Agadir
Agadir has a 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 (German is the second language of the land). 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:
a) the real Morocco
b) an example of traditional architecture.
c) a break from it all.
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.
Related Travel Information
Sous valley
The semi-tropical Sous valley and the Anti-Atlas mountains are two of the most unique regions of Morocco. The stunning physical beauty of the country, the welcoming Berber people and the availability of cheap flights to Agadir make it an excellent introduction to Morocco.
The people of these regions have a tradition of independence from the central government, as well as an independent culture and language. The regions are dominated by the Chleuh group of tribes who speak the Tachelait Berber dialect. The Chleuh are famous for their industry and business skill, as well as for their very unique music.
Tiznit
Tiznit is a pretty town with ochre walls around the city center.
The market is nice (the buses stop on the square opposite the market), there is an old spring you can visit, and a mosque more characteristic of sub-Saharan Africa. The people are very friendly and the town is pretty relaxed. There is a new plastics factory on the outskirts, and much other new industry. Many people have solar heating, and most people have satellite dishes.
It is a stop on your way south from Agadir on to Tafraoute , to Aglou Plage or Sidi Ifni, or
Tafraoute
Tafraoute is a nice and easy going mountain village east of Tiznit, south-east of Agadir. After the barren landscape, it is a welcoming site to feel the cool air coming from the palm grove at the edge of the town. The Anti-Atlas mountains are spectacular! Also, the lunar landscape around Tafroute is one of the major physical attractions. The dress, architecture and general independence of the Berbers in the area are also a welcome change. It is an excellent place to walk, ride bikes or just relax.
It is an excellent starting point for hiking or bicycling in the nearby
Morocco - Where to go?
-Marrakesh hosts Djemaa el Fna, the wackiest square in Morocco, where assorted weirdos put on performances and in the evening food stalls serve excellent local cuisine. The souk [market] is the best place to find good quality crafts.
- Fès is the oldest imperial city in Morocco and has the largest medina [old city] and souks in the world. You have to get lost in this medieval maze of 10,000 tiny streets to feel the city.
- Dunes. Travel past Erfoud [to Merzouga] or Zagora [to M'Hamid] to get to the dunes at the edge of the Sahara
Taroudant
Taroudant is a beautiful place to stop-explore the enchanting souk, take in some of the best preserved walls in Morocco, and eat some of the best cooking in the south. The city is enclosed by medieval walls which look best at dusk, when the gold, pink and orange colors are brought out by the setting sun.
Olive and orange groves surround the walls and spread in all directions. On a clear day you can see the High Atlas towering over the walls, an impressive sight. The walls and the groves are best seen by bike, which can be rented from
