The market in Agadir (souk) is called Souk Al Had. Open from sunrise to sunset. You can find almost anything there and if you want to find a real bargain, just
haggle a really 'hard haggle' because they will try every trick and persuasion in the book to sell you something, what they say seems so really reasonable, but
still can be too much. Usually when you hand the item back and start walking away that's when a fair price will be decided - take it. A leather bag you can
purchase for about £5 and a pair of traditional leather slippers about £10.....but some tourists have paid a lot more, when they could not find the energy to
haggle. So if you are going to the market, get a good night sleep the night before, so you have your wits and bargaining powers with you.
Essaouira, known for a portuguese settlement in 1500 has its ramparts built in 1760 by the Sultan. This is a splendid excursion out from Agadir for the day
at around 180 dirhams. The quarter of the town as the Medina, the Kasbah and the Mellah which fully express the exotcism of Morocco - alleyways and white
washed walls with brightly painted doors and archways with the battlements encircling the old town and port and great sandy bay. If you want to make a long
trip to Marrakech then the journey is a long one, some 4-5 hours from Agadir; so be careful what type of vehicle you travel in as it can become uncomfortable.
About 300 dirhams should do it, but haggle the taxi driver down if he goes above that and make sure he puts the meter on before you set off. It is best if
you agree a price before you start. There is no shortage of cabs about. Some 15 red taxis went past me in the space of five minutes, some drivers bartering
and you will need your bartering skills when using these especially for long trips.
In Agadir, there are some good hotels and these will be found near the beach. This is the best part to be for the visitor and most hotels here provide ample
entertainment and full board. Whilst I was there, my hotel provided as much as you could eat, but just one or two nights I prefered to go along the sea-
wall and visit a restaurant for the atmosphere. A female French singer performing live and with some small candles burning on each table; people were still
taking a look at the fine seafood menus. I had visited Agadir in the first week of September. It was just right for me since the mornings/evenings were nice
and cool, by lunchtime, the day had hotted up for sunbathing or a swim. Each day had a good feel factor. The saturdays were very interesting, This is the
time when villagers come down from the mountains to sell their food and wares. You meet all kinds of friendly traders on the walk but you can meet all kinds
of tricksters too. You just need to inspect the items they are selling and be firm.
and the salesman was quite upset when we demonstrated no interest. Another place we came too, was a jewelry store, but again, no interest - then lunch;
the chef as he had laid on a 3 course meal for 100 dirhams each. This was the fault of the tour company and we were not impressed by not having any real
berber hospitality. The villagers were deep in the mountains but we were constantly on the winding round. Having seen one side of the mountain once or
twice I felt that was enough. So, we were at the hotel door ready at 6am in the morning. The driver turned up at 7.30 am. Then we had to pick up several
started going back to Agadir. There are some good trips, not many, but read carefully, and see what is involved before you pay.
I stayed at two hotels. The hotel LiTivoli, in Agadir, is modest for a sum of £330, including breakfast, which should last you all day. You can have an evening
meal for about 120 dirhams each. Which is quite reasonable. I chose to eat in and out. This hotel as an internet connection if you take your laptop. The
main lounge is large and provides a little music in the evening and to the restaurant is a delightful walk. The sea is about five minutes walk away and police
are on every corner ( mainly for dodgy drivers) there is little to no crime in Agadir, but you don't walk the backstreets all dressed up in your finary either.
You can catch a flight from Stansted via Ryanair or Easy jet. I am a little critical of Ryanair at present due to their hidden charges. I was told because I had
checked in on line I could take my luggage through and onto the plane as it was under 10 klgs. I had thought this. But I should have checked the baggage
in because even though I was allowed 15klgs I was taken out of the queque at the boarding gate and made to pay £35 as I was told my luggage was over the
limit. We all know what it is like with Ryanair. People literally rush to the plane to grab a seat and so my partner advised to pay. The same bag going
back was weighed in at Agadir at 8klg and there were no problems. On that particular day, a certain staff member at Ryanair went on a frenzy and got
out quite a few cheque books. So, why bother checking in on line and doing the printing - let them do it and make sure you watch the weight of your
hand luggage!!
I think, once you have overcome the many obstacles getting to your own airport, you will find the rest of the journey quite relaxing and your stay in
Agadir a good one. Approx 4 hours flight and a transfer from Agadir airport to the centre is about 30 mins at a cost of £25 one way in a nice comfortable
bus. The guy who picked us up at short notice was Rachid and was friendly and prompt -00212661111300.
I had gone for a week. But 4-5 days would have been just enough! ..............................................................
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