Agadir Escapade

Arrive at Agadir Al Massira Airport, where your private driver and English-speaking guide welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Set on a sweeping crescent of golden sand, Agadir enjoys one of the most beautiful bays on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and some 300 days of sunshine a year. Rebuilt almost entirely after a devastating earthquake in 1960, the city has a modern, relaxed character quite unlike Morocco’s ancient medina cities, which makes it an easy and welcoming place to arrive. Check in and settle in before a flavorful dinner at an Indian restaurant.

After breakfast, your guide and driver collect you for a full day exploring Agadir’s highlights. Begin at the bustling fishing port, one of the world’s leading sardine ports, where the working energy of the docks offers an authentic glimpse of local life. Next, ascend to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, a 16th-century hilltop fortress with panoramic views over the bay and coastline. Browse the vast Souk El Had, a sprawling market of crafts, spices, clothing and fresh produce. Then watch artisans at work in the Medina of Agadir, a modern re-creation of a traditional walled town. End with a visit to an argan oil cooperative to discover how Morocco’s “liquid gold” is extracted and produced. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, visit Crocoparc, one of Agadir’s most unexpected attractions. Set within lush, beautifully landscaped gardens, the park is home to a large population of Nile crocodiles. The males can grow to nearly 20 feet in length, and watching these armored, prehistoric-looking reptiles from secure walkways is a fascinating experience. With its exotic plants and shaded paths, the park is as pleasant to wander as it is remarkable to visit. Lunch is at your leisure. Spend the afternoon independently, relaxing on the beach, strolling the marina or walking the seafront promenade as the sun sets over the Atlantic.