Morocco’s resort city
Morocco’s seaside city of Agadir was rebuilt from scratch in 1960 after a devastating earthquake. It’s popular with European tourists but does it lack Eastern promise? CONTINUE READING BELOW
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Agadir’s crowning glory is its long, sweeping beach and promenade. They’re popular with Moroccans and tourists for walks, football games and dipping into the frothy Atlantic brine.
The shoreline is beautiful, and drew me into the water with my camera to capture reflections and the sheen on the sands.
It’s lined with a dizzying array of hotels, including the Palais de Roses which was my pleasant base for the week. Yes, the area feels a little watered down, European-leaning and lacking the North African buzz and excitement of Marrakech. It’s easier to find a steak dinner than a lamb tagine.
A romantic moment on Agadir’s beach
You could easily spend a week lounging by the pool and wandering along the beach. But inland there’s a whole other Agadir which is well worth exploring. It’s quite a walk from the seaside but there’s no shortage of taxis to take the strain.
The city centre is where everyday Moroccan life happens. And given it was rebuilt in the 1960s, back streets in the Abattoir district look like they’ve been there for centuries.
You have to visit the Souk el Had, crammed with produce, tourist trinkets and just about everything else you can lay your hands on. It’s heady, pungent and brings you that Eastern promise in spades. Don’t be too polite to say no to stallholders’ approaches, and be careful when photographing people in the market.
It’s also worth taking a taxi up to Oufella, the hill that overlooks Agadir bay and is emblazoned with the words ‘God, King and country’. The views are exceptional, although when I went it was unusually murky (typical).
I also went on day trips to other parts of the coast, but can appreciate why some visitors decide to take it easy and just soak up the sun. The choice is all yours in the city of Agadir.
- The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential overseas travel. Since July 4 a number of countries are exempt from this advisory, but at time of publication Morocco is not on this list. Morocco’s borders are closed to overseas visitors.
mikeosbornphoto 
Ooh! Produce Market and Promenade Wall… You’re attracting all the onlookers! ;) Lovely photos, Mike. In this British Summer you need memories of warmer, sunnier climes! :)
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Thanks Richard, glad you like them. Indeed, memories of travel, which is still far from the agenda.
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