Cruise Buzz

What is there to do in Agadir, Morocco?

Agadir, Morocco is a popular destination for cruise visitors. Come along on a shore excursion and see what there is to do.

If you are a cruise visitor calling on Agadir, consider taking an organized shore excursion to make this port of call a memorable experience. I set off on a tour of the Moroccan countryside for an adventure while cruising on Crystal Cruises. This was a great place to join the herd and follow the tour guide.

If you are a cruise visitor calling on Agadir, consider taking an organized shore excursion to make this port of call a memorable experience. I set off on a tour of the Moroccan countryside for an adventure while cruising on Crystal Cruises. This was a great place to join the herd and follow the tour guide. 

Off we go!

Today Crystal Serenity called on the shipping port of Agadir.  This busy commercial port in southern Morocco was the launchpad for several Crystal Adventures excursions. For those that wanted to go it alone, the cruise line offered a complimentary shuttle bus to the souk in Agadir.

I choose a tour that would take me back in time to the walled village of Taroudant.  The 80 kilometer motor coach ride took an hour and a half each way but it was worth the effort to see what is called “mini Marrakech”

Moroccan countryside adventure

Agadir area countryside

After a quick ride through the modern city of Agadir, I settled into my seat. Part of the scenery consisted of a perfect view of the High Atlas Range. Since the ride was long and because the road seemed to accommodate all types of vehicles (buses, cars, carts, bikes, trucks, mopeds, and dromedaries), there was always something interesting to see.  Once we arrived in the agricultural zone I saw many orange trees and even some goats who are expert climbers in the argan trees.

The walled village of Taroudant

We arrived at the old city of Taroudant, which was once the capital of the Saadians who established the city in the 17-th century. Taroudant’s well-preserved city walls have a distinctive red cast because of the mineral-rich mud that went into their construction. Here, you will find a wide range of unique items for sale.

Argan – liquid gold

Dr. Oz mentioned argon oil on one of his shows and then it seemed like everyone can’t get enough of this super nutrient.

We stopped at a shop that offered an argon oil making presentation. The prices were fixed so I did not have to bargain. I bought a bottle of the cosmetic-grade oil (there is also a food grade oil available).

Argan Oil

From Wikipedia 

The fruit of the argan tree is small, and round, oval, or conical. A thick peel covers the fleshy pulp. The pulp surrounds a hard-shelled nut that represents about 25% of the weight of the fresh fruit.

The nut contains one to three argan oil-rich kernels. Extraction yields from 30% to 50% of the oil in the kernels, depending on the extraction method.

Argan Nuts

Souk Time

 

Assorted wares for sale in the market.

We all stayed with the guide who took us to a square that had wares from several merchants. Some people in the group bought jewelry, leather goods and some crockery (the famous Tanjine cooker was a popular purchase for those that have space in their luggage), which was not me so I had to opt-out.