Agadir

Agadir is Morocco's beach capital — a modern resort city rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960 that destroyed the original town in just 15 seconds. Today's Agadir is purpose-built for sun-seekers, with a 6-kilometer crescent of golden sand, a palm-lined corniche, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. While Agadir lacks the medieval atmosphere of Morocco's imperial cities, it compensates with year-round warm weather, excellent seafood, and proximity to remarkable natural attractions. The Souss-Massa National Park, just south of the city, protects rare northern bald ibis, flamingos, and the estuary ecosystem where the Souss River meets the Atlantic. The Argan Forest Biosphere Reserve surrounding Agadir is home to the endemic argan tree — you may spot goats climbing the trees to eat the fruit. The rebuilt kasbah on the hilltop above the city offers panoramic views inscribed with the Alaouite motto "God, Country, King" in Arabic. The Amazigh Heritage Museum (Musee Municipal du Patrimoine Amazighe) showcases Berber artifacts from the Souss region. Agadir's new marina, designed for luxury yachts, features restaurants and shops overlooking the harbor. Agadir is also the gateway to Paradise Valley (a palm-filled gorge with natural swimming pools), Taghazout (Morocco's premier surf village), and the Anti-Atlas town of Tafraoute with its painted rocks and almond blossoms. Day trips to Tiznit (silver jewelry capital) and Taroudant (the "little Marrakech") round out the regional offerings.