Agadir city

Agadir feels unlike anywhere else in Morocco. A busy port and beach resort sprawling beneath its kasbah, the city was completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960. It is now the country’s premier destination for sun, sand, televised soccer, pubs and pizza. Laid out as a large grid of downtown streets, surrounded by spacious residential suburbs, Agadir’s concrete-covered inland quarters are ugly and sterile. However, the city hits its stride on the beachfront promenade, where Moroccan street life comes with a refreshing sense of space. Arching south of the shiny white marina, the sandy beach is more sheltered than many stretches of the Atlantic, offering clean water, safe swimming and 300 sunny days a year.

Agadir caters mainly to package-tour holidaymakers, and will appeal less to independent travellers with an interest in Moroccan culture. Nonetheless, if you do pass through, relaxing on the beach and wandering around the handful of sights is a pleasant way to spend a day or two.

The city spreads over a large area, both along the coast and inland from the huge swathe of beach. From the northern end of the beach, near the marina and port, three parallel boulevards – 20 Août, nearest the ocean, Ave Mohammed V and Hassan II – run through the main tourist area. Many of the best hotels and resorts are found by the beach south of the centre. Inland, on the northeast side of town, Nouveau Talborjt (New Talborjt) has many budget hotels and restaurants.