Agadir

Morocco's famed beach resort has plenty to offer sun-seekers. All the luxury and mid-range options straddle the swathe of white sand overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Budget holidaymakers should head to the north of town to the Talborjt District, away from the beach. If you're looking for opulent laid-back living, Riad Villa Blanche (Baie des Palmiers) has oodles of elegance and charm. Mid-range Timoulay Hotel and Spa (Baie des Palmiers) nearby has art deco touches and spacious rooms. For budget accommodation, La Clef des Agadirs (Tamraght), 10km out of town, is an intimate, secluded hotel with bags of local character.

Traditional pottery, Moroccan hand-woven carpets, leather goods, engraved jewellery, copperware and wood inlaid with intricate mother-of-pearl designs are just some of the best finds to hunt for when shopping in Agadir. Vendors have stalls displaying various crafts for sale along the streets running to and from the beach, but the best place to check out prices is the Centre Artisanal Cooperative (Rue du 29 Fevrier), which has an excellent selection of handicrafts. For a no-hassle shopping experience, make the trip out to La Nouvelle Medina Polizzi (Bensergao) on the outskirts of town. Here artisans create and sell their wares amid the restored finery of an ancient medina.

Moroccan cuisine is all about tender meats stewed in spicy and sweet flavour combinations, fresh seafood and fiery hot harissa paste. Tempt your taste buds at Le Jardin d'Eau (Boulevard du 20 Aout) which has a menu of both Moroccan favourites and French haute cuisine, or for intimate, sophisticated dining enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Riad Villa Blanche Restaurant (Baie des Palmiers). For the freshest seafood in town, Poisson Al Jazera (Rue des Orangers) should be on your dining hit-list. If you're looking for cheap eats, head to the port area where restaurants abound serving up decently priced seafood.

Festival International du Theatre Universitaire d'Agadir

March/April

This long-running festival competition brings university theatre groups to Agadir from across Europe and North Africa, as well as Morocco, to perform a series of plays.

Festival International de Documentaire a Agadir

April

Highlighting the work of documentary filmmakers from Morocco, the Middle East and across Africa, this event hosts a programme of film screenings in the city. A series of filmmaking masterclasses and discussions is run concurrently.

Festival du Rire d'Agadir

April

The 'Festival of Laughter' hosts a programme of stand-up comedy shows featuring both big-name comics and new up-and-coming stars of the local comedy scene.

Festival Timitar

June

First founded to celebrate Berber culture, this music festival has become one of the biggest music events in Africa with over 500,000 visitors. As well as hosting concerts of traditional Amazigh music, there are performances by local bands from across North Africa.

Concert pour la Tolerance

October

This annual event is a one-night-only extravaganza of a show which brings together some of Morocco's most famous musicians and singers, as well as chart-topping international pop and rock stars to perform on Agadir Beach.