Travel Eye on Agadir (Morocco)

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Overview:

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.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

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).