The Agadir Oufella Cable Car

The cable car climbs from the northern end of the Agadir seafront to the ridge of Agadir Oufella, the old fortified hilltop above the city, in a ride of a few minutes. The kasbah at the top dates from the sixteenth century; the city below it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and rebuilt from scratch on a modern grid, which is why the view from the ridge is of a planned town rather than a medina. From the terraces you look down the length of the bay, over the port and the mouth of the Souss, and inland to the hills. The site at the top has been rebuilt with walkways, a café and viewpoints.

What you actually see

• The bay view - the full sweep of Agadir beach, port and the Souss mouth.
• The kasbah walls - the old fortified enclosure on the ridge.
• The ride itself - the climb over the slope in glass cabins.
• The sunset terrace - the western viewpoints at the end of the day.

When to go

Late afternoon into sunset is the obvious time and also the busiest, so buy tickets ahead or expect a queue. Mornings are clear and quiet. The cabins run all year and the ride is short enough that weather rarely matters, though strong wind can suspend it. Summer haze flattens the inland view.

Honest expectations

It is a short ride and a short visit, and the price is high for the time you get out of it. Queues at sunset are long, in both directions. The top has been heavily rebuilt and landscaped, so it reads as a new viewing terrace rather than a historic site. You can also drive up the road instead, which some people find better value.

Nearby

The beach promenade and marina are at the lower station, and the Souss-Massa park lies south along the coast.