Agadir has a very special place in my heart. It is my late father-in-law's hometown. The first time I came to Agadir was in 2004 in the days leading up to my upcoming wedding with my husband. My father-in-law's family still lives in Agadir and we decided to have the engagement party there so it was easier for them to join the festivities. I remember we drove down there. My father-in-law took the road along the coast from Rabat and south towards Agadir. It was a very crooked and winding road down there, but incredibly beautiful. I think I took 100 pictures just on the way down there, when I wasn't clinging to my husband, because I wasn't quite so comfortable with the road through the mountains with steep slopes, cars constantly driving in the middle of the road and flocks of sheep, who suddenly crossed the road.
I experience Agadir very differently from many other cities in Morocco. It is marked by the earthquake of the 1960s, which destroyed most of Agadir's old buildings and monuments. The town is built around the beautiful coastline and wide beach promenade with small cozy cafes and restaurants. You could almost think you were in Spain or Italy on a charter holiday. There is nothing better than starting the morning with a walk along the eight kilometer long seafront promenade. On a wide tiled stretch there is plenty of life, and you see people on segways or scooters or just strolling along the promenade. The best thing is to throw away your shoes and walk along the beach. I love the sea and the peace it gives me. Agadir is quieter than most other places in Morocco and is well suited for a relaxing holiday.
Sights I can recommend
Kasbah: On the horizon from the promenade you can see the mountain Kasbah. In the middle of the mountain, they have written "God, land, king" in large Arabic letters, and the writing is beautifully illuminated in the evening. A picture-perfect experience is to drive up the mountain and see the view over Agadir's coastline at sunset.
Medina Agadir: One of my absolute favorite places is the “old medina” in Agadir. Here you can take delicious INSTA photos 🙂 An Italian/Moroccan man named Coco Polizzi set out to rebuild a piece of the old medina as it looked before the earthquake. Today, the medina functions as a tourist attraction and not as a traditional medina (i.e. market). There are, however, some small shops with really nice things... BUT at tourist prices. However, I always buy a small souvenir and drink a coffee in the cafe to support the place.
Cross: Just outside Agadir, it is absolutely perfect to ride cross country. It is definitely recommended to rent a 4×4 each and drive around the desert-like landscape. It's really a cool experience, and there's good action on it as a contrast to calmer days along the beach.
Paradise Valley: Half an hour north of Agadir there is a beautiful place called Paradise Valley. Remember the walking shoes and swimwear! It's a beautiful hike through the mountains and the forest, and there are natural springs you can bathe in and high cliffs you can jump into the water from... if you dare. I think it's one of the most beautiful hikes I've been on, and when we go I always pack a good lunch and drink so you can sit down and have a picnic in the beautiful scenery.
The marina: At the end of the promenade is the most beautiful little marina with cozy cafes and restaurants and a few good shops (Zara, Geox, Mango) and my favorite massage place OCEAN SPA.
Souk: The souk in Agadir is definitely worth a visit for tourists. Here, all the senses are awakened, and you get something of a culture shock. I personally am not so much for this place. This is not where I shop my stuff for Tibladin. But I take my guests there when we are in Agadir, to give them an experience 🙂
Fantasia show – Chems Ayour: 20 kilometers south of Agadir there is an old fort where Fantasia shows are held. It is a perfect evening event with traditional Moroccan food, belly dancing, singing, snake charmers, fire eaters and a horse show.
Many Moroccan dishes are served, and the food is ok, but not the best you can get. You have to come there for the experience and the atmosphere, which is completely unique. It is very overwhelming to arrive at the place where you are greeted with Moroccan song and lighted torches and are served a date and a glass of perfumed milk, which in Morocco is a symbol of a friendly welcome.
