Larache

(Audio Article)

 

Daniel Jacobs heads to Agadir beach in Morocco, a long, wide, winter sun favourite.

The beach

The long, wide beach is Agadir’s main draw, serviced by good four- and five-star hotels. The city itself is less interesting, but there are beauty spots and historic towns within easy day-trip striking distance.

 

Who goes?

Sunseekers, especially in winter. There’s warm weather from March to October, and sunshine even in January, when it’s typically 68F during the day, though colder at night. Agadir’s clientele tends to be mature, but surfers also flock, not to Agadir’s main strand, but to less developed beaches such as Taghazoute, 11 miles north and served by local buses.

What is there to do?

Even if you stay on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the form of water sports like wet-biking and parascending. In town, there’s a miniature zoo called the Valley of the Birds, or you can climb up to the kasbah (old citadel), on a hill to the north, for great views over the city.

Bars and bites

For wonderful tajines, head to L’Étoile de Marrakech (rue de la Foire; 00212 28 843999). There are stalls selling grilled fish by the port north of town, but you can eat freshly landed fish in more comfort, and with beer or wine, at the Yacht Club’s Restaurant du Port (843708) – it’s in the port area, beyond customs, so you’ll need to take your passport.

Getting there

There are direct charter flights from Britain to Agadir’s Al Massira airport, a 15-mile taxi ride from town. Otherwise, fly to Marrakesh and charter a grand taxi, which should cost around £40, though you’d need to haggle for that.
 

Morocco's Al Hoceima beach is ideal for scenic strolls and clean, clear waters.

The beach

A charming, low-key little Mediterranean resort, with a choice of beaches in town or further afield, surrounded by hills full of olive groves, all in the shadow of the beautiful Rif mountains.

Who goes?

French and German sun-seekers are the biggest contingent among foreign visitors, but most of the visitors are Moroccan. At the height of summer the main beaches can become quite crowded, but during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons it’s so quiet it’s almost idyllic.

What is there to do?

Swim in the clear, blue sea, take a scenic stroll up into the hills, or along the clifftop, or join the locals for the afternoon paseo along Avenue Mohammed V. Early in the morning you can watch the fishermen coming in on the town’s main beach (they fish at night with powerful lamps to attract the fish).

Bars and bites

For fish and seafood, freshly landed and freshly cooked, you can’t beat the Club Nautique by the fishing port (00212 39 981641). At the Hotel Chafarinas Beach (841 601), you can dine on gourmet food with magnificent sea views, but you’ll need to book. The town’s best bars are in the Quemado and Maghreb el Jadid hotels.

Getting there

Al Hoceima has an airport, but it isn’t served by flights from Britain, so your best bet is to fly into Tangier and charter a grand taxi (around £45). Alternatively, fly to the Spanish enclave of Melilla, or take a boat from Almería.