Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The 6-mile-long city beach has everything a relaxing tourist could hope for, including outdoor restaurants, diligent upkeep, ample space, and clean water and sand. In addition to sunbathing, activities include sailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, paragliding, bodyboarding and surfing, and equipment can be rented on the beach. As far as when to visit, "Lonely Planet" pegs the peak season as June to September, though "Rough Guides" adds that Agadir is busy in the winter with Europeans trying to escape the cold. Though it gets chilly at night, the average day temperatures in January are around 68 F.
The main beach in Agadir is generally hassle-free, but locals do try to sell to tourists at times. As a way to avoid this and other possible distractions, "Lonely Planet" recommends the private beaches for those who want to ensure a relaxing day in the sun. Palm Beach and Sunset Beach are two good options that both have showers, bathrooms, a play area for kids, and deckchair and umbrella rentals. The beach is also lined with numerous hotels, including Club Med and Decameron resorts, if additional comforts are desired.
Travelers looking for less crowds and more surf should head north to Taghazout, a fishing village with one of the best surfing beaches in Morocco. Surf schools are available for beginners, but more experienced riders hit the breaks at Killer Point, Anka Point and La Source. Slightly closer to Agadir are the neighboring villages of Aourir and Tamraght, which collectively share Banana Beach. Resort developments have already targeted the area to capitalize on its growing popularity.
South of Agadir, the Souss-Massa National Park stretches down the coast for 43 miles and is filled with sand dunes, cliffs, forests, coastal steppes, pristine beaches and several bird and animal species. Though Club Med tried and failed to open a resort in the park, Ksar Massa and other villas have park properties on beaches like Sidi Wassay. Still, the beaches are less developed and often better just for sightseeing. Created in 1991, Souss-Massa is regarded as one of Morocco's most important national parks.