An Insider’s Guide to The Wonders of Agadir

I guess the name Agadir itself entices us to search the map. Let's see where it lies on the globe. Agadir is a resort destination along Morocco's southern Atlantic coast, situated at the base of Anti-Atlas Mountains. Golfers and food lovers love this city for all the right reasons.

Driven by its past, Agadir is a rambling modern town that was rebuilt after an earthquake that struck in 1960. After it was rebuilt, it took the shape of a Swiss architecture and almost resembled any Mediterranean town.

Much more than Beaches

Agadir is not that bore. The tourist area is called Secteur Touristique. It's sparkles as glittering diamonds because of its cleanliness and atmosphere. It's a place to unwind and pamper your taste buds. The streets are all lined up with lush palm trees and olive where all the restaurants are lined up. It's a pure picture-postcard place to hangout.

Getting access to the beach is like stepping from your bedroom into your living room. Yes, it's that easy! The beach lures you to book a beach hut or a resort located right on the beach front via the refurbished promenade. Enjoy a beach walk till you reach kasbah and a famous port of Agadir. If you try walking towards the opposite side, you'll be stopped by security guards as that way leads to the Royal Palace about 3 miles beyond.

Tourists love to be on one of the three sectors – Avenue Hassan II, Ave Mohammed V and Boulevard du 20 Aout, leading into Chemin Des Dunes and Chemin Qued Souss. You can stumble across some nightlife options and open-air restaurants.

What Can Agadir Offer?

Agadir is modern and worth it. There are sights that draw people to the port, to the souk and also to the kasbah. Speaking of kasbah, it is an ancient fortress overlooking the sprawling town, also visible from several miles. A three hour guided tour will give you a deep insight of the city and its past. The tours include visits to the museum, a stop at Agadir's main mosque, a visit to the kasbah which is now a cemetery, exploring the souk al Had and a visit to the port.

There are a few extended trips and tours that visitors can be a part of. Tours to Agadir and Marrakesh are extremely gratifying. Your tour starts with a 1200m ascent into the Atlas Mountains, exploring the Essaouira, a Berber soire, a day trip to a city that looks like a miniature of Marrakech. Pump up your excitement with horse and camel rides. There are desert trips, trips that will make you admire the sunset over the majestic Atlantic Ocean while relishing your ice cream on the promenade.

The places of interest in Agadir are many. Attractions include Valee de Oiseaux, encountering a bird and wildlife sanctuary, touring the Petit Train to get an insight of the city centre. Beaches are the main attraction offering 6 miles of powdery sands.

Exceptional Shopping

Shopping is an intimidating experience in Agadir. Since many items do not have a set price, haggling is very common in and around the markets, traditional bazaars and open-air souks. At a few shops, the prices are fixed. So shop for famous brands and a variety of merchandise, Uniprix located on Ave Hassan II is the best place. Buy clothes, shoes, leather items, ornaments, bags and any souvenir you can think of.

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and accessible in the city of Agadir and it should not cost you more than 10Dh or 15Dh. There are two types of taxis – Peugots are orange petit metered taxis and Grand Mercedes Taxis that are cream coloured and unmetred and they are privately run. The orange coloured petit taxis are becoming more and more dishonest by not running the metre. Just make sure that for shorter journeys there is no need to pay more than 12Dh. The older drivers tend to be more honest.

Drinking & Dining

The gastronomical world of Agadir is varied and caters to every tourist swarming into the city but the top class eateries are found towards the beach front. Top restaurants are La Scala, Cantanzaro and Le Jardin. If you are bent more towards American and European flavours, you can grab a bite at McDonalds and Pizza Hut

The Talborjt district has budget restaurants where anyone can eat a three course meal. Just head for Ibtissam and relish Moroccan flavours.