Two Days In Agadir

Agadir is a major modern city in the southern part of Morocco. It is of interest primarily because of its location, as it is surrounded by the Anti Atlas, the Sahara Desert on the Atlantic coast with many national parks, and secluded beaches which are all easily accessible.

Agadir is a very tolerant city. The local Berber community are proud of their heritage and culture and are very welcoming to visitors. In a Muslim country where a bar or a casino can be footsteps away from a mosque, a country where homosexuality remains a crime, yet there is an obvious gay community, made up of many older Europeans. Everyone just seems to live and let live in this incredible resort.

Whilst tourism plays a vital role in the city’s economy it remains a major port with a thriving fishing industry, exporting produce and natural resources. If you head north of the city towards the beaches around Tamraght you will pass a small town called Anza where there is a fish processing factory, the smell on hot days can be quite unreal! Having said that the seafood is excellent.

Today the city centre itself is primarily a tourist resort popular with Europeans. It has excellent clean beaches, first class golf courses, health and beauty spas and all the other facilities that European travellers demand.

Agadir is primarily a resort; and as such has a limited number of attractions.

The main attraction is the beach, which is wide and stretches for miles.
Dress up for the evening and join locals and stroll along the corniche or promenade. There are lots of cafes and bars, live music and street entertainers.
Surfing, Imsouane bay, Devils rock, Anchor point, Cro-Cro and many others.

There are a lot of surf schools and surf camps and surf shop. The best surf season is from November until March, but if you are just beginner, you can surf every day all year long.

Part of the original fortress remains at the top of the hill beside the city, over the huge painting. It’s possible to go there by taxi, bus or even small mopeds that are for rent around of the Hotel Kenzi (they are expensive, more than 100 Dh an hour). If you want designer label fashion then head to the marina which has a wide selection of international boutiques. Shops include Zara, Mango, Lacoste, Adidas.
There is a small zoo, called “Vallée des Oiseaux”. Entrance is free of charge. Open daily 11am – 6pm. There is a very nice cage you can walk inside, many birds from all the world, some goat-like animals from the Atlas, and even exotic mammals. It is particularly good for children and is frequented by locals who take their children along to play in the playground inside. If you are an animal lover, you may not enjoy this attraction as some of the birds look to be in a state of distress. There are two entrances as it forms a passageway between Ave. Hassan II and Ave Mohammad V. To find it, go to the Uniprix, and the main gate is on the other side of the street on the right (Av. Hassan II).
Head to the fish market near the marina where you can buy fish, then take it to the guys who will prepare it for you.
Golf. With three top notch golf courses Agadir can rival most countries golf facilities. Ask at any large hotel about the bus transport which collects visitors several times a day.

Visit Souk El Had (closed Mondays). With over 3000 stalls the Souk is a must see. Everything from tourist souvenirs, clothes, leather goods, household items, to fruit and veg. If you are a tourist and enter via Gate 9 or 10 (the main gates) expect to be approached by someone offering to guide you. Which of course means he’ll take you to all his friend’s stalls. If you wish to avoid this, and explore on your own, enter through one of the lower numbered gates where the Moroccan’s go. Haggle hard and note some stores advertise Fixed Prices. Worth looking there first so you have an idea of the ‘right’ price to pay before trying your hand at haggling. Personal favourites and the olives and spices stalls. Generally stallholders are happy to be in your photographs, but be respectful and ask permission first.