Agadir

The modern city of Agadir is a popular midway point for cruises heading to the Canary Islands. Completely rebuilt since a devastating earthquake in 1961, the busy port draws thousands of tourists with its pretty, sandy beaches and 300 annual days of sunshine.

Located just south of Marrakech, Agadir is a good starting point for cultural excursions to more traditional towns like Taroudannt. It is also a good base for enjoying the wild landscape with desert safaris and camel treks. Popular outdoor activities include birdwatching and hiking in Souss-Massa River National Park, soaking up the sun on the beach in Taghazout, and jetskiing in Agadir Bay. Agadir is also fast becoming Morocco's most popular coastal resort and is a modern, thriving town with much to see and do. The primary attractions of Agadir are its lovely beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming as there tends to be little wind. There are other sights though, including the remains of a fortress and a small zoo.

There is also a municipal market which has a number of shops selling popular souvenirs, though you won't find quite the same culture of spirited haggling of other parts of Morocco. There are also many popular spa and wellness centres offering treatments and locally-made spa products, with those made from the argan tree particularly popular.