Skip Europe: This Underrated Destination Offers All-Inclusive Resorts And Coastal Charm

From historic cities brimming with culture and mouthwatering cuisine to elegant resorts on the Mediterranean coast that look out over gorgeous beaches and azure water, Europe is a popular summer destination for good reason. The Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, and the stunning Calanques National Park in the French Riviera are just some of the world-famous destinations that draw visitors year after year. However, travel in Europe can be an expensive business, and the summer crowds become overwhelming quickly. 

Luckily, canny travelers don't have to look too far to find an alternative. Just across the Mediterranean in North Africa lies a vibrant city filled with great all-inclusive resorts and laid-back charm. Agadir, Morocco, offers miles of golden-sand beach, a cosmopolitan vibe, and the largest souq (market) in the country.

Sitting in the shadow of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in the province of Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane in southern Morocco, Agadir is about 100 miles south of Essaouria and 150 miles southwest of Marrakesh. The city centre is about 15 miles from Agadir Al-Massira International Airport (AGA), and can be reached in around half an hour by car or an hour by a budget-friendly airport shuttle.

As soon as you arrive in Agadir, you can understand the hype. The town beach is a stunning crescent of golden sand, curving gently away from the city toward the Sous River at its southern end. For those happy to travel a little further afield, Taghazout Beach, Imourane Beach, and Aourir Beach to the north of the city are all fantastic options. Given that Agadir sits on the Atlantic Ocean, all the beaches are great for surfing, kitesailing, and windsurfing, but the waves and currents can be strong. Families with younger kids may want to stay on the 6-mile-long stretch of Agadir Beach in town or stick to paddling in the shallows at the wilder beaches.

Agadir often gets compared to Essaouria, the underrated paradise for wind surfers to the north, but it is a much more modern resort city. Where Essaouria is all surf hostels and chilled-out guesthouses, Agadir boasts a selection of excellent all-inclusive resorts, ideal for a more sophisticated getaway. If you want to be right in the thick of things, the Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir is a great place to start. By the beach in the heart of the Secteur Touristique, it is highly recommended by guests for its service, convenient location, and cleanliness. At the other end of the beach, Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort is known for its hammam spa, Moroccan-French elegance, and excellent dining options. And if you want something a little further out of town and don't need the all-inclusive experience, the Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay is a luxurious resort with a rooftop terrace and access to the Taghazout Bay Golf Course.

Of course, Agadir is far more than just luxury hotels and stunning beaches. The city combines historic coastal charm, some remarkable Brutalist architecture, lush peaceful gardens, and the largest souk in Morocco to make it an ideal vacation destination for all sorts of tourists.

Agadir's architecture is surprisingly modern, largely due to a catastrophic earthquake that hit the city in 1960 and destroyed most of its historic buildings. One of the only surviving remnants of Old Agadir is the looming bulk of the Kasbah Agadir Oufella, which sits on a hill at the northern edge of town. The climb can be a challenge, but a handy cable car takes you right to the top and offers fantastic views over the bay, as well as the chance to explore the impressive fortification itself. The other architectural highlights of Agadir are its interesting Brutalist buildings, constructed after the 1960 earthquake, including the Hotel de Ville, the Souss-Al Alima College, and the 1963 post office. It is also worth exploring the city's exemplary public gardens, which offer a welcome respite from the summer heat. The Jardin de Olhão is a particular highlight, filled with verdant tropical plants and pretty water features.

Another must-visit place on any trip to Agadir is the enormous Souq Al Had, the largest souq in Morrocco. Spreading across 13 acres and with more than 3,000 shops and stalls, it is a spectacular spot to search for souvenirs and keepsakes, to grab a casual bite to eat, or even just to stroll around and immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the city.