Planning Your Days with Kids in Agadir (Morocco)
When we first visited Morocco in 2019, we based ourselves in Rabat and planned a day trip to Casablanca. In the end, we got cozy in Rabat and skipped Casablanca altogether. This time, we chose Agadir for a sunny escape from Belgium and tentatively planned a day in Marrakesh - predictably, we got comfortable in Agadir and never made it to Marrakesh.
Unlike Rabat, with its old town and traditional riads, Agadir is a modern resort city with kilometres of golden sandy beaches. Our goal was simple: escape the cold and rainy Belgian winter and enjoy a few days in the sun. Traveling with another family, whose child is a close friend of ours, made the holiday extra fun.
For a relaxing day, combine the beach with Agadir Kasbah and a cable car ride. The cable car station was just a 5-minute walk from our hotel or a short ride in a small (petit) taxi from many hotels. The ride is a highlight: modern, transparent cabins hold up to 8 people and offer panoramic views of the city, coast, and hills. Tickets cost €9 for adult and €6 for children (roundtrip), with card payment accepted. At the top, you can explore the Kasbah ruins or simply enjoy the view of Agadir spread below. We timed our visit late afternoon to catch the incredible sunset before returning via the cable car. End the day with a soothing hammam session for a truly relaxing experience.
For a day that's all about the kids, combine Crocoparc with a long stroll along the promenade. Crocoparc is a family-friendly park hosting over 300 Nile crocodiles, a species native to Morocco's Draa River that is now extinct in the wild due to human activity. Educational boards and games are available in English, making it easy for children to learn while exploring. The park's cactus garden, where green iguanas roam freely, is a favourite of ours. Kids can also get free henna, bridges, caves, and waterfalls throughout the park. Lunch is available on the terrace overlooking the grounds, and a walk along the wide promenade in the evening is a great end of the day to allow the kids to run freely while enjoying the ocean breeze.
For a touch of adventure, try surfing or sandboarding at the nearby dunes of the "Small Sahara". While you won't have time to visit the real Sahara, this smaller desert overlooking the Atlantic offer plenty of fun: camel rides, quad biking, and sandboarding. Obviously you'd need to hire a local driver with a proper 4x4 vehicle. Our driver showed off his skill a little and gave us the taste of some crazy rally drive on the dunes.
For a taste of traditional, eat local and shop local. We did visit one Berber village in Massa near the Sous Massa National Park, where we ate tajine and couscous in a traditional way and enjoyed their delicious mint tea. My younger one said this was her best meal. EVER. Souk El Had is Morocco's biggest bazaar and is located in Agadir, so you can spend half day shopping like locals if you wish. We found the bazaar pretty calm and easy to navigate, even with small kids. There are different tour options if you want to visit local crafters. We visited a ceramic workshop that makes those dazzling colourful plates and bowls (I have a thing for Moroccan hand painted plates and bowls). Agadir is home of argan oil, too. I actually only found out recently that the argan trees grow only around this area. You could also buy argan oil products, both edible or cosmetics, from local farmers and makers.
Or you can also just chill by the beach and relax by the pools under the sun. After all, Morocco is proud of Agadir's weather with all-year-long sunshine.