I’ve seen surf schools everywhere, and even if you’re not surfing, it’s fun to grab a coffee at a beachside cafe and watch everyone out there.
Super Chill Vibes
Taghazout’s got this relaxed, almost bohemian feel. It was a hippie hangout back in the ‘60s, but now it’s got cool cafes, vegan food, and cute shops. The village is tiny—you can walk it in 10 minutes! but I love how much personality it’s got.
Paradise Valley
About an hour away, Paradise Valley is like a little slice of heaven. Picture natural pools, waterfalls, and palm trees. I’d totally recommend it for a day trip if you want a quiet break from the beach. It’s less crowded than you’d think for a place so close to Agadir.
You should also check out nearby spots like Tamraght and Aourir for more beaches and surf vibes. If you want a less touristy city, Taroudant’s about an hour away... it’s like a mini-Marrakesh with old walls and markets, and I found it way more chill.
A Heads-Up Before You Go
Agadir and Taghazout are awesome, but they’ve got their quirks. I’ll be honest: Agadir can feel a bit resort-y, so if you’re looking for super traditional Moroccan culture, you might prefer Marrakech or Fez. The beach promenade can get crowded with vendors, which might bug you if you’re not ready for it. Taghazout’s amazing but a bit pricier than other small towns because it’s so popular. Also, since Morocco’s a Muslim country, be respectful—no public drinking or getting too lovey-dovey in public.
Why You Need to Visit Now
I’m telling you, Agadir’s having a moment because it’s got something for everyone: epic beaches, tons of activities, and a safe, welcoming vibe. With Morocco aiming for 26 million tourists by 2030 (especially with the 2030 World Cup coming), Agadir and Taghazout are only getting busier. Whether you’re in Europe chasing a quick sunny trip or in the U.S. looking for a taste of North Africa, this place is calling your name. Grab your sunscreen and go see it for yourself!
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