Agadir

Agadir (Arabic: أكادير) is a city in southwest Morocco, capital of the Souss-Massa-Dra region.

It has a population of 678,596 (2004; census figures for the agglomeration include the near-by cities of Inezgane and Aït Melloul); the population of the city proper is estimated at 200,000. The mild winter climate (January average midday temperature 20°C/68°F) and good beaches have made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans. The current mayor is Tariq Kabbaj.

The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean.

Today, Agadir is an important fishing and commercial port, the first sardine port in the world, (exporting cobalt, manganese, zinc and citrus).It is also a famous seaside resort with a long sandy beach. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town. Agadir is famous for its sea food and agriculture.

Agadir has a very beautiful beach, however it tends to attract the wrong kind of tourism. As the result of an earthquake in 1960, Agadir is a completely modern city, which reminded me of towns in Northern Germany. It is also permanently full of tourists, especially German tourists. It does have excellent luxury hotels, where activities are organized and there is some form of night-life. In addition, there are some beautiful golf courses. But if you are searching for the real moroccan atmosphere or examples of traditional architecture, Agadir is not a good place to spend much time. It does represent a useful transport hub and an easy point of access if your coming by plane. Cheap flights from Europe often go to Agadir. Furthermore Agadir is a good place to make daytrips from to nearby highlights including the old walled city of Taroudannt, Paradise valley and the Massa Lagoon.