Agadir is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean.

The population of teh city propoer is estimated to 200,000. If includig Inezgane and Ait Melloul, it is around 690,000.

Agadir is a seaport and the administrative and economic centre for its region.

The mild winter climate (January average midday temperature 20°C/68°F) and good beaches have made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans.

HISTORY :

1500: Agadir was first a Portuguese settlement.
1536: Agadir is put under Moroccan rulers' control.
1911: Agadir played a central role in the prelude to World War I, when the French and Germans did not agree upon who should get the control over the city. The conflict almost ended in war.
1912: The French takes control over Agadir, as well as large parts of Morocco.
1960: An earthquake kills 15,000. The city is rebuilt with a new centre about 1,5 km further south, as it becomes clear that the old settlement is subject to seismic activities.

Agadir's reputation as a beach resort has spread worldwide. From a cliff-road flanking the hill, the Old Kasbah, dating from the 16th century, overlooks the azure spread of the ocean, the verdant valleys of the Great Souss and the majestic slopes of the Anti-Atlas. Agadir is not only the kingdom's main fishing-port, it is also its first holiday haven, and the city is very much organized around seeing to the comfort of its visitors.

Bathed in sunshine the whole year round, the city offers facilities for sailing, wind surfing, horse-riding, tennis, golf and a host of other sports activities. Those in search of the quiet life may simply lounge in the shade of an eucalyptus, sipping a fresh fruit cocktail.

Perched between the mountainous regions of the Anti-Atlas and the western extreme of the High Atlas, Agadir is a departure point for a variety of marvellous excursions