Agadir or Marrakech?

Morocco is a land of magical Middle Eastern delights and familiar European customs, making it a popular destination with travellers all over the world. It’s a place unlike anywhere else: you can spend your days shopping in busy souks with aromatic spices hanging in the air; exploring the vast open plains of the Sahara Desert; relaxing on Blue Flag beaches or in luxurious spas; and experiencing the vivid colours and bustling streets of its main cities.

But when it comes to choosing where to go, Agadir or Marrakech? Do you opt for peaceful bays, indulgent hotels, and delicious cafes and take a holiday to Agadir? Or take advantage of a great deal to Marrakech and experience the lively, colourful city, which encompasses the heart of Moroccan culture? Here’s a guide to help you decide.

Agadir or Marrakech: the highlights:

Despite being just three hours apart, Agadir and Marrakech offer visitors starkly different holidays. Marrakech is the place to go for a colourful city break, while neighbouring Agadir is the ultimate destination for laidback relaxation.

Marrakech is home to many iconic pieces of Moroccan architecture, and it’s a great city to visit to get a historical and cultural understanding of the country. The bustling city’s central focus point is the Koutoubia Mosque: wherever you are in the city, you can see its 70m minaret. Likewise, the El Bahia Palace is a grand building depicting the indulgence and glamour of Morocco’s past.

Marrakech’s main pull is definitley it’s bustling souks and fun-filled Medinas – some may even say it’s non-stop nightlife.

Agadir offers a slower pace of life with the coastline certainly being the biggest attraction. However, being within easy access of the desert too means there’s plenty of chance for exploring and adventure. You can ride camels at sunset over the rich-red sand dunes or roar through the plains in a hefty 4×4. Agadir also has its own formidable architectural feats too. The Kasbah is a giant medieval fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the city – you can hike to the top and tour the ruins on the back of a camel.

For an even more chilled-out experience, drive 20 minutes north of Agadir to Taghazout Beach. This long, sandy stretch is popular with surfers and has been a favourite hangout since the 1960s. Along the beach are various surf schools, yoga classes and water-sports centres.

Agadir: Morocco’s best beaches

While Agadir’s impressive architecture, luxury resorts and access to the desert contribute towards its popularity, the main reason people fall in love with the area is because of its beaches. More than six miles of soft golden sands sweep their way around the city, rolling down into the vast sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With Blue Flag status, it’s easy to see why so many travellers head to the coastline.

Agadir is the ultimate relaxation destination: from chilling on the beach and watching the surfers to playing golf or riding camels through the desert, you can let go of modern life and settle into a slower pace.

Marrakech: the lively heart of Morocco

Dating to the 12th century, Marrakech is a kaleidoscope of bright colours, heady scents and lively streets. It’s known as the Red City, thanks to its blush-coloured walls, while its Royal Gardens drape vibrant greens over the city’s golds, reds and oranges. For a true taste of Moroccan life, you’ll need to visit Jemaa el-Fna. Wandering around the square – Africa’s biggest – will bring you acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers and potion sellers. Marrakech sits at the base of the imposing Atlas Mountains, so when you’re done haggling in the souks and soaking up the city vibes, head to the rocky range for showers underneath waterfalls and incredible views.

As you might expect, the biggest draw is certainly the inviting souks and bustling Medinas but there’s also plenty of other impressive sights to see, dishes to try and adventures to be had – that’s the great thing about Marrakech, it just never ends!

Best hotels in Agadir

Choosing between Agadir or Marrakech for hotels is tricky as they both offer so much, but the hotels in Agadir tend to be much bigger, beachfront located and often All Inclusive board.

The Riu Tikida Beach Hotel is an adults-only paradise just five minutes from the city centre. With a traditional Moroccan theme, you’ll enjoy the warm colours and contemporary furnishings, as well as comfortable, modern rooms. Choosing between several pools, as well as a spa, it’s the perfect place to relax in the sun, while in the evening there’s even more choice for dining, from your favourite home pics, to fresh seafood or Moroccan cuisine. It’s just a few steps across the promenade and you’ll be on the beach!

Timoulay Hotel offers a slightly different vibe being a smaller hotel, but just as luxurious and blissful. You’re a 10 minute walk from the beach here in a nice secluded spot, but not too far from the city centre either. There’s a salt water swimming pool, plus a separate kids pool so it’s a great pick for families, but even if you’re not travelling with kids, the pool can still be your sanctuary. Indulge a bit more with the hotel spa and Hammam – it’s a must when in Morocco!

For a more upbeat, action-packed holiday, head to the seafront Robinson Agadir. It’s a palatial resort with an indulgent oasis atmosphere, where you can partake in activities from body boarding and surfing to golfing. Facilities include several outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, as well as an indoor pool and a spa area. Plus, there’s a beachfront restaurant and healthy food area. If you’re  golf lover, this is the place for you – nearby is multiple different impressive golf courses that will have you soaking up the sun and putting some holes all at the same time.

Best hotels in Marrakech

Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture at the Kenzi Menara Palace. Set among citrus-tree gardens, this modern hotel is furnished in deep reds and dark wood. You can eat at a traditional Moroccan restaurant or try the Italian and international venues. There’s also an on-site spa with a hammam steam room.

The TUI BLUE Medina Gardens is a contemporary adults-only hotel, just a short walk from the Medina and close to Jemaa el-Fna and is a popular pick for many reasons. With traditional Moroccan features it’s truly a beautiful hotel, plus, the rooftop bar really adds to its allure. But, on the ground you’ll find a huge swimming pool, a fitness area, a packed activities schedule, and a choice of restaurants and a spa with hammam baths.

If you’re travelling with children, the Aqua Mirage Club is a fantastic hotel choice. With large rooms, family-friendly activity zones and entertainment for adults, it’s a great family resort. As well as an on-site waterpark with huge slides, there’s also a fitness centre, sports court, spa, and a choice of bars and restaurants. Plsu, it’s only a short shuttle bus ride straight into the city centre.

Agadir or Marrakech: the weather

The weather in Morocco is great all year round, which is yet another reason it’s one of the best holiday destinations, for summer fun, Easter fun, or winter fun – head to Morocco! But, Agadir or Morocco?

In the summer months you’ll tend to find that Marrakech will be a few degrees hotter, soaring up to 30, while Agadir will hover in the late twenties. This then swaps around for the winter months, where Agadir will be a few degrees hotter in the mid teens at peak winter, while Marrakech sits in the low teens.

So, Agadir or Marrakech? If you still haven’t made your decision, why not do both? Or, just browse our deals to Morocco a bit more and we’re sure one will be calling your name.