If you’re looking to book someplace to go on holiday in November where it’s still going to be hot but not too far away from the UK, then there’s one real gem you should consider.
Agadir, on the southern coast of Morocco, North Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, breathtaking landscape and rich culture that is so much fun to discover and learn about while you’re there.
It takes just over four hours to fly there from the UK, making it perfect for when you want to go somewhere with an exotic feel, but don’t fancy a long-haul flight.
The average maximum temperature in November is still 25C as well, so you’ll definitely be able to catch a tan and relax on the warm beaches.
However, it wasn’t always such a picturesque spot – as the whole city had to be rebuilt following a devastating event in 1960.
After an earthquake hit the city, there wasn’t much that survived – but the impressive hilltop kasbah did, which overlooks the beaches below, and you can still visit it today.
Since the devastation, Agadir has been beautifully rebuilt and many of its more contemporary buildings give nods to the city’s past.
You’ll find beautiful Arabic architecture, an array of ornate mosques as well as plenty of fascinating museums and art galleries – one of the most popular ones being the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh d’Agadir.
Here, you can browse both modern and traditional artworks, as well as finding out about the unique Berber culture as you browse the different rooms.
The pleasant climate means no matter what time of year you visit, chances are it’s going to be warm.
The coastline stretches for over 10 kilometres, making it a fabulous beach destination, with plenty of sun-drenched promenades to choose from – whether you want to eat, drink, relax or do all three.
However, if you’re looking to do something a little more unusual, then it’s worth a visit to the Crocopark.
At this park, you’ll be able to spot Nile crocodiles chilling around a pond, with iguanas, snakes and monkeys also residing there too.
According to Lonely Planet, it’s easy to get there too – a shuttle bus leaves from Uniprix in the centre of town, daily at 9.30am and 2.30pm, dropping you back three hours later.
When it comes to the food you can expect to eat in Agadir, there are plenty of traditional Moroccan dishes that you’ll definitely want to sample.
Known for its tasty spice palette, the cuisine in this part of the world is one of the most famous – and for good reason too.
Sardines are one of the essential dishes you have to try in Agadir, since this coastal city has one of the most important sardine ports in the Atlantic.
For something a little more filling, you’ll want to try tangir – which is also known as bachelor’s stew.
Made with lamb or beef and turmeric, cumin, garlic, lemon pickle and sometimes ras al hanut, this dish is oven-roasted in a clay pot called a tangia which is where it gets the anme from.
And although you’ve probably had couscous at home, you’ll never have tried anything like the couscous in Morocco. According to Barcelo, it has a ‘far more special’ flavour.
The experts said: “This is definitely a dish you have to try in Agadir after a long day on the beach or surfing because it’s traditional, delicious and nutritious.”
