Is Agadir Expensive? How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family Holiday in Morocco

Your kids are building sandcastles on a golden beach, their laughter carried by the Atlantic breeze as you sip a steaming glass of mint tea. The sun warms your skin, and for once, you’re not worrying about your budget. Agadir, Morocco’s laid-back coastal city, offers families the chance to create unforgettable memories without the eye-watering price tag of European hotspots.

So, is Agadir expensive? Not when you know how to plan wisely. With a little research, you’ll find that Agadir travel prices are surprisingly manageable.

Having lived in Agadir for six months, our family has explored its busy markets, lounged on its sandy beaches, and discovered the secrets to enjoying this Moroccan destination without breaking the bank. Let us show you how to make your family holiday in Agadir as affordable as it is memorable.

Key Takeaways: Agadir On a Budget

• Affordable Stays: Family-friendly apartments start at £25/night.
• Free Fun: Agadir Beach, Souk El Had, and the Oufella Ruins cost little to nothing.
• Eat Like a Local: Street food (think tagines and fresh juice) is delicious and budget-friendly.
• Save on Transport: Use petit taxis, buses, or the InDrive app for cheap rides.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip airport currency exchanges and beachfront markups.
• Stay Connected: Grab a local SIM card for affordable data.
• Travel Insurance: Essential for peace of mind—SafetyWing for long-term, others for short trips.

Agadir 101: A Budget-Friendly Family Vacation

In Agadir you can kick off your shoes, let the kids run free, and actually relax—something that’s not always easy in busier Moroccan cities like Marrakech. While it’s true that Agadir can be a tad pricier than its inland counterparts (thank those beachfront resorts!), it’s still cheap compared to European coastal destinations like Spain or Portugal. Here’s why it works so well for families:

• Beach days are free (and fabulous): No entrance fees, no tickets—just miles of golden sand and waves perfect for splashing around. Some of our best afternoons were spent building sandcastles or strolling the promenade at sunset.
• Street food that’s easy on the wallet: Forget fancy restaurants. Some of our most memorable meals were shared from a single plate of chicken tagine, bought for less than £5 from a local vendor. And don’t even get me started on the fresh orange and sugar cane juice—it’s a refreshing treat that costs just 10 MAD (about £0.80) and became a daily ritual for us.
• Affordable stays for the whole family: We found cozy, family-friendly apartments starting at just £25 a night, many with kitchenettes to save even more on meals.

That said, costs can creep up if you’re not careful. During our six months in Agadir, we learned that a little planning goes a long way. By focusing on cost-effectiveness, you can enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank.

Daily Cost Estimates for Different Travel Styles

Your daily cost in Agadir can vary widely depending on your travel style. Whether you’re a backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or someone who enjoys the finer things, understanding the average cost of accommodation, meals, and activities will help you manage your budget more effectively. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend per person per day:

Category	Budget-Friendly (£)	Mid-Range (£)	Luxury (£)
Accommodation	£10–20/night	£30–60/night	£90+/night
Food	£5–10/day	£15–25/day	£30+/day
Transport	£1–2/day	£3–4/day	£5–10/day
Activities	£0–1/day	£2–3/day	£5+/day

These estimates cover everything from meals and local taxi rides to a few activities. Could you really get by on £55 a day? Absolutely—especially if you stick to local favorites.

For example, we often grabbed a hearty breakfast of msemen (Moroccan pancakes) and honey for just a few dirhams, and our kids loved exploring the souks without us spending a penny. On the other hand, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, splurging on a seafood feast by the marina or a night in a luxury resort can feel worth every penny.

To see the cost breakdown more clearly or in different currencies, you can use the tool below. It’s super handy for playing around with numbers and getting a sense of what your trip might cost. The data comes from Budget Your Trip, which pulls from thousands of travelers’ reported expenses—so it’s as real-world as it gets.

Agadir Travel Costs

Managing Expectations: What Does Each Budget Level Look Like?

Agadir is a versatile destination that caters to all kinds of travelers, but your budget will shape the kind of experience you have. So, is Agadir expensive? It depends on your style—here’s what to expect at each budget level.

Budget-Friendly (£21/day)

If you’re traveling on a shoestring, Agadir can still feel like a dream. You’ll likely stay in a simple guesthouse or a family-run apartment (we stayed in a few during our six months, and they were always clean and welcoming). Meals will mostly come from street food stalls or local markets—think fragrant tagines, grilled meats, and fresh bread. Transport will be limited to walking or the occasional shared taxi, and your activities will revolve around free attractions like the beach, the promenade, and people-watching in the souks.

This style of travel is perfect for backpackers or families who are used to giving up certain comforts in exchange for adventure and immersion. However, it’s worth noting that while the budget prices might look intriguing, many families might find this type of holiday uncomfortable, especially if they’re used to more convenience or have young children in tow.

That said, for families planning to live in Agadir or stay for longer than a month, budget travel becomes much more feasible. Longer-term accommodation deals are often cheaper, and you’ll have the flexibility to settle into a routine, avoiding the pressure to do all the touristy things at once. During our six-month stay, we found that living like locals—shopping at markets, cooking at home, and taking our time to explore—made budget travel not only possible but also deeply rewarding.

Mid-Range (£55/day)

With a mid-range budget, you’ll enjoy a comfortable balance of affordability and indulgence. Accommodation might be a modern apartment or a mid-tier hotel with a pool—great for keeping the kids entertained. You’ll eat a mix of street food and sit-down meals at casual restaurants, perhaps even treating yourself to a seafood dinner by the marina.

Transport will include a mix of walking and private taxis, and you’ll have room in your budget for a few paid activities, like a visit to the Crocoparc or a short camel ride along the beach. This level is ideal for families who want a bit of comfort without going overboard.

Luxury (£146+/day)

If you’re planning to treat yourself, Agadir has plenty of ways to make your holiday feel special. There’s something undeniably relaxing about lounging by an infinity pool with the ocean just steps away. The spa treatments are a nice touch if you’re in need of some pampering, and having a private balcony to watch the sunset over the Atlantic is a memory that sticks with you.

When it comes to food, the options are fantastic. You can enjoy gourmet Moroccan dishes—like tender lamb tagine or flaky pastilla—or explore international cuisine at some of the city’s nicer restaurants. And if you’re celebrating something special, hiring a private chef for a night is a splurge that feels worth it.

Transport will be seamless, with private transfers and taxis at your disposal. You’ll also have the freedom to book exclusive experiences, like a private boat trip, a guided tour of the Atlas Mountains, or a day at a luxury beach club. This is the way to go if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a stress-free, pampered holiday.

From cheaper alternatives like street food and local guesthouses to expensive options like luxury resorts and private tours, your individual costs can vary significantly. The key is to align your expectations with your spending—and remember, some of the best moments (like watching the sunset over the Atlantic) are completely free.

How To Plan Your Agadir Holiday on a Budget

Less Expensive Places To Stay in Agadir

Accommodation eats up the biggest chunk of your budget. Here’s how we found cozy, kid-friendly spots without overspending:

1. Skip the Seafront (Unless It’s a Splurge)

Beachfront hotels are tempting, but areas like Abbatoir or Riad Salam offer cheaper stays. We booked cheerful Airbnb’s in both areas with a kitchen for around £25/night—perfect for whipping up pancakes and pasta.

2. Anza: The Underrated Spot

Six kilometers north of the Marina, Anza is a local hub with budget apartments, its own beach, and a Wednesday market. We stayed here for a month and adored the laid-back atmosphere (though walking to Agadir with little ones was… brutal!). Buses cost pennies, and the InDrive app made taxi rides effortless (£3 to the Marina!).

3. All-Inclusive? Proceed with Caution.

These resorts seem hassle-free, but they’re pricey per person. We chose self-catering apartments (booked via VRBO and Booking.com) to save on meals. Pro tip: Snag off-season deals by booking early (April–May or September–October).

Eating Out: Great Flavor Without the Fancy Prices

Moroccan food is a highlight—hearty, fresh, and totally kid-approved. During our six months there, we discovered how to eat well without overspending. Here’s how you can do the same:

1.      Follow the Crowds

When in doubt, eat where the locals eat. Some of our best meals came from unassuming spots like Café Maria and Café Black & White. These low-key restaurants served up delicious Moroccan dishes, and our family of four often ate for under £20.

For snacks and fresh ingredients, we loved heading to Souk El Had. A loaf of fresh bread costs just 2 MAD (£0.15), and juicy oranges are practically a steal. We’d stock up weekly for around £8, which kept us fueled for days.

2. Dodge the Beachfront Markups

While it’s tempting to dine with a view, beachfront restaurants often charge triple the price. For authentic (and affordable) meals, head inland. Another of our go-to spots was Café Anza in Riad Salam. Their meat-filled omelettes and Moroccan soup were not only delicious but also served with a side of warm hospitality.

3. Whip Up Simple Meals

If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchenette, take advantage of it. We’d hit up Carrefour or Marjane supermarkets for staples like chicken breasts (£3.60 for two) and pasta, which made for quick and easy dinners. And don’t forget to stop by local bakeries for buttery pastries—they cost pennies and are perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Getting Around: Easy Transport for Tired Little Legs

Agadir is walkable, but let’s face it—kids tire fast, especially after a day at the beach or markets. Here’s how we got around the city without breaking the bank (or our backs):

• InDrive App: It’s like Uber, but cheaper. We used it often and paid as little as £3 for cross-town rides.

Some of Agadir’s best moments cost little to nothing, and honestly, they’re often the ones kids remember most. Here’s how to keep your little ones entertained without spending a fortune:

• Agadir Beach: Sip mint tea from one of the beach vendors while the kids build sandcastles and splash in the waves. It’s free, relaxing, and the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.
• Search for Dinosaur Footprints on Anza Beach: Did you know Anza Beach is home to ancient dinosaur footprints? It’s a fun (and free!) activity that combines a bit of adventure with a history lesson.
• Souk El Had: Let the kids practice their haggling skills for souvenirs. Start at 30% of the asking price—it’s a fun way to teach them about bargaining (and save a few dirhams!).

For our comprehensive guide to the very best things to do in Agadir with kids, click here.

Money-Saving Tricks We Live By

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out—it just means being smart with your spending. By avoiding expensive areas like beachfront restaurants, you can stretch your dirhams further. Here’s what we learned through trial and error in Agadir:

1. Avoid Airport Currency Exchange

I made the mistake of using the exchange desk after passport control—they charged me 231 MAD (£18.40) for 2000 MAD (£160). Instead, walk through customs and use the ATM on your left. Fees are around 35 MAD (£2.80), which is much better.

• Withdraw MAD via ATMs: Avoid Euronet—their rates are poor, and they charge a 50 MAD fee. Stick to Société Générale (22 MAD fee), Banque Populaire, BMCE, or Attijariwafa (35 MAD). The Al Barid Post Office ATM has no fees.
• Wise Multi-Currency Card: This is the card we use. Add MAD directly to your wallet via the app, and the exchange is done automatically for a small fee. No stress about rates at the ATM—just withdraw what you need.

2. Local SIM Cards

Roaming fees can be a nightmare (Lebara wanted £93/GB!), so get a local SIM instead.

• At the Airport: Free SIMs from Inwi, Maroc Telecom, or Orange are available in the arrivals lounge. Activate a tourist package for 100 MAD (20 GB)—great if you need internet or Google Maps right away.
• In the City: Buy SIMs from phone shops for slightly cheaper (bring your passport).
• Longer Stays: We signed up for Inwi’s unlimited data plan: 250 MAD signup fee, then 120 MAD/month. You’ll need to stay for at least two months and cancel in-store before leaving.
• Family Hack: We use one SIM in a Netgear Nighthawk M1 Wi-Fi hotspot. One of us carries it, and the whole family stays connected on the go.

Keeping Everyone Healthy (and Stress-Free)

Staying healthy on holiday is key to keeping stress levels low. Here’s how we managed it in Agadir:

• Water: Stick to bottled water—it’s cheap (£0.80 for 5 liters) and safe. We always kept a big bottle in our apartment for drinking and brushing teeth.
• Street Food: We avoided raw samples at markets (heard too many tummy tales!) and washed fruit with bottled water before eating. Pro tip: Stick to cooked dishes like tagines or grilled meats—they’re delicious and safer.
• Family Travel Insurance: A non-negotiable! For long-term travel, we use SafetyWing—it’s flexible, affordable, and covers the whole family. If you’re on a shorter trip, plenty of companies offer great family policies. Always double-check that your plan covers medical emergencies, delays, and lost luggage. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Final Takeaway: Agadir Adapts to Your Budget

Agadir proves that a family holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. So, is Agadir expensive? Not if you follow our tips and plan with purpose.

From golden beaches and bustling souks to flavorful street food and budget-friendly stays, this Moroccan coastal city offers something for everyone. By understanding the average price of meals, transport, and activities, you can enjoy a memorable trip without stressing about price tags.

Are you ready to start planning your Agadir family holiday? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your questions or share more tips!

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