Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Rental in Agadir, Morocco
If you plan on visiting Morocco, you’re bound to have a life-changing cultural experience no matter where you go. However, if what you’re after is some time relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you need to go to Agadir, the most popular coastal destination in all of Morocco. Situated along the country’s southern Atlantic coast in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains, the city of Agadir was nearly entirely destroyed during an earthquake in 1960. Today, though, it has been rebuilt into a glistening resort town full of golf courses, crescent-shaped beaches, and beautiful seaside promenades.
If you’re more interested in learning about history than simply lounging by the beach or at a cafe, you should know that Agadir was founded by the Phoenicians from Tyre and is sometimes counted as one of the most ancient cities still standing in western Europe. The Portuguese inserted themselves into the region in 1505 and installed a governor but were quickly driven out by the existing tribes in the region. The city’s historic casbah was built in 1572 and then destroyed by the earthquake in 1960; however, some of the casbah’s walls still remain as ruins. If you want to explore all of the amazing historic sites of Agadir or just want to see all of the area’s stunning beaches, the best way to do so is by renting a motorcycle and exploring on your own time.
Here is everything you need to know about motorbike hire in Agadir. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Morocco
- Whether it’s safe to rent a motorcycle in Agadir
- How much it costs to hire a motorcycle in Agadir
- Where to find motorbike rental in Agadir
- The best things to do around Agadir by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorcycle in Morocco?
If you have a driver’s license that’s written in English, you do not need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in the country of Morocco. However, if your license is written in a language other than English and you do not possess a Moroccan driver’s license, you will need an IDP to hire any kind of motor vehicle legally in Morocco. Even if you do have a driver’s license written in English, it may be a good idea to obtain an international driving permit just to be safe.
There is a $20 application fee when you apply for your international driving permit and it usually takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail. So, you should apply for your IDP at least two weeks before departing your home country for Morocco. If you want to apply for your IDP, you can do so online here. Once you have your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
Is It Safe to Drive a Rental Motorcycle in Agadir?
For the most part, driving in Agadir and in most parts of Morocco is relatively safe. In particular, the highways leading between major cities are incredibly well-maintained and have sufficiently wide lanes. However, when you’re driving in certain areas, particularly in the old town sections of certain cities, there are some things that you need to be aware of.
The older sections of cities tend to have narrow streets and are often overrun with people. So, you should always drive slowly and vigilantly when in these parts of the cities. You should also always be wary of the other drivers on the road. Many Moroccan drivers tend to disregard the rules of the road, putting themselves and others in danger. Finally, many of the police in Morocco can be corrupt and may try to pull you over and extract a fine from you even though you weren’t breaking any laws. Thus, you should drive as carefully as possible to avoid unnecessary attention.
What Is the Normal Price of Motorbike Hire in Agadir?
In comparison to many European countries, most things in Agadir don’t come at much of a discount. There are some cheaper destinations in Morocco; however, Agadir is frequented by wealthy travelers who want nice golf courses and beautiful beaches. So, if you’re looking to rent a motorcycle, you can expect to pay a fairly high rate. For a solid motorbike, such as a Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere, you can expect to pay around €80 per day. If you’re looking for even more power, you can go for something like a KTM Adventure 1190 for around €110 per day. You also may be able to find motor scooters at lower rental prices.
No matter what kind of vehicle you’re renting, you need to make absolutely sure that they include insurance in the stated rental price. Shadier rental services may not provide insurance to you and you definitely don’t want to be caught driving in a foreign country without insurance. You should also inquire with your rental shop to see if they’ll give you a discount for weekly or monthly rentals.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorcycle Rentals in Agadir?
If you plan on flying into Agadir-Al Massira Airport, the international airport serving Agadir and the Souss-Massa region, you may be able to find a motorcycle hire company to drop off a motorcycle for you right at the airport. However, you’re probably better off going into the city before trying to find your rental motorbike. In the metropolitan area, you’ll be able to go to several shops and compare services to get the best price.
The area around Abattoir is a good place to start your search for a rental motorcycle. This is a very busy part of the city where rental shops are very common. You can also find some rental services around the Ihchach neighborhood as well as further west towards highway N1.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Agadir by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all of the necessary information to hire a motorbike in Agadir, here are some of the best things to visit in the city to get you started on your adventure:
Agadir Beach
Quite simply, a trip to Agadir is never complete without a trip to its most famous beach. Located on the western edge of the city just a short drive outside of the center, Agadir Beach is a perfect place to rent a lounge chair, enjoy a cold drink, and get a little sunshine. The summer is the high season for tourism in Agadir, so this beach will probably be flooded with people during the summer months. However, stop by during the spring or fall and you’ll enjoy more mild temperatures and more peace and quiet.
The area around Agadir Beach is lined with some of the city’s finest resorts, most of which feature upscale bars, restaurants, and private beaches. If you’re not staying in one of the resorts, there are still plenty of cafes, restaurants, and street vendors where you can grab some delicious Moroccan food.
Agadir Kasbah
History buffs will be disappointed to know that the massive earthquake in 1960 leveled most of Agadir’s historic attractions. However, the Agadir Kasbah was relatively spared due to its location high on the top of a mountain overlooking the city. Located on the northern side of the metropolitan area, you can take a short drive from the city center right up to the walls of the kasbah and explore Agadir’s last remaining portion of its old city.
Agadir Kasbah dates back to the 16th century and was once an important center of trade in the region. Long past its glory days now, the kasbah is still a wonderful place to catch some panoramic views of the surrounding areas, which includes the city below and the Atlantic coast. The walls and gateway of Agadir Kasbah are also still very well preserved in their original condition. Take a trip during the late afternoon for the best photographic light.
Paradise Valley
If you’ve rented a motorcycle and you have the freedom to travel around the areas outside of Agadir on your own, you should definitely take the hour-long drive over to Paradise Valley. This area definitely lives up to its name as it's filled with groves of almond trees and olive trees, quaint little villages, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. If you’re looking to get a sense of what Moroccan rural life is like, this is a great place to do so.
A lot of people tend to head to Paradise Valley during the weekends, locals and tourists included. So, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, head over there during the weekdays. Plus, if you’re tired of paying city prices, there are tons of vendors in Paradise Valley selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally produced argan oil. A trip to Paradise Valley is sure to rejuvenate you and make you feel ready to take on the city again.
Moto Touring Through Agadir on a Motorcycle
While driving conditions in Agadir may not be absolutely perfect, hiring a motorcycle while you’re there will give you the freedom to explore the city and all of its surrounding areas on your own schedule. Plus, there’s something beautiful about driving down a Moroccan beach with the wind in your hair that you’ll never forget.
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