Agadir

Probably the most famous thing about Agadir is one devastating moment in history. Originally a Berber fishing village, it grew into a prosperous 15th-century Portuguese trading post and, later, major port. Then, in the final minutes of leap year day 1960, a massive earthquake took 12 seconds to wipe out a third of its population and destroy just about every trace of the city's long and proud past.

The new Agadir was built in modern style a few kilometres south of the original site, which is why if you want to explore the exotic, historic side of Morocco, this is not the place to start.

What you will get to enjoy, however, is one of the country's premier beach and watersports destinations, as well as a good base - with better accommodation and food than offered in most of the country - for exploring the natural and cultural intrigues of the southwestern region. It's also, if you fancy shoreside frolics as well as souks and palaces, only about 200km from Marrakech.

Agadir's beach is broad, clean, sandy and fringes a 9km bay, which explains why it is easily the city's biggest tourist attraction. Once you've tanned, windsurfed and supped cocktails to your heart's content, there's not an awful lot to see and do in and around town, apart from sampling seafood at the port, bargaining at the small souk and taking in the view from what's left of the ancient hilltop Kasbah.

However, if you venture out, you'll find diversions in every direction: in the south, the fortified Berber village of Tassila and the magnificent landscapes around Tafraout, to the north, Immouzer village at the foot of the rugged High Atlas Mountains; and to the east, the splendid city of Taroudant. You could even decide to haggle for a camel in the market at Goulimine - a memorable little gift for the folks back home, perhaps...