The Souk El Had, the mythical market of the Moroccan kingdom

The city of Agadir is home to the largest souk not only in Morocco but also in Africa. It is one of the most legendary places to visit. It covers an area of 11 hectares and has more than 3,000 sales outlets. Geographically, the El Had souk is perfectly situated in the heart of the friendly Amsernat district, which was prefabricated the day after the 1960 earthquake.

In this large urban market, you'll discover the breadth of Berber craftsmanship and the majestic scents of different spices. The El Had souk takes you to the very heart of the city, with thousands of shops selling locally-made clothes, fruit and vegetables, watches and jewellery.

Modern entrance to Agadir's traditional open-air market
© eunika / 123RF

In Arabic, Souk El Had means "Sunday market". It was built following the earthquake in 1960 and has 7 main entrances. Attractive, it is frequented by locals, visitors and tourists. It has been refurbished to make it more accessible to visitors and is open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays for cleaning.

Ceramic tagines at the market in Agadir
© Bertrand louis / Shutterstock

Why go there?

Visiting the El Had souk is a moment of sharing, where you will be surrounded by a multitude of colours that will immerse you in the city's traditions throughout your discovery. It's one of the liveliest places in the world, with more than ten hectares of land offering a total immersion in the traditional atmosphere of Agadir. You're sure to find what you're looking for, whether it's a souvenir, a gift or just a little shopping.

The colorful alleys of the Agadir souk
© eunika / 123RF

Convivial and authentic, it's best to avoid the rush hour and go in the morning on weekdays, when you can enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The El Had souk is full of handicraft treasures and is the ideal place for haggling. A veritable market place, bargaining is the order of the day, a game to be played with respect and courtesy. It's a real cultural experience, making it a must-see during your stay in Agadir.

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Its many scents and bright, warm colours will awaken all your senses, with a wide selection of handicrafts on offer, from a wide range of fruit and vegetables to colourful lamps made from goatskin. The souk is home to many other products, including a selection of wooden ornaments, toys, jewellery and watches, and clothes made by the locals.

You can also take a half-day guided tour of the Souk El Had, accompanied by a local guide who will show you all the nooks and crannies of this lively place. The average visit takes over 3 hours.

How do I get there?

👉 To get to the El Had souk, you can hire a car and then park in the nearby car parks.

You can opt for a taxi, but the latter can only carry three people.

You can also cycle or walk to the souk from Agadir centre.

Where to stay nearby?

Numerous establishments are located just a few kilometres from the El Had souk, including hotels, villas and flats to rent. The Riu Palace Tikida hotel is just 2 km from the souk, and its 444 rooms spread over 4 floors give you a breathtaking view of Agadir's famous golden sandy beach.

Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir Agadir
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Practical information

👉 Payment:

With your visa card you can withdraw cash. A La Poste counter is available at gate 5. Card payments are not accepted by shopkeepers due to a lack of equipment. It is therefore advisable to withdraw dirhams before entering the market.

👉 Access:

don't forget that the souk has 7 main entrances. If you are coming by taxi, you will need to give the driver the name of the entrance you wish to be dropped off at.

Taxis cost a minimum of 2 dirhams, while buses cost 4 dirhams a seat and children under 7 are free.

by Val HANCOCK | Editor
Val Hancock is an editor, writer and researcher. While she is currently based in Paris, she previously lived in London and Brussels. She holds a Masters degree in International Relations from King’s College London.
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