In February 1960 an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale rocked southern Morocco. Despite it being of only moderate intensity it leveled the city of Agadir killing almost all of its 125,000 inhabitants. The only building left standing was the cinema built by the French. The rest of the buildings were traditional mud brick hence the devastation.
Nearly 60 years on and this has been rebuilt as a smart resort town. Looking down from the rebuilt 400 year old hilltop fortress, the city follows the curving sweep of golden sand beach. The buildings have a clean modern feel to it and upmarket restaurants line the marina full of tourist pleasure craft.
Outside of town is a small but well built crocodile park which is also well worth a visit.
