Agadir - Chief resort town in Morocco, where many tourists come in search of sunburn, beach holiday and relaxation. Indeed, it is worth coming here just for the sake of relaxing on the ocean. There is little real Moroccan flavor here, especially in the tourist area.
Agadir was badly damaged during the 1960 earthquake, which killed about half of the city's population. Some kind of devastation is still felt. It seems like they built new quarters and a port, but there is no soul here, unlike many other places in Morocco.
Nevertheless, Agadir is well suited for a beach holiday, including with children, there are about 300 sunny days a year, a gentle entrance to the water, a pleasant promenade along which it is cool to make a promenade, breathing in the fresh ocean air.
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Sights of Agadir
Jardin de Olhão garden and mUzey Memory Agadir
Small garden and museum located in the same place. The exposition is dedicated to the history of Agadir in photographs before and after the 1960 earthquake.
Entrance fee: 20 dirham
Working hours: 09: 00-18: 00 (break from 12:30 to 15:00)
Museum of Amazigh Culture
If you want to learn more about the Berber culture, about how these people lived and now live, come to this small museum. Unfortunately, all captions are in French and Arabic only, and photography is prohibited.
Entrance fee: 10 dirham
Working hours: 09: 00-17: 30 (break from 12:30 to 14:00)
Zoo
A slightly abandoned park with birds and animals, recommended for families with children. It is nice to just walk along the path to the ocean, and it will be interesting for children to look at parrots, peacocks, flamingos, kangaroos and other inhabitants of the zoo. Unfortunately, the animals are kept in poor conditions.
Entrance fee: free
Opening hours: 11: 00-18: 00
Marina
The modern port where yachts dock is located between the Agadir beach and the commercial seaport. The Marina is adjacent to a small block of modern construction with residential buildings and shops of famous world brands. Such a mini-Dubai in Africa :)
As you can see, attractions and interesting places there are not many in Agadir, but there are many excursions to neighboring cities as well as the Sahara desert.
Excursions from Agadir
The beaches of Agadir
The beach in Agadir has a total length, according to various estimates, from 6 to 10 km, so this is not a place where there will be a lot of people. More lively in the McDonald's area and in the area where the zoo is nearby. Closer to Marina there are fewer people, and to the south it is the same - the further, the calmer. If some privacy is important to you, choose hotels of world chains with own beach in the south of the city.
Agadir beach - center
Remember that even in summer the water does not warm up above 23-24 degrees, the ocean does not exist "like fresh milk." The high tourist season is June-September. Interestingly, Agadir is not like that strong winds as elsewhere on the ocean coast.
The entrance to the water on the Agadir beach is smooth, during low tide you have to take a decent walk to get into the water at a good depth. But this is a plus for families with children, you don't have to worry about your child here.
On Agadir beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella for 35 dirhams, ride a jet ski or camel ride. The sand is fine enough and pleasant to the touch.
Agadir beach in October
In general, do not expect too much from the beach in Agadir (this is not the Maldives, not Thailand, not the Philippines after all), and then the experience will remain pleasant.
Atlantic Ocean
The area around the city is full of cool beaches, the most famous of which is in the town Tagazut... It is a mecca for surfers from all over the world, thanks to the year-round waves. If you are a beginner, then come in the summer, and if you already have skiing experience - from October to March, when there are more waves.
It is also worth mentioning about Legzira beach located 150 km south. It is known for its giant arches right on the ocean and fantastic scenery.
Legzira beach
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Hotels in Agadir
Hotels in Agadir are designed primarily for wealthy tourists; it is difficult to find hostels or traditional riads here. The area near the embankment and the ocean is occupied by large hotels of world chains with corresponding prices, but if you look for accommodation beyond Avenue Mohammed V, you will save a lot. In general, in Agadir the most high prices for accommodation from all the cities in Morocco where we have been.
To make it easier for you with the choice, here are some hotels in Agadir with best reviews and rating:
Best restaurants in Agadir
In Agadir you will find cafes and restaurants of both Moroccan and Mediterranean, Indian, Turkish, Asian cuisine - a wide choice. Many of the most expensive and upscale restaurants are on the waterfront, and the freshest seafood is in the port area.
Here is a small list of restaurants and cafes that I recommend stopping by:
- Chiche kabab- cool and cheap cafe, you can take out. There are always a lot of people, large portions, and they also have delicious sauces (4 or 5 types).
- Cafe Restaurant Ibtissam — local restaurant away from the tourist area, inexpensive.
- Pasta basta- Italian food, pasta and pizza, huge portions and inexpensive.
- K-moon- an inexpensive Moroccan restaurant, grilled meat and large sets for companies.
- El toro- a good Spanish restaurant not far from the embankment, there is a Russian menu, you can pay by card, prices are above average.
- O Playa- another restaurant, next to the previous one. Delicious seafood, alcohol, ocean view.
- La Scala- one of best restaurants in Agadir with high quality service, large portions and delicious food.
- For ice cream and desserts, go to Pistachios, and for baking - to the bakery Tafarnout.
Spices, soap and other souvenirs
Morocco is the country that opens the gates to Arab world... And already at the entrance to them, one can feel the richness of culture, the smell of spices, one can see the silhouettes of sacred mosques and luxurious palaces burnt by the sun. But this is only one side of Morocco.
The country has a rich and varied nature. The proof of this is the man-made beauty. Among them are Majorelle Gardens, Menara Gardens, Ligue Park Arab states... But nature itself did not cheat the country. The picturesque Ouzoud waterfall in the Atlas Mountains attracts thousands of tourists. The Todra gorge will captivate with its grandeur and beauty. The Erg Chebbi Desert lives its own life, allowing those who wish to observe its magical metamorphoses. And this is not the whole variety of landscapes.
Despite the echo of European culture, the atmosphere of the Arabian region has been perfectly preserved in Morocco. Fragrant, full of people and goods, sincere and real. This is especially true in Fez, with its thousands of streets, in Essaouira, where, as in many cities, excellent beaches and windsurfing conditions, in vibrant Chavin. There are also rich palaces, magical mosques and ancient ruins. Morocco is called a land of contrasts. And we can agree with this. She is not only completely diverse from the inside, she opens a new, opposite to the usual world for any guest.
The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles / day
What to see in Morocco?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Former capital of Morocco, imperial city. The tsarist attitude to life has been preserved here: serene and unhurried. Login to Old city guard the gates of Bab Mansur. They are considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Luxurious gardens grow in the old town. Fortune-tellers, jugglers, snake charmers come to El Gedim square. All the fuss of Medina does not reach only the magic pond of Agdal.
Volubilis is the capital of Mauritania and an outpost of the Roman Empire. It was founded in the 3rd century BC. Its population reached 20 thousand people. The city was decorated triumphal arch, pedestals. Its buildings were exquisite and beautiful and had everything necessary for everyday life. An aqueduct was also built in Volubilis. The ruins of the city are considered the most beautiful in Morocco.
It is the tallest religious building in the world. It is located on the shore Atlantic Ocean... Its height is 200 meters. It is 30 meters higher than the Cheops pyramid. It was built by 2,500 builders, 10,000 artists and craftsmen decorated the mosque. From the outside, it looks like a real palace. Here, golden marble floors are heated and the bright emerald-tiled roof can be pulled apart.
The city is considered the cultural heart of Morocco. It is divided into two parts. One of them contains a palace, gardens and a cemetery. Behind the main gate is the second - there are 6,000 streets that stretch 73 kilometers and 200 mosques scattered across 40 blocks. Each house here breathes history. Carved buildings, fountains, mosques seem to have frozen in the past. They look the same as they did years ago.
Most famous park Marrakech. The gardens are located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. They were created at the beginning of the 12th century. Their area is 100 hectares. Palm trees grow here, an olive grove is planted, a pool with fish is made. There are also fruit trees in the garden. Some are 300 years old. A gazebo has been built for relaxation. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
Erg Chebbi is a desert, its dunes, under the influence of the wind, change their shape every day and can reach 150 meters in height. The desert seems to be alive. She is especially beautiful during sunset. Desert excursions are organized on camels. At this time, you can live in tents and eat national food.
The grottoes of Hercules are located near the city of Tangier and have long become its symbol. These are two rocks, between which a depression has formed. According to legend, it was Hercules, resting before the exploits, broke through the rock. One part of it belongs to Europe, the other to Africa. The very shape of the passage resembles the shape of the African continent. Fish are fried in the cave, souvenirs are sold. Wealthy Europeans used to have picnics here.
Cozy and picturesque corner between the old and new city of Marrakech. It was created by Jacques Majorelle in 1924. He embodied the life and culture of Morocco in the garden, using the colors of nature. The next owner of the garden was Yves Saint Laurent. He restored the garden and Majorelle house. Bridges, paths, a fountain, a bamboo alley - now it is heavenly places in hot Morocco, where it is quiet and calm, but very colorful.
The Todra Gorge is part of the canyon carved by the Todra and Dades rivers. In some places the distance between the rocks reaches 10 meters, and their height is 160. This is one of the favorite places of climbers. There are paths for the hiker. The landscapes of the canyon, cut in half by the river, resemble the view of another planet. A stream flows at the base of the gorge. It was once a deep, icy river.
A port city that used to function as a fortress in the past. Therefore, it is surrounded by walls, on which the cannons have been preserved. The view from the fortress to the city is amazing. It was here that the film "Othello" was filmed. In the city there are snow-white houses with blue windows, museums and ruins of palaces. The length of the city beach is 6 kilometers. It is a favorite spot for windsurfers. And here they feed everyone with fresh fish, and even for ridiculous money.
The river is 1150 kilometers long and the Draa is the longest river in Morocco. But she does not always get to the ocean. Often its water is consumed along the way. Only in the spring does it flow with all its might. Oases and villages were formed near it. The first sultan of Morocco was born in one of them. Also, the river valley laid the foundation for world culture. The oldest statuette of a woman was found here.
The Bahia Palace, built in 1880, means “the palace of the Beauty”. It was built for one of the four wives of the ruler Sidi Moussa. Its area is 8 hectares. Outside, it does not glitter with gold. In accordance with Arab philosophy, the most intimate does not need to be shown. The interior of the palace is beautifully painted, its interior is not ordinary, but original and lively. The rooms create a real magical labyrinth.
The city was built to guard the caravan routes. He is a typical representative of Moroccan clay architecture. The houses are almost the same, all painted in color scorching sun... Many films were filmed in the city. Ait Ben Haddou is included in the UNESCO heritage list. On its streets there are museums, souvenir shops and a mosque. Among the houses of the same type, you can see works of art on almost every corner.
Jemaa al-Fna Square is a place that has collected all the flavor and mood of Marrakesh. There is a zoo, a circus, an orchestra pit. Traders offer to buy medicinal herbs, spices, spices. You will be fed seafood at a low price, animal trainers will offer you photos of animals, magicians and acrobats are eye-catching, and snake charmers are mesmerizing. It all looks like a page from Arabic fairy tales.
El Badi Palace is a symbol of victory. It was built in 1603. The palace was called golden because of its stunningly rich decoration. It was crystal, gold, marble, rare wood. But over time, the ruler decided to move the palace to another city. This is how the lengthy dismantling work began. Everything that was of value was taken out. Now El Badi is the ruins of luxury.
The park was created to preserve the last spruce forest in Morocco. Talassemtane is a great place for hiking or horse riding. From many points of the park, beautiful natural landscapes open up. Hostels have been prepared for tourists, where they are received with all the hospitality.
Kasbah is a city fortress on a hill. In Agadir, it was built in 1540. In 1752 it was rearmed and rebuilt. 300 people lived on its territory. After the earthquake in 1960, almost nothing remained of the Kasbah. The high wall and the main gate have survived. But tourists still love to climb it. Here you can take great photos, admire the view and feel the cool breeze.
Mahkama du Pasha is a palace that flew off the pages of The Thousand and One Nights. There are 600 rooms in it, and each one is fighting for the right to be called the most beautiful. It was built in 1952. The palace is decorated with forging, mosaics, stone and wood carvings. Now the city municipality is in its premises. On its territory there are luxurious gardens with rose bushes and fountains. The style of the palace combined Arabian fascination with French sophistication.
This is the largest park in the city. It was created by French designers in 1920-1930. On the outskirts of the park is the Sacre Coeur Cathedral. The luxury of the East and European sophistication are mixed here. Visitors walk along alleys, relax under palm trees, enjoy neatly trimmed lawns and bushes. There are decorative ponds, sometimes bright spots of flower beds can be seen on the green canvas.
This is the main shrine of Marrakech. It was built in 1190. The height of the minaret is 69 meters. It is decorated with stucco and mosaics. But most of all, it is shrouded in legends. One of them is that the balls on top of the mosque are made of pure gold. This story was the reason for many attacks on the shrine. The second is that every evening Saint Sidi Abu el-Abbas el-Sabti ascends to the mosque and descends only when all residents have food and shelter.
Chavin is the blue city of sunny Morocco. It seems that the sky and water in one night painted it entirely. It was founded in 1471. Fog often envelops it, but even in this weather, the city is bright. There are many workshops where residents are engaged in handicrafts. The city is famous for its fabrics and carpets. For a long time there were no foreigners here. Now the city has become one of the most visited in Morocco.
The main citadel of Rabat and a monument of Moorish architecture. The cannons of the 12th century have been preserved on it. Inside the fortress there are houses with blank walls. Tourists often come to the northern part of the citadel. It is located there observation deck on the sea. It offers a gorgeous view. Also on the territory of the fortress there is a museum of Moorish culture.
The mountain waterfall is 110 meters high. In three cascades, it noisily flows down the slopes of the Atlas Mountains. On his way, he sprays mountains overgrown with olive trees and attracts monkeys. Visitors can meet them while viewing the waterfall. Ouzud is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. You can approach it from below. This is an indescribable feeling. There is also a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
The city of Agadir with its long history and unique sights has become, perhaps, a tourist attraction in Morocco. This place is chosen for have a nice rest because of its pleasant mild climate and seductively inviting beaches. It is a famous and very popular resort located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Most often, the city is visited by residents of European countries and are always satisfied with the trip.
History reference
In ancient times, the Phoenicians found refuge in the place where the city of Agadir now stands in all its splendor. Much later, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, a city was founded, which served as a Portuguese fortification. It flourished for a long time thanks to its well-established trade. The goods were oil, leather, gold, dates, and more. Nowadays, in addition to an excellent vacation spot, it is also a huge center for the cultivation and selection of various crops. Fishing is actively practiced here, because the city is considered one of the largest fishing ports.
After the tragic events of the last century, quite a few old buildings remained in the city. On the other hand, new ones were erected in their place: a school, an airport, a post office, and so on. Everywhere, wherever the tourist looks, beauty and charm, endless ocean and incredibly green trees.
Agadir is divided into several quarters:
- the city center with its boulevards, avenues and parks, their quiet tranquility evokes a sense of serenity;
- the coast with a huge number of hotels and restaurants for residents of the city and visiting tourists; there are plans for several ambitious projects to improve it;
- residential areas where wealthy citizens live in their villas;
- ports, such as commercial, fishing and recreational (the latter will especially delight lovers of the salty sea wind and adventure);
- the fortress is the oldest of the quarters, attractive to visitors for its picturesque view;
- old and new Talborzht.
Major attractions
There are quite a few interesting places in the city where you can spend an unforgettable time, take a lot of photos and just enjoy the beauty of the old town and its attractions. One of the main attractions is the beach, which is several kilometers of golden sand. It will especially delight numerous windsurfing lovers, and those who simply want to enjoy swimming and get a lasting southern tan.
The splendor of the eastern boulevard
Other remarkable place- Boulevard Mohammed Fifth. Every tourist who comes to Agadir simply has to see this street in order to plunge into the world of Eastern trade and admire the grandeur of the local architecture, which combines European elements and an abundance of oriental motives. If you wish, you can buy almost anything here - clothes, shoes, various souvenirs and accessories.
There are surprisingly many nightclubs and resorts in this port city, which will undoubtedly delight anyone, even the most fastidious vacationer. The light of the lights of nightlife attracts tourists like the light of a fairy lamp of trusting moths. The local entertainment service can also be called a landmark in this city.
For fishing lovers
It is here that anglers will have a unique opportunity to hunt a natural-born and impeccable predator - a shark. Small local fishing boats offer this service to tourists. This is, without a doubt, one of the amazing types of fishing, which, moreover, contributes a lot to the release of a large amount of adrenaline into the bloodstream.
The sights of one of the most amazing cities will not leave anyone indifferent, there is everything that the soul of a real traveler can wish for. The beauty of the architectural excesses of the rich quarters and the raging sea nature, the risk of being alone with the elements and the colorful shopping arcades of the oriental bazaar, relaxation for the soul and body in resort areas or a wild wave that can be curbed and rolled with the breeze.
Souvenirs: what can you take away as a keepsake?
Many different products can be found in local shops and large stores. There is also something that will forever remain the memory of a great trip, but there are also practical things that will be useful in everyday life.
Fairy tale or decorative element?
The usual fabulous attribute of the East is a lamp, when thinking about a lamp, an old fairy tale, known to us from childhood, is often remembered. Genies, palaces and treasures, a terrible Maghreb sorcerer and his insidious plans - this is the atmosphere oriental tale... In Agadir, you can buy a real oriental lamp made of copper or leather, which will not only remind you of the wonderful city, but also become an interior decoration.
Fragrant oils
Incense and essential oils - this is what the East is famous for. Here you can find the advertised argan oil, which is so beneficial for hair and skin. But beware of counterfeits and don't confuse edible oil with cosmetic oil. The first will be darker.
Agadir is colorful and interesting city, a visit to which will bring a lot of impressions and leave a memory for a long time.
In the city of Agadir on the south coast of Morocco attractions less than expected from a city with such long history... The main reason for this is the devastating earthquake that occurred in 1960, due to which old Agadir with all his historical monuments was completely wiped off the face of the earth.
Agadir map with attractions (click to enlarge)
Beaches
Agadir beach Is a wide, long strip of sand along the entire city, partially sheltered from the wind from the ocean. Here you can ride water skiing, on a horse or camel. The main disadvantage of the beach is strong underwater currents, so children cannot swim. Along the entire beach there is a well-equipped modern promenade.
18 km north of the city, there is an eight-kilometer Taghazut beach- one of the most famous in the country (excellent surfing here).
Port
Another attraction of Agadir is port- a beautiful and very "European" place with many cafes and restaurants, where you can watch the sailing and sailing boats and yachts. Here you can also find parked expensive cars local rich.
Fish market
Fish market due to the lack of other attractions in Agadir, it is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists. Early in the morning, you can watch the fish auctions, buy fish or other seafood and cook them at a nearby restaurant.
Ufella Fortress
Old fortress() was the center of the city until, in 1960, Agadir was destroyed by an earthquake. Only part of the walls has survived from the fortress.
Vallee des Oiseaux Mini Zoo
It is close to the port and the beach (30.418586, -9.603178). An interesting, clean zoo that is home to birds and other animals. Admission is free, so there are a lot of people here on weekends.
Tiznit
Tiznit- it small city 30 kilometers south of Agadir, which is famous for silver jewelry, knives and sabers. There is a fair every Thursday.
Medina
Medina Agadir- this is not a medina in the classical sense (the old city center), but a purpose-built small block in the southern suburbs (30.377651, -9.573117, http://www.medina-agadir.com/). It's simple a nice place with many shops selling local handicrafts.
Museums
Total there are five museums in Agadir and the most famous of them are the Bert Flint Museum (aka,) and. Handicrafts from all over southern Morocco are kept in the Municipal Museum of Agadir. Also in the city there are two museums under open air- this is the "Kasbah" (French "Musee de Talborjt", see information about the Ufella fortress above) and "Le Sicilien Coco Polizzi" - a large area with whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets (see information about the medina above).
