Discovering Agadir: The Modern Face of Morocco’s Coast

Our first time in Agadir was like a brief romance—we only saw the city from a taxi and during an evening stroll to a restaurant. But here on the Atlantic coast, we found a totally different Morocco. This isn’t the Morocco of bustling medinas and mazes of narrow alleyways, but a spacious, modern city whose heart is a magnificent, 10-kilometer-long sandy beach. It’ll give you the best relaxation of your life during your stay in the country. The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the powerful, yet soothing waves turned out to be a wonderful, calming quintessence of our Moroccan adventure. We realized that Agadir, which is very different from the lively Marrakech, has something just as valuable: a chance to really relax and enjoy yourself.

The long, sandy beach of Agadir with sun loungers and the ocean.
The vast beach of Agadir

A Phoenix from the Ashes: The History of Agadir

Agadir is a city with two life stories. Its origins stretch back nearly a thousand years, when a Berber settlement became an important port. The real turning point, however, came in the 20th century. The tragic 1960 earthquake almost completely destroyed the city. From this tragedy, an urban planning phenomenon was born – Agadir was rebuilt with grand ambition and exceptional attention to its master plan. Today, this modern, white city with its wide avenues creates an incredibly positive impression of harmony and peace.

A Taste of Morocco: Culinary Delights for 50 MAD

One evening, we found ourselves in a local barbecue restaurant, where the atmosphere was set by live Moroccan music. We were served delicious beef and chicken skewers, accompanied by a tomato salad, excellent bread, and characteristic drinks: sweet mint tea and freshly squeezed juice. This entire feast for the palate cost us only about 50 MAD – an excellent value for the quality.

Moroccan cuisine including skewers, salads, and bread.
A taste of local flavours in Agadir.

Beach Relaxation & Practical Tips

Agadir is not your typical museum-city. Its main attraction is the beach and the ocean. To our surprise, you can even swim in the warm Atlantic waves here in November or December. It’s the perfect place for those seeking sunshine and relaxation on the sand during the short winter days of the northern hemisphere.

Accommodation is very affordable. For just 50 euros, we found an apartment with two bedrooms, a living room, and a decent bathroom, located between the beach and the city centre. A delicious morning breakfast at a nearby restaurant (cost approx. 40 MAD) completed the picture of a comfortable and inexpensive stay.

The Road to Marrakech: The Journey & Impressions

Agadir also served as a base for our excursions. You should allow a solid 3 hours or more for the journey to Marrakech. From the bus station (the taxi there cost us 20 MAD), we set off at 9:30 am. The bus ticket cost 100 MAD, and the journey itself, though long, allowed us to watch the landscape change from coastal to inland.