Guide for surfers exploring Souk El Had, Agadir’s buzzing marketplace

If you’re headed to Morocco for surf, Agadir should be high on your list. But there’s more to the experience than the waves – just a short hop from the beach is Souk El Had, Agadir’s buzzing marketplace, full of stories, scents, and handcrafted gems.

📍 Location: Central Agadir
🕒 Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM–8 PM (closed Mondays)
🛺 From Tamraght/Taghazout: 20–25 minutes by taxi (~150–200 MAD round trip)

Here are 10 easy, surf-friendly tips to dive into the souk like you were born to barter.

1. Get Lost

Think of Souk El Had like a point break – a bit unpredictable, kind of messy, but with amazing payoff. It’s huge, a little chaotic, and that’s the charm.

🌀 “You might start looking for olives and end up sipping mint tea next to a stall selling handmade surf ponchos.”

2. Go Early or Late

Morning light or golden hour – both work for the market, too. Hit the souk before your surf or after your sunset yoga. You’ll skip the heat and ride the energy of the locals warming up or winding down.

☀️ “In the early hours, you’ll catch vendors laying out fresh produce and hear roosters crowing from inside the market walls.”

Just like glassy morning surf, early market hours offer calm before the crowd builds.

3. Haggle Like You Paddle

Haggling is part of the culture. Start at half the asking price and enjoy the back-and-forth – it's like chatting in the lineup, just with more leather bags and fewer wetsuits.

Start at 50% of the asking price – it's not rude, it's expected. Our 5 tips to ride the deal:

Stay relaxed and smile – never aggressive
Don’t show too much excitement – it’s like dropping in too early
Be ready to walk away – they are likely call you back
Buy more than one item – bundling gets better prices
Carry small change – it’s easier to seal a deal when you hand over exact cash

💬 “At Souk El Had, sharing a glass of mint tea while bargaining is not uncommon – connection often comes before commerce.”

Not sure what’s a fair price? Ask your surf instructor or anyone at Nordic Surf Morocco – we are always happy to help you spot the real deals.

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4. What to Buy

You’ve got surf gear. Now grab some argan oil, hammam scrub gloves, Berber silver rings, and a woven tote for beach days. Local makers line the stalls with real-deal craftsmanship – the kind you won’t find on the tourist trail.

Start with pure argan oil – known locally as "liquid gold," it’s perfect for rehydrating sun-and-sea skin after long sessions. Check for cold-pressed oils in glass bottles and ask where it's made.
Grab a kessa (scrub glove) and black soap – the classic duo for your hammam day. Most Morocco surf camps include hammam sessions or recommend one after a few days in the water.
Berber silver jewelry – handcrafted and rich in symbolism.
Woven baskets and totes – great for beach days or market hauls. You’ll find versions lined with fabric, perfect for sandy gear or salty snacks.
Textiles & rugs from Tazenakht – warm colors and thick textures make these ideal for dressing up your surf camp room or packing for home.
Rosewater & beauty products from the Atlas – natural, local skincare with serious glow-up potential.
Vintage leather poufs or hand-carved wooden stools – tougher to pack, but perfect if you’re staying longer or road-tripping down the coast.
“Mnin ja hadchi?” – “Where is this from?” → Opens the door for stories about regions, families, or villages.

🛍️ “Souk El Had is known for its artisan rugs from Tazenakht and rose-scented beauty products from the Atlas foothills.”

5. Throw in Some Darija

Even a few words open doors (and unlock smiles). A few words go a long way:

Salam = hey
Shukran = thanks
BshHal? = how much?

You don’t have to be fluent, locals appreciate your effort!

🗣️ “Many vendors at Souk El Had speak a mix of Arabic, Berber, French – and sometimes surfer-English thanks to the global crowd.”

6. Stay Cool

Shopping in 30°C heat after a surf session? Brutal – unless you come prepared.

Water
Sunnies
Real shoes (leave the sandy flip-flops behind)

… with tea go a long way.

🍊 ”Look for the fresh juice guys near Gate 1 – they’ll cut you a deal on pomegranate or orange juice after a friendly chat.”

7. Know Your Entry

Snap a pic of your gate. With 17 entrances and winding aisles, even locals lose track.

🎯 ”Gate 9 drops you into the artisan zone – perfect if you’re hunting for hammam bowls or carved wooden surfboard racks.”

8. Keep Your Kit Tight

Leave your valuables at your Morocco surf camp and wear a zipped crossbody bag. You’ll want both hands free for sampling and snapping pics.

👀 ”Souk El Had is safe, but bustling – especially on Sundays, when locals stock up for the week and the market pulses with energy.”

9. Dress Chill, Not Beachy

At Souk El Had, you’re moving through a traditional, everyday part of Agadir life. This is a local space, not the lineup. Loose, breathable, and modest clothing shows respect and keeps you cool under the Moroccan sun.

⚽ ”You’ll see traditional djellabas, headscarves, and market workers also in soccer jerseys — it's casual but covered.”

10. Shop with Soul

Don’t just buy – ask. Behind every handmade piece at Souk El Had is often a family, a village, or a generations-old craft. Slowing down to ask the story not only deepens your experience, it builds real connection.

💬 ”The rug you’re eyeing might be hand-woven by women in Taroudant, and the wood carvings often come from Essaouira artisans passing through.”

Surfing in Morocco isn’t just about waves and beach bonfires – it’s also about the culture between sessions. Agadir’s Souk El Had adds color, stories, and local rhythm to your trip. Whether you're at a Morocco yoga and surf retreat or hopping between surf camps Morocco loves, don’t skip the souk – some of the best surf memories start off the sand.

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