Solo Traveller’s Guide to Agadir: Morocco’s Modern Beach Escape
Travelling solo to Agadir? Discover the best things to do, where to stay and essential tips in this Solo Traveller’s Guide to Agadir.
If you’re craving sunshine, sea breezes and a slower pace of life, Agadir is calling. This relaxed coastal city lies around three hours’ drive from both Essaouira and Marrakech.
I lived in the Agadir area for several years, so it’s a place that’s close to my heart.
Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960, Agadir feels modern and open, with wide boulevards, palm-lined promenades and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. In short, it’s the ideal spot to unwind after exploring Morocco’s busier cities.
Agadir is also a hub for Amazigh culture (my Amazigh husband is from Agadir) and Tamazight is widely spoken, alongside English. The locals are friendly and the city’s layout makes it easy to navigate — even for first-time visitors.
In this guide to solo travel in Agadir, I’ll explain everything you need to know about exploring this modern seaside city, from transport to sightseeing and amazing places to stay.
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Getting to Agadir
By Air:
- Fly into Agadir Al-Massira International Airport — a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
- Taxis cost around 150–200 MAD (night rates are slightly higher).
- Shuttle buses are available from the airport to the city centre (50 MAD)
By Bus:
- Agadir is well-connected by bus to destinations across Morocco.
- CTM and Supratours are the two main companies used by tourists.
- Bus tickets can be purchased online, either directly with the companies or at 12Go.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling Morocco by bus here.
Getting around Agadir
- Walking: The beachfront promenade and city centre are safe and easy to navigate on foot.
- Petit taxis: Short rides within the city cost 10–30 MAD. Taxis should be metered, but if not, agree on the fare before riding.
- Buses: Connect to Taghazout, Tamraght, Taroudant and beyond.
- Car rental: Ideal if you’re planning day trips to Paradise Valley, Imsouane or Essaouira. Discover everything you need to know about renting a car in Agadir here.
Safety note:
Agadir is considered one of Morocco’s safest cities. Petty theft is rare and locals are used to solo tourists. That being said, I recommend keeping valuables stashed safely away and avoid walking in unlit areas at night.
Where to stay in Agadir
Agadir offers a mix of modern hotels and beach resorts, some of which are all-inclusive.
It’s also one of Morocco’s top destinations for surf-yoga retreats. Many offer communal meals and group sessions — perfect for solo travellers who want social connection without the party vibe.
You’ll find a curated collection of the best hotels in Agadir in my detailed article here. Alternatively, here are three of my top picks for solo travellers.
Budget beauty – Hotel Timoulay and Spa
Mid-range magic – Le Riad Villa Blanche
High-end splurge – Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Solo tip:
If you want to meet other travellers, stay in Taghazout or Tamraght — they’re safe, walkable and filled with convivial cafes and surf hostels. Check out some of my favourite places to stay here.
Top things to do in Agadir for solo travellers
1. Surf, swim or sunbathe
With its long stretch of golden sand and refreshing Atlantic waters, it’s easy to see why Agadir is one of Morocco’s top coastal destinations. The beach here is HUGE! I love that you can always find somewhere to throw down a towel.
Protected from the winds that hit Essaouira’s coastline, Agadir’s beach is ideal for relaxing days doing as much or as little as you desire.
You can enjoy your time soaking up the sun (there are plenty of beach loungers for rent) or take a surf lesson with one of the local instructors.
More experienced surfers should head north to the breaks around Taghazout, a laid-back Amazigh village 25 minutes north. It’s home to “Anchor Point” (one of Morocco’s most famous waves), as well as intermediate-friendly breaks at Panoramas and La Source.
Solo tip:
If you’re serious about learning to surf, I’d recommend staying at one of the surf camps in Taghazout or Tamraght. Over the course of a week, you’ll get expert guidance and have enough time to progress your skills. Check out Surf Maroc or Amayour Surf Hostel.
2. Stroll Agadir’s beachfront promenade
If you don’t necessarily want to get wet, there are other ways to enjoy Agadir’s beachy vibes. The long oceanfront promenade is perfect for walking, jogging or watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Lined with cafes, restaurants and beach bars, it’s a great place to relax solo without actually being alone. I love people-watching here, particularly when the locals play football on the beach at low tide.
Solo tip:
Bring a book or journal and spend an afternoon with an endless pot of mint tea at one of Agadir’s beachfront cafes.
3. Ride the cable car to the Agadir Oufella
For sweeping views across Agadir, ride the cable car that ascends to the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufella. This historic fortress was constructed in 1540 to protect against Portuguese invaders. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed by successive earthquakes.
The cable car, a relatively recent addition to the city’s skyline (and the first of its kind in Morocco), covers a distance of 1,700 metres. The journey takes just six minutes and offers incredible panoramas of the city and its beach. It’s not cheap, but I do think it’s worth it!
If you don’t want to ride the cable car, it’s around a 45-minute walk to the top.
The Agadir Cable Car is open from 10 am to 10:30 pm daily. Round trip tickets cost 120 DH.
Solo tip:
The Agadir Oufella is a particularly magical place to be at sunset, with the “golden hour” light illuminating the city below. I’d recommend staying at the summit until night falls to enjoy the twinkling lights below.
4. Go shopping in Souk El Had
For a taste of Moroccan markets without the chaos of Marrakech, visit Souk El Had. It serves as Agadir’s main bazaar and boasts over 3,000 stalls selling everything from spices and fresh produce to leather goods and argan oil products.
Let me just say, Souk El Had is BIG and it’s easy to lose your bearings once inside! Take note of the gate you enter through (they’re numbered) and ask a vendor to point you in the right direction if you get lost.
Souk El Had is closed on Mondays but open every other day of the week.
If you don’t want to explore independently, there are guided tours of Souk El Had that will help you navigate this mammoth market with ease.
For more info about surviving Morocco’s souks, check out my detailed article here.
Solo tip:
For an affordable lunch, head to Souk El Had’s “food court”. Here, you can feast on grilled fish or ready-made tagines – they’re being slow-cooked to perfection throughout the day.
5. Explore Agadir’s museums
Because it was largely destroyed during the 1960 earthquake, Agadir feels different from other Moroccan cities. Namely, it’s more modern.
There are several museums you can visit to gain a better understanding of the city before and after this natural disaster hit. One is a recreation of Agadir’s historic medina and beautifully showcases Amazigh architecture.
Museums not to miss in Agadir:
- La Medina d’Agadir: Built in 1992 by Sicilian Beato Salvatore “Coco Pollizzi”, this open-air museum offers an insight into what Agadir looked like before the earthquake struck.
- Musée de la Reconstruction d’Agadir: This newly opened museum explores Agadir’s history before and after the 1960 earthquake.
- Agadir Art Museum: Once a museum of Amazigh culture, this museum has reinvented itself as an art museum. Handcrafted jewellery, textiles and pottery are on display, alongside contemporary paintings.
6. Get up close to reptiles at Crocoparc
Encounter rare Nile crocodiles up close at Crocoparc, a wildlife reserve located just east of Agadir. Once plentiful across Morocco, these impressive creatures have sadly been hunted to the brink of extinction.
At Crocoparc, they reside in large enclosures that replicate their natural environment. You can even catch a glimpse of cute hatchlings in the nursery on-site!
A highlight of any visit is witnessing a crocodile-feeding session, where you can see their powerful jaws in action.
Solo tip:
After enjoying some croc-watching, take a leisurely stroll through Crocoparc’s expansive botanical garden, which boasts over 300 different plant species. In the Cactus Garden, you might spot green iguanas soaking up the sun.
Crocoparc is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily and entrance costs 90 DH for adults.
7. Take a day trip
If you have time, I’d recommend exploring beyond the city limits – there are some wonderful destinations just outside Agadir. From ancient towns to bird-filled wetlands, there’s something for all interests.
Best day trips from Agadir for solo travellers:
- Paradise Valley: With its palm-studded walking trails and natural swimming holes, this is an idyllic spot for refreshing on warm days.
- Souss-Massa National Park: Spanning over 80,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands and rippling dunes, this oasis is home to over 300 species of rare and exotic birds. It’s one of the best birdwatching destinations in Morocco.
- Taroudant: Nicknamed the “Mini Marrakech”, this atmospheric walled town is located 1.5 hours from Agadir. CTM and Supratours buses connect the two.
Solo tip:
Agadir is a great place to join a group tour — they’re friendly, affordable and a fantastic way to meet other travellers
Agadir – An easy introduction to solo travel in Morocco
Agadir provides a gentle introduction to solo travel — it’s easy to navigate, the locals are friendly and there’s an endless array of beach activities on offer. Yes, it’s modern. But it’s also unmistakably Moroccan.
If you’re someone who wants to escape the winter cold back home or tick off that bucket list experience of learning to surf, Agadir can make it happen. It offers all the charm of a Moroccan getaway, without the intensity of the bigger cities.
And if you do want to delve into an ancient medina for a day, Essaouira and Marrakech are within easy reach.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
