Agadir, the pearl of Moroccan tourism
Agadir has a different feel from the rest of Morocco. It is a busy port and seaside resort sprawling beneath the Kasbah. The city was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960 and is now one of the main destinations within the country for sun, sand, pubs and pizza. The city centre was designed as a large grid of streets, surrounded by spacious living areas. The concrete-covered areas of Agadir are not exactly charming, but if you go to the beach, the city really comes to life. South of the gleaming white marina you will find the sheltered, sandy beach with crystal clear water and around 300 sun-filled days a year.
An Excellent Location
Agadir is located south of the Atlas Mountains and is considered the regional capital. The name Agadir is a short version of the Berber’s word ‘Agadir n Irir’, which means something like fortified granary. Agadir is a popular tourist destination thanks to its modern construction and pristine beaches. It offers many possibilities for water sports and there is a wide range of comfortable accommodation with excellent Moroccan hospitality.
The Must-See Monuments and Sights
The Kasbah was built in 1540 to protect the city against the Portugese. From the cliff you can see the city, the ocean and the port. Vallée des Oiseaux is a zoo in the heart of the city. Birds from all over the world can be admired there.
The Marina is the newest attraction in the city and is located between the beach and the commercial port. Next to the docks there are many floating palaces and yachts. This complex of the white Kasbah is also now home to apartments, shops (mostly international brands), cafés, and restaurants.
Mémoire d'Agadir is a small museum in the southeast corner of Jardin de Olhão and is dedicated to the earthquake in 1960. Here you will find an interesting exhibition with pictures of Agadir from 1920s onwards.
Beautiful sun drenched beaches
Morocco is blessed with three hundred days of sunshine per year. The beaches of Agadir are an ideal refuge for sunbathing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and horseback riding. The refreshing azure waters and warm temperatures all year round make Agadir the perfect beach destination.
Bargaining on the Souk
Agadir is a city that seems to be made for shopping. Everyone who has an eye for a bargain and an ability to barter, can haggle for a good price. This is particularly necessary in the markets and the Souk. The Souk, the famous open air market in the south east of the city, is enormous. With the right skills you will be able to find a bargain of about 50% off the original price tag. The offerings are very varied, from fruit and other eatables to clothes and household items.
A vibrant nightlife
Agadir is a city with many faces. At night you can experience this to the fullest. From coffee shops, to bars and clubs, you will find everything you need to spend your evenings the way you want to. Anyone who visits Agadir for business will have the possibility to relax and unwind in a bar or restaurant after a hard days’ work. Most restaurants offer excellent Moroccan cuisine. After dinner you can still pay a visit to one of the many night clubs of the city, join the locals and dance the night away.
Moroccan delicacies
La Scala - Behind a charming brick facade you will find La Scala, one of Agadir’s best fish restaurants. The menu has two pages dedicated to seafood. Pasta and meat dishes are also available. All dishes are freshly made and presented in an elegant way. When you book a table by phone, free transportation will be offered as well. (Rue Oued Souss, Agadir, Morocco)
Côte Court - This restaurant in the Royal Tennis Club is set in a nice outdoor area and is divided into a chichi garden and a nomad camp, with lit up trees, basket lamps and the flickering flames from the pizza oven. The service is friendly and attentive and the menu offers extraordinary dishes such as a calamari risotto with chorizo chips. A children’s menu is also available. (Avenue Hassan II, Royal Tennis Club Agadir, Agadir 80000, Morocco )
Excellent Hotels
Agadir is, along with Marrakech, the biggest tourist destination in Morocco. The resort town has its own airport and you can choose from over 100 hotels offering more than 20,000 beds. Most hotels offer the all-inclusive formula, but there are also plenty of other possibilities in case you prefer more flexibility.
Agadir Beach Club - This 4 star hotel, located at the beach of Agadir has a lovely outdoor area, surrounded by palm trees. All rooms have a wonderful view. There are different wellness and relaxation activities available, such as a sauna, hamam and different kinds of massages. At the Beach Club you can enjoy a full breakfast buffet, Italian cuisine, Moroccan specialities, fish dishes and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. (Rue Oued Sous Bp 310, Secteur Balneaire, Agadir)