Agadir Medina (Coco Polizzi): a living artisan village

Agadir Medina, also known as the Medina of Agadir or the Coco Polizzi Medina, is a beautifully crafted artisan village where more than 300 craftspeople work in a living, open-air museum. Unlike Morocco’s ancient medinas, it was built from scratch after the 1960 earthquake using traditional materials and techniques.

A carefully rebuilt artisan medina

Agadir Medina was created by Italian-Moroccan artist Coco Polizzi as a tribute to traditional Berber and Moroccan architecture. Built with local stone, rammed earth and handcrafted detail, it gathers hundreds of artisans in a calm, beautiful setting quite different from a busy commercial souk.

The result feels like both a village and a museum, where craft is shown with pride rather than hard-sell pressure. Because it was rebuilt rather than inherited from centuries past, every archway and courtyard was designed with visitors and artisans working side by side in mind.

What you will see at Agadir Medina

Wander shaded lanes between earthen walls and watch potters, weavers, jewellers and calligraphers at work. Gardens, fountains and traditional architecture make it as much a peaceful stroll as a shopping trip.

It is a quiet, photogenic alternative to the busier Souk El Had, and a great place to understand Moroccan craft before trying it yourself in a workshop.

How to visit the Medina of Agadir

The medina sits a few minutes south of the city centre, and you should allow one to two hours. There is a small entrance fee. You can read more about the city on Wikipedia.

It is the perfect place to see craft in action before making your own, so it pairs naturally with a hands-on workshop or a wider look at things to do in Agadir.

Combine with an artisan workshop

After seeing the artisans at work, try it yourself with a leather babouche workshop or a pottery workshop in Agadir. Browse all our artisan workshops to make something by hand.

What to buy at Agadir Medina

The medina is a wonderful place to find authentic, high-quality crafts directly from the makers: hand-thrown pottery, engraved brass, woven textiles, leather goods and silver jewellery. Because artisans sell their own work, quality tends to be higher than in tourist bazaars.

Prices are generally fair and fixed, so you can browse and buy in a calm, pressure-free atmosphere, which many visitors find a refreshing change from the busier souk in the city centre.

Local tips

Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and take your time. The pleasure of visiting Agadir Medina is in wandering slowly rather than rushing between stalls. Bring cash for purchases, and do not be shy about watching the artisans work, they are usually happy to explain their craft.

Comfortable shoes help, as the lanes are cobbled and gently sloping. A camera or phone is worth having ready, since the archways and courtyards photograph beautifully in the soft morning light.

Best time to visit

The medina is pleasant year-round thanks to its shaded lanes and gardens. Mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable, especially in summer, and also the best times to catch the artisans actively at work rather than on a break.

Who will enjoy Agadir Medina

The medina suits craft lovers, photographers, families and anyone who prefers a calm cultural stroll over a hectic market. It is especially rewarding for visitors who want to understand how Moroccan crafts are made rather than just buy a souvenir.

Couples often enjoy it as a relaxed half-day activity, while solo travellers appreciate being able to linger at whichever workshop catches their interest without needing to keep to a group pace.

Because it is shaded and relaxed, it is also a comfortable option on a hot afternoon when the beach feels too intense.

Explore More of Agadir

The Medina of Agadir is included as a stop on our guided Agadir City Tour, alongside the Kasbah viewpoint and other city highlights, with a local guide who tells its story.

Combining a guided introduction with independent time to browse afterwards is a popular way to visit, since the guide points out details and workshop etiquette that are easy to miss on a first, unguided walk through.

See the full itinerary and current pricing on the booking page, or browse the wider Agadir tours and activities.

Agadir Medina FAQ

Is the Medina of Agadir an old medina?

No, it was built after the 1960 earthquake using traditional techniques, so it is a modern artisan medina rather than an ancient one.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, there is a small entrance fee to visit the artisan medina.

How long should I spend there?

Allow one to two hours to enjoy the lanes, gardens and artisan workshops at a relaxed pace.

How is Agadir Medina different from Souk El Had?

Agadir Medina is a calm, purpose-built artisan village focused on craft demonstrations, while Souk El Had is a large, busy everyday market for locals. Many visitors enjoy both for a different pace and purpose.

Can I buy directly from the artisans?

Yes, most stalls in Agadir Medina are run by the craftspeople themselves, so you are usually buying directly from the maker.