Thursday 21 October 2010

Ships of the desert...


The allure of Morocco goes hand in hand with the images and culture of caravans of camels and their owners trekking across the desert. Even though the camels of Morocco are not used as a method of transport, they have become vital in the tourism industry and to the income of many locals. In Aglou Plage where our luxury beachside villas in Agadir are based, camel trekking along the shore is a pastime most visitors enjoy.

Traditionally camels have two humps on their backs but the camels used in Morocco only have one. Camels in Morocco are therefore known as Dromedaries, are rarely found in the wild and most of those seen walking around the landscape have owners. Often herds that have not been domesticated to a certain degree can be seen, but they will still follow their nomadic owners from one feeding ground to another.

These very gentle creatures are highly intelligent and extremely patient. They have long thick eyelashes and very hairy ears that protect their eyes and ears from the sand. Full-grown camels can stand at a height of between six or seven feet and their lifespan ranges between twenty-five to fifty years of age. Owners and locals respect the Dromedaries for their natures and their ability to survive in the desert with very little food and water. Their amazing ability to survive the desert heat is by being able to increase their own body heat.

So, while the women at Aglou Plage are learning the skills of making a Moroccan tajine, the men are trekking on their camels dreaming of being the next Omar Sharif !
We have new villas in Aglou Plage and on two different domains. All of our Agadir luxury villas are on the beach and with the excellent year round climate is perfect for your winter and spring break.

If you would like to speak to a specialist on a Morocco villa holiday do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk or contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

Friday 1 October 2010

A fishy tale....


I have just returned from a week’s holiday near Agadir – Aglou Plage to be precise where we have beachfront villas in Aglou as part of my Morocco portfolio for Quality Villas.

As the villa I stayed in was right on the beach then what better idea than to have freshly caught fish for supper. All along this coastline from Agadir to Mirleft are fishing boats and many single fishermen casting their fishing rods from the shoreline. The Atlantic Ocean offers some great sports fishing. Tunas and marlins are among the main game fishes here, and both deep-sea and coastal fishing are available. Fishing is Agadir is good throughout the year, and there are several charter boats available for fishing trips.

The first morning I was there the local fisherman knocked at my door selling fish. I settled on a large sole and it did not disappoint even though I probably paid well over the odds for it! It was delicious and this whetted my appetite for more.

In the village of Aglou Plage where our luxury villas in Aglou are located is the local fish market which is government controlled. You visit in the morning depending on the weather to witness the catch being brought in. Then the bargaining starts for a good price for anything from shark, tuna, sole or marlin, to name but a few. The fish is so fresh and perfect to BBQ or coat in seasoned flour and pan fry until golden.

A trip to the fish counter in Tiznit market is indeed interesting where a good variety of fish is sold. Here you can get your choice of fish gutted, descaled and cleaned and even told a tale about the fishing industry along this coastline. For me, squid is my favourite jewel of the sea and I have had love affair with this wriggling, ugly specimen for years! I love it whether it’s grilled, fried or stuffed. I had the best squid of my life in a small restaurant in Sidi Ifni which is about 45kms from Aglou Plage where our luxury villas on the beach are. It was so fresh, so yummy that I could have eaten platefuls!

If fishing is your “thing” or just eating it then a holiday in Agadir is just for you. You can fish for your own supper! Why not think about an autumn or Winter break now in one of our Morocco luxury villas in Agadir.

Contact us now to discuss your autumn and winter sun holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco