Agadir, city, Atlantic port, southwestern Morocco. The city lies 6 miles (10 km) north of the mouth of the Sous valley. Possibly the site of the ancient Roman Portus Risadir, the city was occupied by the Portuguese from 1505 to 1541, when it fell to the Saʿdī sultanate.
After the Moroccan Crisis of 1911, when the German gunboat Panther appeared offshore “to protect German interests,” the city was occupied by French troops (1913). Modern growth began with the construction of the port (1914), development of the Sous plain, exploitation of inland mineral resources, and the fishing and fish-canning industries. In 1960 the city was virtually destroyed by two earthquakes, a tidal wave, and fire, which killed about 12,000 people. A new central city was built to the south of the old town. The city is linked by road with Safi and Marrakech; it also has an international airport.
Agadir, Morocco
The region that surrounds Agadir is composed of the plain of the east-west–trending Sous valley, which itself is enclosed between the High Atlas (Haut Atlas) and Anti-Atlas mountains. Cereals (primarily barley), citrus fruits, olives, sheep, goats, and cattle are raised on the irrigated Sous plain, and sheep and goats are grazed in the mountains. Pop. (2004) 678,596.
In the west of the country, bordered by the waves of the Atlantic, Agadir is one of the pearls of Morocco. Whatever the season, the sun pours its rays and the city enjoys a pleasant climate that the trade winds still soften. Above all, its 10-kilometre-long seafront offers tourists magnificent views of the blue ocean and the opportunity to laze around in the best conditions.
The main seaside resort of the country, the city with 300 days of sunshine per year, is full of activities. At the water’s edge, cafés and restaurants open their doors to you, introduce you to the local gastronomy and submit their specialities to the enlightened judgements of your taste buds!
Further on in the city, the El Had souk spreads out through the streets, deploys its stalls: more than 6,000 shops offer themselves to your curiosity and you will enjoy strolling in this atmosphere animated by the negotiations of the merchants. Never sleepy, the city welcomes every summer the Timitar festival dedicated to world music and more specifically to Amazigh music.
Open to the ocean and the world, Agadir is an active city where it is good to relax.