Our Moroccan Odyssey: A Ten-Day Holiday That Became a Three-Month Adventure!
This post marks the very beginning of what was supposed to be a thrilling ten-day tour of Morocco. Little did we know, our 2020 getaway would transform into an unforgettable three-month saga, as we found ourselves under a nationwide lockdown during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We could have stayed even longer, but thanks to the incredible efforts of the British Embassy in Morocco, we secured a seat on one of their rescue flights and returned to the UK in early June. This is the story of how it all began.
Touchdown in Agadir: Arriving Just in Time
We touched down at Agadir Al-Massira International Airport just before midnight in the middle of March. In a twist of fate we couldn’t have anticipated, ours was one of the last international flights permitted to land for quite some time. We had a return ticket with EasyJet, but after five successive cancellations, it became clear that flight was never going to happen.
Agadir airport is situated roughly 15 miles (20 kilometres) from the city centre. Having pre-booked a private taxi, we thought we were all set. However, with our flight running slightly late, we needed to contact the company. This brings me to our first crucial tip: even with O2 international SIMs, our phones failed to connect to the local network. Thankfully, some incredibly friendly locals came to our rescue and made the call for us.
After about an hour’s wait, our driver arrived, and we finally reached our city-centre hotel in the early hours. Both our taxi driver and the hotel receptionists were astonished to see us. They already knew the country was heading into a complete lockdown, and tourists had all but vanished.
A Brief Stay at the Odyssee Park Hotel
Our plan was to explore the country, so we had only booked a few nights at the four-star Odyssee Park Hotel in Agadir as a base. As I mentioned in my Google review, the hotel’s location is fantastic – just a stone’s throw from the beach promenade and a variety of shops. The rooms are spacious, each with its own small terrace. While a few details might not scream ‘four-star’, the hotel’s greatest asset is its wonderfully kind staff, who provide excellent service and ensure a truly enjoyable stay. We were even treated to live music from a supremely talented musician around the pool area!
For those planning a future visit, my research in 2025 showed prices for March 2026 starting from €50 for a standard double room and €60 for a Superior Park View room.
Our stay, however, was cut short unexpectedly. On our second day, all guests were summoned for a surreal announcement: the hotel was closing. Fortunately, as we were due to leave the next day anyway, it didn’t disrupt our plans too much.
A final practical tip from our experience: remember that you’ll need your passport to purchase a local SIM card in Morocco – a crucial step for staying connected.
Securing Our Wheels with Samicar
I invested a significant amount of time finding a reliable car hire agency. After scouring countless reviews about car rentals in Morocco, I was aware that foreign tourists can sometimes face challenges. However, I’m pleased to report that our experience was brilliant. We booked with a local provider, Samicar, and their service exceeded all expectations. They were exceptionally helpful and maintained great communication throughout our unexpectedly extended trip – a true lifesaver!
This leads to our second golden piece of advice: as soon as you can, get a Moroccan SIM card with data. We communicated with all our service providers, including Samicar, using WhatsApp for both chat and voice calls. It’s the standard and most efficient way to get things done in Morocco.
Wandering Through Agadir: The ‘Miami of Morocco’
Agadir is a wonderfully modern city, packed with amenities familiar to Western tourists, from bustling bars and restaurants to well-stocked supermarkets.
Its contemporary feel has a poignant history. In 1960, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, claiming thousands of lives. The Agadir you see today was entirely rebuilt from the rubble, which explains its brand-new marina, pristine beach promenade, and modern architecture. Unlike the ancient medinas of Marrakech and Fes, Agadir has no old town, earning it the nickname ‘the Miami of Morocco’.
During our short stay, we explored the city centre, strolled along the magnificent beach, and visited the lively Souk and the delightful Agadir Birds Valley. The Valley is a free attraction with a lovely walking path where you can spot all kinds of exotic birds. As it was early spring, the city was bursting with beautiful, colourful flowers.
The undisputed highlight of our time in Agadir was a visit to the Argan Phyto House, a private hammam we had wisely booked from home. We indulged in the Neroli ritual followed by two-hour relaxing massages each. At 1200 DHS (approximately £95) for both of us, it was worth every penny. The experience culminated with a serene pot of tea on a sunny balcony – absolute perfection and the ultimate relaxation.
Our adventure in Morocco was only just beginning! In the next post, we escape the closing city and discover the breathtaking beauty of Paradise Valley. Or, you can jump ahead to read about our experiences in the Anti-Atlas mountains in Tafraout or the vibrant chaos of Marrakesh.
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