If you’re craving sunshine and golden sands, you don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to the Caribbean to get your fix.
TUI has announced new flights from Newcastle to Agadir, a laid-back Moroccan beach city on the Atlantic coast.
The twice-weekly service will run for the summer, offering holidaymakers in the North East a direct connection to the sun-drenched coastal resort.
Dubbed the ‘Miami of Morocco’, Agadir is known for its beachfront resorts, palm-lined streets and world-class surf — a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the country’s most-visited city, Marrakech.
Travellers have praised its laid-back vibe and compared it to Spain in the old days, before Tenerife and Majorca became the top choice for British tourists.
While most make a beeline for Marrakech, Agadir offers a relaxed and less crowded alternative. Let’s look at what can you do there.
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Things to do and see in Agadir
Whether you’re after a relaxing holiday or something a bit more adventurous, there’s plenty to do in Agadir.
The beach town is known for its nightlife, with a mix of low-key and more lively options.
There’s countless beachfront bars, shisha lounges and clubs, with So Lounge or Le Factory both popular choices. In the summer especially, you’ll find plenty of beach parties and traditional Moroccan entertainment.
If looking for something more laid-back, you can take a stroll on any of its beaches. Agadir Beach is a popular spot for visitors, the wide 9km beach boasts golden sand and is loved by both tourists and locals.
In the city itself, travellers can explore the Souk El Had market. There are numerous stalls with everything from local crafts, pottery, carpets, jewellery and traditional clothing on offer.
For 360 views over the coastal city, travellers can trek to Kasbah Oufella, the ruins of a 16th-century fortress perched on a hill. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the fortress for just £10.
A slightly more unique way to enjoy the coast is on horseback. Stables in and close to Agadir offer beach rides and trips on its beaches through nearby dunes.
Around 30 minutes from Agadir is the ‘magical little town’ of Taghazout. The beach resort is known as a ‘surfers haven’, and since the 1960s surfers have been travelling from all over the world to enjoy its waves.
Even if you’re not a surfer, there’s yoga spots, and seafront cafes and restaurants which makes it worth a visit.
Nature lovers can visit Paradise Valley, a ‘breathtaking oasis’ of palm trees and rock pools, in the High Atlas Mountains, around 45 minutes from Agadir.
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When is the best time to visit Agadir?
Agadir is known for its subtropical climate and boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. May is an ideal time to visit, with highs of up to 26C, it’s hot enough for sunbathing without the crowds the summer tourist season brings.
If you’re hoping to bask in heat, summer offers temperatures as high as the mid 30s. Although the coastal breeze makes it more bearable, some people find it too intense.
Many flock to Agadir from October to December for some winter sun. Temperatures can be as high as 25C.
How to get to Agadir
Flights from the UK to Agadir take around three hours and 45 minutes. As well as TUI’s new Newcastle service, there are plenty of other airlines that fly to the beach resort.
According to Skyscanner, the cheapest month to visit is January, when one-way flights from London can cost as little as £30. Although, you can expect to pay more in summer.
Tickets in August climb to as much as £142 one-way, while June and July hover around £70. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, there are currently return tickets available in May from £90, with Ryanair and Jet2.
Where to stay in Agadir
Agadir boasts a range of accommodation, from five-star resorts to budget-friendly hotels.
If you’re after luxury, the five-star beachfront Sofitel Agadir Thalassa offers rooms for £235 per night. It boasts ocean views and plenty of pools for lounging around.
The four-star Iberostar Founty Beach is slightly more affordable. A standard room can be found for around £93 per night. It’s just 10 minutes away from the centre of Agadir and has direct access to a beach.
If you’re on a budget, hotels can be found for as little as £17 per night. The three-star Bahia City Hotel, for example, has a standard double room for £17 in May. Appart Hotel Tagadirt, another three-star accommodation, has rooms for £25.
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