How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco

1. Souk El Had d'Agadir

Vibrant market with local goods; avoid stalls selling only souvenirs.

Authentic Goods: Look for locally made, authentic items rather than tourist trinkets.
Haggling: Practice haggling to get a fair price on your purchases.
Local Dishes: Try traditional Moroccan dishes at food stalls, not tourist restaurants.

Paved walkway along the beach; avoid street vendors near the promenade.

Beach Access: Find free access points to enjoy the beach without pressure from vendors.
Locals' Beach Spots: Follow locals to find quieter, less touristy spots on the beach.
Official Beach Chairs: Rent official beach chairs for a better experience with fewer vendors.

Weekly market offering fresh produce and local crafts; avoid crowded areas.

Fresh Produce: Buy fresh, local produce for a taste of Morocco.
Crowded Areas: Avoid areas with too many tourists to find better prices and authentic experiences.
Local Crafts: Find handmade, unique crafts that represent the region.

Natural park home to endangered argan trees and wildlife; avoid guided tours.

Self-Guided Tours: Explore the park on your own or with a small, local guide.
Argan Oil Cooperatives: Visit cooperatives for an authentic experience and to support the community.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot local wildlife such as gazelles, jackals, and foxes.

Historical fortress with panoramic views; avoid overpriced restaurants.

Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Agadir from the kasbah.
Local Restaurants: Find local restaurants outside the fortress for a better price and experience.
Moroccan Architecture: Explore the traditional Moroccan architecture within the kasbah.

Popular surf spot with rentals available; avoid crowded conditions.

Surf Lessons: Take surf lessons from local instructors for an authentic experience.
Less Crowded Conditions: Find quieter spots along the beach to avoid tourist crowds.
Beachside Restaurants: Relax at a beachside restaurant after surfing for local cuisine.

Historic port town with blue pottery workshops; avoid overpriced shops.

Blue Pottery Workshops: Learn about the traditional blue pottery-making process.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Find local shops to purchase authentic, handmade items.
Historic Architecture: Explore the charming, historic architecture of Safi.

Fishing village with fresh seafood; avoid restaurants near the beach.

Local Seafood Restaurants: Find local seafood restaurants for a delicious, authentic meal.
Fresh Fish Market: Visit the fish market to purchase fresh seafood for cooking or grilling.
Quieter Beach Spots: Find quiet, less crowded beach areas to relax and swim.

Island offering wildlife viewing and birdwatching; avoid boat tour packages.

Self-Guided Tour: Take a small, local boat to the island for an affordable trip.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot seabirds and marine life around the island.
Beach Time: Enjoy a peaceful, quiet beach on the island.

Quiet, less touristy beach with surf opportunities; avoid overpriced accommodations.

Surfing: Enjoy surfing at Tamri Beach's consistent waves.
Affordable Accommodations: Find budget-friendly accommodations along the beach.
Quiet, Peaceful Atmosphere: Relax in a peaceful, less crowded atmosphere at Tamri Beach.

Lagoon with oyster farming and birdwatching; avoid touristy restaurants.

Oyster Farms: Visit the oyster farms for a taste of fresh, local seafood.
Birdwatching: Spot various bird species at the lagoon.
Less Touristy Restaurants: Find local restaurants for a more authentic dining experience.

National park with diverse wildlife; avoid guided tours.

Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour of the national park to explore at your own pace.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot diverse wildlife such as gazelles, jackals, and foxes in the park.
Hiking Opportunities: Enjoy hiking opportunities through beautiful landscapes.

Historic city with a charming medina; avoid touristy shops.

Medina Exploration: Explore the narrow, winding streets of the medina.
Local Shops: Find local shops for unique, handmade items.
Argan Oil Cooperatives: Visit argan oil cooperatives to learn about the production process.

Town famous for Berber carpets; avoid overpriced shops.

Carpet Workshops: Visit carpet workshops to learn about the traditional craft.
Affordable Prices: Find affordable prices on beautiful, handmade Berber carpets.
Berber Village Experience: Experience life in a traditional Berber village.

Silver jewelry-making town; avoid overpriced shops.

Silver Jewelry Workshops: Visit workshops to learn about the traditional silver jewelry-making process.
Affordable Prices: Find affordable, high-quality silver jewelry in Tifnit.
Berber Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Berber culture and traditions.