Agadir: Souk El Had for shopping at local prices
A huge walled market where locals do their shopping, Souk El Had is the place to buy spices, dried fruit, argan oil and crafts for far less than in tourist-area shops.
- Cost:
- Free entry
- You save:
- often 30–50% versus tourist shops
A real local market
Souk El Had is one of the largest markets in southern Morocco, laid out in themed aisles behind high walls: fruit and vegetables, spices and olives, fish, clothing, babouches, pottery and everyday goods. Agadir residents shop here, which keeps prices close to local levels.
It is an experience in itself: lively, but far less pushy than the most touristy souks.
What to buy, and how to pay fairly
Spices (cumin, paprika, ras el-hanout), dates and almonds, amlou and argan oil are the best buys. For argan, choose a cooperative or a seller who lets you smell and taste: culinary oil tastes of toasted hazelnut, cosmetic oil is almost odourless.
Bargaining is still possible, but the gaps are smaller than elsewhere. Compare two or three stalls before buying, and carry small change.
Practical info
The souk is in the Talborjt area, a few minutes by petit taxi from the seafront. Come in the morning, when it is calmer and cooler, and check opening days locally: as its name suggests (El Had means Sunday), Sunday is the busiest day. From Taghazout, allow about 30 minutes by road.
In practice
- Come in the morning; Sunday is the busiest day.
- Compare 2–3 stalls before buying.
- Argan: smell and taste, prefer a cooperative.
- Carry small change.
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