Rebuilt following a major earthquake in 1960, Agadir is a modern resort city and port firmly on the Atlantic cruise ship itinerary. It is also an important commercial and fishing port.

Known for its fine beaches and busy tourist industry, it is also a major gateway to the inland attractions of the Sahara desert, and presents an interesting combination of old and new - longstanding Moroccan tradition and culture combining with modern facilities to offer a lively mix for the cruise passenger.

Overall, though, Agadir is a modern city, with international influences having gained a major hold in the decades since the earthquake.

Superb beaches, wide palm-fringed boulevards, excellent resort hotels and self-catering accommodation, and all types of sports activities are the main features of Agadir. It has an excellent covered souk, which sells local specialities. The fish market is also worth visiting to see the locals at work. Day trips into the desert, and to the former earthquake refugee centre, now a town in its own right, are a popular option for cruises stopping here.

Highlights
• The Old Kasbah
• La Musée des Arts Berbers (Berber Arts Museum)
• Marrakech day tour
• Taroudant tour
• Beaches
• Inezgane

Immeuble A. Place du Prince Héritier Sidi Mohamed, Agadir, Morocco.
Tel : +212 4884 6377.
Website: www.visitmorocco.org

The co-operative shops of Moroccan craftsmen, coopartim, operate under state control selling local handicrafts at fixed prices. The souk (bazaar) is also a worthwhile place to visit for local products. Special buys are leather, copperware, silver, silk or cotton garments, wool rugs, carpets and blankets. Bargaining is essential and good buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price.

Agadir's international resort status means it offers a good range of European/international food, but it's worth trying local specialities like couscous, tajine (stews) and djaja mahamara, chicken stuffed with almonds, semolina and raisins. 

Agadir has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by south-westerly trade winds. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, but the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer. Average winter temperature is 21°C (70ºF).

Morocco

GMT.

Moroccan Dirham (Dh) = 100 centimes.

Arabic.

Morocco, northwest Africa.

680,000.

Constitutional monarchy.

Predominantly Muslim, with Jewish, Christian and Hindu minorities.

Casual wear is fine, although swimwear and revealing clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Sexual relations outside marriage (including homosexual conduct) are theoretically punishable by law, but this is rarely enforced. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants.

Tipping: Tips range from a few Dirhams for cleaning service to 5-10% of total meal cost.