Agadir: Morocco's Ideal Beach City
Agadir sits on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Sun-seekers come for long beaches, steady warm weather and a mix of relaxed plus active things to do.
People set up a trading port here in the 1500s. Romans besides Amazighs each left marks on the town. A strong earthquake hit in 1960. Builders then laid out new roads and houses - yet kept some old patterns but also styles.
The main beach runs for more than ten kilometers. Yellow sand and small waves suit swimmers, sunbathers, surfers as well as water-ski riders. Seven kilometers north, Taghazout village draws surfers with steady rollers and a slow paced feel.
Away from the shore, Bird Valley holds fenced aviaries or Crocodile Park houses Nile crocodiles. Day trips head south to the desert for camel treks or east to the Atlas foothills for hikes, rock climbs or quad rides.
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The Sunday Market spreads rows of carpets, silver jewelry and argan oil. Fixed-price shops in town sell the same crafts with modern designs.
Tagines of lamb also vegetables, steamy couscous and spicy haria soup appear on most menus. Grilled sardines, fried shrimp next to ring-shaped calamari arrive straight from the boats each afternoon.
The small Amazigh Museum shows Berber dress and jewelry. After dark, cafés plus music clubs line the Corniche seafront. Visitors sleep in high rise resorts, small guesthouses or beachside campsites among tamarisk trees.
