A guide to the best beaches in Agadir
Agadir is Morocco‘s premier coastal resort, not least owing to its huge sweep of sand. You might never feel the need to leave, thanks to the watersports and amenity-heavy Agadir Beach. Branching out along the coast however will reward you with a selection of quieter, trendier and more family-friendly beaches. From beaches with waves made for surfing to calm shores that all ages love to frequent or even stunning stretches along the Souss Massa National Park, there’s a beach for you in Agadir.
The vast Agadir Beach
Let’s start with the nine-kilometre, Blue Flag beach in the heart of the city – Agadir beach itself. It’s what most people book cheap Agadir holidays for and provides a healthy supply of sunloungers and beachside cafes, with lots more places to eat if you follow the palm-shaded promenade to the large marina. There’s a little tourist train that will save your legs on the journey. Many of Agadir’s hotels are situated right on the beach, so you’re only a flip flop’s throw from the sand at any time.
Agadir beach is also brimming with watersports like jet-skiing and parascending, plus sand-based activities including quad bikes, dune buggies, horse and camel rides. As it’s such a huge beach, certain areas are dedicated to these pastimes so they won’t disturb your sunbathing. This beach is sheltered from the ocean winds but it does have a fairly fierce undertow so be careful when swimming.
Surf hangouts and family beaches at Taghazout and Tamraght
Just a 20-minute drive north of Agadir is Taghazout Beach, which has maintained its bohemian vibe since the 1960s. Nowadays, it’s surfers and yoga fans that are drawn here, Even if you are neither, this beautiful beach can’t fail to impress and if you arrive in the morning you can buy fresh fish to barbecue on the beach.
Even more laid-back than Taghazout, if that’s even possible, Tamraght Beach is on the way there but you might want to stop off and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with just as much to offer in the ways of surf and long stretches of sand. Also known as 25 Kilometre Beach, as it’s 25 kilometres from Agadir, families love the calm shallow water here and there’s a great seafood restaurant that also dishes up Moroccan treats.
Spot birds from the beaches of Souss Massa National Park
Head south from Agadir along the coast and you’ll soon happen upon Souss Massa National Park. As it’s a coastal reserve, it has some top beaches within its boundaries where you can lay back but should keep one eye open for the chance of seeing beautiful birds overhead. Home to over 100 different species, there are droves of sandgrouse, cranes and flamingos here who visit the Massa Lagoon and nearby dunes.
Legzira beach is home to some spectacular rock arches, cut into the orange stone that spans out over the beach – visit at low tide to see the full extent of the arches. Other parts of the park have coastal cliffs that are the ideal place for Northern Bald Ibis to roost. You’re free to explore Souss Massa on your own, relaxing on the sand as you go, or can book a tour guide to find out more about the winged inhabitants of this area.