Feb 25 2009
Morocco: Agadir
Our trip to Morocco began in Agadir, a beach town located in the Southwest of the country on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular tourist destination—particularly for visitors from the United Kingdom and Germany—with a 5 ½ mile stretch of sandy beach, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and most important for me (traveling from a home with 3 feet of snow) lots of sunshine.
The city’s history includes important landmarks such as serving as a fishing village during medieval times, a Portuguese trading post in the 1500’s, and the basis for the Agadir Crisis of 1911 which led to France taking full control of the country. Agadir’s recent history, however, has had the most effect—in 1960, a 15-second earthquake demolished the city and is believed to have killed up to 15,000 people. Morocco used the event and the city as way to rebuild its image and create a modern “new” city.
When compared to the rest of Morocco, Agadir is certainly that—a “new” city. New buildings, large resorts, a focus on beach-life gives the impression the city is the same as any other Mediterranean city…but the blessing from illuminated on the nearby hill, the shopkeepers attempting to lure you into their shop in at least five different languages and serve you mint tea, and the camels walking along the beach remind that you’re not exactly in Italy or Greece.
Arrival: Agadir’s airport serves several major cities in Europe and other locations, while buses and taxis to and from other Moroccan destinations are also available
Accommodation: Hotels and resorts abound range from the 4-star Sofitel Agadir with a private beach and spa to simple bed and breakfasts.
Food: Most of the resort hotels have a restaurant, but there are plenty of other choices directly on the beach or around the town with some excellent fish dishes.
Related Posts
