Agadir

Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco

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Agadir, the vibrant coastal capital of Morocco's Souss-Massa Region, emerged from the ashes of a catastrophic 1960 earthquake that killed 15,000 and razed the ancient Berber-Portuguese trading port founded in the 15th century, prompting a complete modern rebuild south of the ruins with wide boulevards, whitewashed buildings, and earthquake-resistant design under King Mohammed V's vision.

Nestled at the Atlas foothills along a sweeping 10-kilometer golden beach on the Atlantic, it thrives as Morocco's premier beach resort drawing millions for surfing at spots like Hash Point, water sports, and luxury resorts amid a subtropical climate averaging 22°C with over 300 sunny days yearly, fueled by fishing fleets landing 100,000 tons annually, citrus exports from the fertile Souss Valley, and argan oil production. 

Blending Berber souks like Souk El Had for spices and crafts, the hilltop Kasbah ruins offering panoramic views, Art Deco remnants, and excursion gateways to Paradise Valley oases and Taroudant, this laid-back city of 700,000 residents embodies post-colonial renewal and economic revival through tourism and agriculture.