Agadir (Morocco)

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Agadir is very different from any other city in Morocco. Built next to a tragedy - the earthquake of 1961 that killed 15,000 - it exhibits a totally different city culture and architecture from the rest of the country.

Agadir today is a bustling commercial resort city, economically important for its agriculture, sardine fishing and tourist industry. Stretching along the coast for some two mls, Agadir's popularity as a holiday resort rest mainly on its climate (year-round sunshine with just the occasional unpredictable rainy day), its wide sandy bay and a backdrop of snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

The tourist area of the town comprises a variety of international hotels discreetly blending into the environment of dunes and eucalyptus forests. The centrally situated Festival Square is home to a variety of medium-standard hotels, basic international restaurants and bars. The hospitable Berber people make hard salespeople but are less insistent than their counterparts in other North African destinations. Agadir offers an out-of-Europe environment with luxury, tranquillity and mysticism. Locality: Agadir is situated on the coast, facing west onto the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Atlas Mountains. The characterisitc sloping streets and paths towards the north end of resort, gradually level out towards sand dunes in the south.

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Agadir is popular with sun-bathers, business people, special activity groups like bird-watchers. Expansive seven mls of fine sandy beach, smoothed by ocean waves and with a number of beach facilities and sports. Too wide to be crowded and rarely littered. Year-round swimming, although it can be cold and rough during winter.

Shoppers are treated to a wide variety of boutiques to bazaars, but less traditional than older cities. Supermarkets sell everything from cornflakes, vegetables and wine to Moroccan handicrafts at fixed prices. A large souk (local market) offers the opportunity to haggle.

Entertainment in this city generally consists of enjoying the beach and sunshine. Despite this being the central attraction there are plenty of things to do. For children, Valley of the Birds comprises zoo, aviary and playground. Theatre and folk art museum. Donkey and camel rides. Nightlife in the city is limited to hotels and their nightclubs, some of which have evening cabarets. Most bars have live music and occasional visiting folk dancers and singers. International dining and show based at Beach Club Hotel.

Excursions include:

Half day: local souk (market); desert and camel treks; shark fishing; city sightseeing; ancient oasis town of Taroudannt.

Full day: fishing port of Essaouira with its colourful old town; exploring local highland villages; Marrakech (long day).

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Population: 32.725.800
Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often u
Currency: Moroccan dirham
Currency code: MAD
Local Times:
Morocco - Casablanca

Country Dialling Code: +212
Voltage: 127/220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. This is due partly to its geographical position, sited at the crossroads where the East meets the West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.

Sitting at the top northwest corner of Africa and sharing two oceans, the country's main appeal for visitors has always been its Mediterranean climate, the quality of its crafts and its exotic nature. However in more recent years travellers are discovering other hidden delights and adventures, particularly in the northern and central parts of Morocco in the Rif and High Atlas Mountains, where it is even possible to enjoy a skiing holiday. Then, down south, some are drawn to explore the sands of the Western Sahara, on camelback, horseback or 4X4.

Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine, or to trek through the mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a sure bet you will also be enchanted by the timeless Medieval medinas of the cities, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the souks and squares plunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world. Snake charmers weave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards pervades the air; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient minarets. The overall memory will be one of sweetened mint tea, brightly coloured slippered feet and big smiles.

Although most of its suburban enclaves are ultra-modern, Morocco has more than its share of ancient monuments and magnificent buildings, reflecting a turbulent history shaped by its strategic location. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has attracted foreign interest, from the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and ancient Greeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century, who brought Islam and the Alaouite Dynasty. European powers have had their day, too, trying to control this northern tip of Africa. France and Spain battled for control, until nationalism triumphed and the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956 (except for the two small enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north which are still controlled by Spain). This rich past, coupled with a timeless present, makes Morocco a magical mystery tour of surprises and enchantment for thousands of visitors every year.