Ride the cable car
Morocco's first cable car links the city to the Kasbah: 1.7 km in about six minutes, with the bay opening up below as the cabin climbs.
Excursion · Heritage
Agadir Oufella Kasbah
Agadir Oufella Kasbah, the hill that watches over the bay
16th-century ramparts, a view over the whole bay of Agadir and the best sunset in town, 40 minutes from the riad.
26 km, 40 min
From the riad
1.7 km in 6 min
Cable car
10am to 7pm
Opening hours
Views and sunset
Best for
Standing more than 236 metres above the port, Agadir Oufella Kasbah is where the city began. Founded in 1540 by the Saadian sultan Mohammed ech-Cheikh, it was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 29 February 1960: only its ramparts survived.
Restored between 2020 and 2024, it is now visited along wooden walkways that follow the old streets. You can go up by cable car, by car or on foot, and the view over the bay, the port and the Atlas is worth the trip on its own.
Things to do at Agadir Oufella Kasbah
Walk the restored ramparts
The crenellated walls, rebuilt with traditional techniques, wrap around the whole hilltop. The wall walk gives viewpoints in every direction.
The view over the bay
From the esplanade you take in the long beach, the seafront, the marina and, on a clear day, the Atlas mountains behind.
The gate and its cartouche
The Kasbah gate is known for its 1746 cartouche, carved in Arabic and Dutch, a reminder of the days when Agadir traded with Dutch merchants.
Sunset
At the end of the day the sun sinks into the Atlantic just beyond the port. It is the most popular moment of the visit: arrive an hour before.
"Allah, Al Watan, Al Malik"
On the hillside, these giant Arabic letters mean "God, Country, King", Morocco's motto. They light up after dark and can be seen from the whole beach.
When to visit the Kasbah
The site is open every day, all year round. The right moment depends mostly on the time of day.
All year
Every day
10am to 7pm, until 8pm in summer. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Morning
Shorter queues
Right at opening the cable car queue is shorter and the light is soft.
Late afternoon
Sunset
The most beautiful time, and also the busiest, especially at weekends.
Ramadan
10am to 4:30pm
Opening hours are shorter during the month of Ramadan.
Excursion · Heritage
Hilltop highlights
Three moments not to miss.
The inner trail
Visit, about 50 min
Walkways follow the old streets, with information panels and an audio guide in five languages.
The esplanade
Viewpoint
A 360-degree view over the bay, the port, the city and the mountains.
The 1960 memorial
History
A place of remembrance for the victims of the earthquake that flattened the old town.
Getting there
From Riad Asmaa it is 26 km, about a 40-minute drive.
The nicest way up is the cable car. The lower station is in town, at the Oued Tildi bridge (Rue Echouhada, near the Wilaya). A return ticket cost 130 MAD per adult in 2025; check the price on site.
You can also drive or take a taxi up the hill road to the car park at the top, or walk up a 2.8 km trail.
The easiest option for our guests: we arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide.
Visiting the inside
The esplanade and ramparts reopened in July 2022, together with the cable car. The inside of the Kasbah opened on 3 February 2024, after four years of work.
Wooden walkways follow the layout of the early 20th-century streets, with panels telling the story of the site. An audio guide is available in Arabic, Amazigh, French, English and Spanish (30 MAD). Allow about 50 minutes.
Entry to the Kasbah costs 90 MAD for a foreign adult and 20 MAD for a Moroccan visitor (official 2026 prices).
Five centuries of history
Mohammed ech-Cheikh founded the Kasbah in 1540 to watch over the Portuguese fort of Santa Cruz at the foot of the hill, which he took in 1541. His successor rebuilt it, and for two centuries Agadir was a busy port, until trade was moved to Essaouira in the second half of the 18th century.
On 29 February 1960 an earthquake destroyed more than 90% of the Kasbah and much of the city. Agadir was rebuilt further south; the hill has remained a place of remembrance.
Where to eat after the visit
There is no food service on site yet. At the foot of the hill, the fishing port and its small grilled-fish restaurants are the most authentic choice; the marina next door has more options.
If you are coming back to the riad for dinner, remember to order the day before: meals are cooked to order.
Around the Kasbah
To make a day of it.
Agadir Marina
A waterfront promenade with cafés and restaurants, at the foot of the hill.
Souk El Had
Agadir's big market, for spices, argan oil and crafts. Closed on Mondays.
Taghazout
The surf village on the Atlantic, north of Agadir.
See the excursionParadise Valley
Natural pools and a palm-lined gorge in the Atlas foothills.
See the excursionAgadir Oufella Kasbah in pictures
Planning your visit
- Bring a light jacket: it is often windy at the top, especially late in the day.
- There is little shade on the esplanade: a hat, sunscreen and water help during the day.
- For sunset, arrive at least an hour early and expect a queue for the cable car at weekends.
- Carry some cash in dirhams for small expenses.
- Combine the visit with Souk El Had (closed on Mondays) or a fish lunch at the port.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Riad Asmaa from Agadir Oufella Kasbah?
About 26 km, a 40-minute drive. We can arrange transport from the riad.
How do you get up to Agadir Oufella Kasbah?
By cable car from the Oued Tildi bridge station in town, by car or taxi to the car park at the top, or on foot along a 2.8 km trail.
How much is the Agadir cable car?
A return ticket cost 130 MAD per adult in 2025. Prices can change, so check on site.
Is there an entry fee for the Kasbah?
Yes. According to the official 2026 prices, entry costs 90 MAD for a foreign adult and 20 MAD for a Moroccan visitor. The audio guide costs 30 MAD.
What are the opening hours of Agadir Oufella Kasbah?
Every day from 10am to 7pm, until 8pm in summer and from 10am to 4:30pm during Ramadan. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
How much time should I allow?
About 50 minutes for the inner trail. With the cable car and time to enjoy the view, allow two hours.
What is left of the Kasbah after the 1960 earthquake?
The earthquake destroyed more than 90% of the Kasbah. The ramparts held and were restored between 2020 and 2024; the inside is visited along walkways that follow the old streets.
What does the inscription on the hill mean?
"Allah, Al Watan, Al Malik" means "God, Country, King", Morocco's motto. It is lit up at night.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the excursion?
Yes, with a licensed tourism transport agency and an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Heritage
Stay at Riad Asmaa and go up to Agadir Oufella Kasbah for sunset.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Abdeaitali (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Anthere (CC BY-SA 4.0) · abdeaitali (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Daniel*D (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Gottfried Hoffmann (CC BY 3.0) · Mobelcaro (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Mwintirew (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bisel91 (CC0)