Agadir, Morocco

This vibrant port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast

Is the place to come for a hassle-free beach holiday that’s as laid-back or full-on as you are. While Agadir Bay, in all its 5-and-a-half-mile glory, has enough for planeloads of sand-loving sun-worshippers, the town itself is a modern, bustling, and at times chaotic way to explore the contemporary face of North Africa.

Must see:
Travel just a few miles from the centre of town and you’ll find Agadir’s new Medina, built to replace the ancient Medina which was destroyed in a devastating earthquake in the 1950s. Here you’ll find a warren of tiny workshops, where skilled artisans create all manner of local handicrafts.

Must eat at:
For a funky, laid-back vibe and an intoxicating fusion of North African and Mediterranean cuisine, Le Mauresque Lounge is hard to beat. It’s near the beach, too, making it just a short hop from most of the main resorts.

Must be there for:
The annual Timitar Festival, held every July, brings together performers and musicians (not to mention 800,000 fans) from across the musical and cultural divide, fusing the ancient and modern.

Well-travelled tips:
Considering you’re so close to the Sahara, it’s easier than you think to connect with nature – take a trip to the Oued Massa Nature Reserve to spot flock upon flock of rare birds.
If you’re up for a different perspective on the beach scene, you can take a trip along it by camel. Hiring your own ‘ship of the desert’ will cost around £15 for two hours.

Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Morocco. As conditions apply, please visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/morocco/?ta=entryRequirements&pg=4 for more information.