Agadir

Agadir is nothing if not a haven for sun-seekers - a delightful beach resort ideal for kicking back and soaking up the rays. You’ll find all of the top-end and mid-range accommodation straddling the white sands that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. For a taste of luxury try Riad Villa Blanche (Baie des Palmiers), which oozes style and character, while Timoulay Hotel and Spa (Baie des Palmiers) is a mid-range option with pleasant art deco touches. Those on a budget should look at the Talborjt District to the north of town away from the beach. Located around 10km out of town, La Clef des Agadirs (Tamraght) is a charming choice that won’t break the bank.

Moroccan hand-woven carpets, engraved jewellery, traditional pottery, copperwear, leather goods and wood inlaid with intricate mother-of-pearl designs are among the specialities that Agadir offers to its shoppers-to-be. A myriad of crafts are displayed at stalls that line the streets that make their way to the beach, although the Centre Artisanal Cooperative (Rue du 29 Février) is also a great place to seek out handicrafts. La Nouvelle Médina Polizzi (Bensergao) lies on the outskirts of town and offers a no-hassle experience, as artisans produce and sell their goods with a beautifully restored ancient médina as the backdrop.

Tender stewed meats bursting with spicy and sweet combinations of flavour are the hallmark of Moroccan cuisine, along with fiery hot harissa paste and fresh seafood. Try Le Jardin d'Eau (Boulevard du 20 Août) for a superb combination of French haute cuisine and Moroccan specialities, while the Riad Villa Blanche Restaurant (Baie des Palmiers) offers classy dining and an intimate atmosphere. Those into their seafood should make a beeline for Poisson Al Jazera (Rue des Orangers), or head to the port area for cheap eats at a range of restaurants serving fresh dishes.

Festival International du Théâtre Universitaire d'Agadir

March/April

Theatre groups from across Morocco, Europe and North Africa are brought together for this long-running festival, which presents the opportunity to watch a series of plays.

Festival International de Documentaire à Agadir

April

This festival celebrates the efforts of Moroccan, Middle Eastern and African documentary filmmakers, offering a programme of screenings, masterclasses and discussions.

Festival du Rire d’Agadir

April

Translating as the ‘Festival of Laughter’, this event features both well-known and up-and-coming talent perform a series of comedy shows.

Festival Timitar

June

Over 500,000 visitors attend this music festival that was originally founded to celebrate Berber culture, with local bands from across North Africa complementing the traditional Amazigh music concerts.

Concert pour la Tolérance

October

Some of Morocco’s biggest musicians and singers come together for this one-night-only extravaganza, which also features performances from internationally renowned pop and rock stars on Agadir Beach.