“Get away from the crowd when you can.” ―Arthur Brisbane

Agadir is where Moroccans go to get away from the summer heat that encompasses much of the rest of the country, but it is low on the list of the many more well-known tourist attractions in Morocco. Located on the country’s southern Atlantic coast near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Agadir’s climate is mild all year round and onshore breezes keep life comfortable here even during the summer months.

The city’s name comes from the Berber languages and means enclosed town, fortified building, or citadel. Agadir began as a Berber village in the 1300s and then experienced many ups and downs. First becoming a trading port under the Portuguese in 1505, and then prospering under local dynasties until 1750, it was nearly abandoned for 150 years thereafter, as other ports became more strategically important. Only after 1920, as a French protectorate, did Agadir grow again and eventually become a thriving city with an essential port for the country.

The old city as well as the fortress (the Kasbah) that a sultan built on the hilltop in 1572, were nearly totally destroyed by a short but devastating earthquake in 1960, though even that was not the first time an earthquake struck due to a tectonic fault in the South Atlas. Of the fortress, the sole remnant is a restored long, high wall surrounding land that may not be built on as a way to memorialize the lives and the city that were lost. The Arabic inscription on the hill reads “God, Country, King” and is dramatically illuminated at night.

Since its last destruction, Agadir has transformed itself into a modern, white city by the ocean. It once again possesses an important fishing port, and now also boasts a fancy pleasure yacht harbor featuring international-style cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. To help retain a sense of the past, many homes are built of clay in traditional styles, then white-washed, topped with red-tile roofs, and adorned with elaborate patterns. They line the bay and hillside and also border several pretty public parks. The very colorful rebuilt market, the Souk El Had, offers everything in exotic spices, handmade ceramics, and oriental carpets, lamps, and textiles, in addition to fruits and vegetables. Locals shop here in a truly Moroccan atmosphere, making a visit an authentic cultural experience.

Agadir has also become a beach paradise on the Atlantic Ocean with its more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of intricately patterned promenade along the fine sand beach. The beach is clean, and unlike others on this coast, the water is tranquil and inviting because it isn’t buffeted by winds off the ocean. Stylish hotels dot the length of the promenade, which surprisingly also features an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel. Youngsters play pick-up games of beach soccer and the occasional camel jockey rides casually along the shoreline at sunset. Within a few kilometers of the city center, three picturesque and challenging golf courses, one with ocean views, provide another alluring passtime for visitors in addition to the beach.

Don’t miss:

An evening walk on the beach for a guaranteed sunset and to pick up pieces of tile that still wash up, from ancient structures destroyed by the earthquake.

Bedtime:

Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel, a modern and comfortable beach hotel in the traditional style.

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*All photographs are mine, taken with my Nikon D3100 or iPhone 8.*