Agadir

Agadir is a major coastal city in southwestern Morocco, situated on the Atlantic Ocean and serving as the capital of the Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane Prefecture in the Souss-Massa region. The city sits at the edge of the Saoura valley and near the Anti-Atlas mountains, with a long beachfront and a growing role as a commercial port, tourist center, and gateway to the Souss region. Its population is diverse, including Arab and Amazigh communities.

Historically, the area has long been inhabited as a fishing village and trading post. In February 1960, a powerful earthquake devastated Agadir, killing thousands and destroying much of the city. The aftermath led to the relocation and reconstruction of the urban core at a nearby site, while the hilltop Kasbah of Agadir Oufella remains as a historic reminder and lookout over the bay. The modern city developed through the 1960s and onward, expanding its port, airport, and tourist infrastructure.

Geographically, Agadir features a warm, dry climate with mild winters and hot summers. Rainfall is generally scarce and concentrated in winter, contributing to its reputation as a sunny year-round destination. The city’s coastal location supports a fishing fleet and related industries, while the surrounding region produces citrus, dates, and argan products.

Economy and culture, tourism and maritime activity dominate. The city offers a wide beachfront promenade, a functional port, and access to nearby beach towns such as Taghazout. Agadir also serves as a hub for travelers exploring the Souss-Massa region and the broader Atlantic coast of Morocco.