The World Surf League surfing competition transforms Taghazout coastline from February 22 to March 2, 2025
The first edition in 2020 highlighted the exceptional conditions offered by Pointe des Ancres (Anchor Point), followed by a spectacular edition in 2023, marked by impressive performances from some of the world’s best surfers.
The February competition window offers optimal conditions at Pointe des Ancres, combining powerful swells and favorable winds. The flagship event of the African and European Qualifying Series (QS), the Pro Taghazout Bay, a 3,000-point QS, represents a key step towards securing a place in the Challenger Series (CS) of 2025.
“It is with great pleasure that we return to Morocco and, in particular, to the Pro Taghazout Bay,” said Rob Gunning, Tour Manager of WSL Europe, adding that “this event is an essential stage in the second half of the QS season for the Europe and Africa regions.”
The Pro Taghazout Bay QS 3,000 promises a thrilling atmosphere, attracting the world’s surfing elite. Olympic gold medalist Kauli Vaast (FRA), winner in 2023, makes his comeback with his sights set on qualifying for the Challenger Series. European talents Keoni Lasa (UK) and Afonso Antunes (POR) aim to make their mark in Morocco. The young French revelation Tya Zebrowski (FRA) will be taking part in the competition for the first time, while top surfers Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (UK) and Noah Klapp (GER) are also expected to attend.
Tamraght Surf : Morocco’s first surfing destination
If you’re planning your next surf trip, but you don’t yet know where to go. You should definitely consider Tamraght as the ultimate surf destination in Morocco! Located on the stunning Atlantic coast, Tamraght is a Moroccan Berber village in north of Agadir, known for having the best surf spots in the Agadir region.
If Tamraght is especially recognized throughout the world, particularly for its surfing! Imourane, along with other Tamraght beaches, has remained wild and very popular with local and international tourists. lt’s a hidden gem for surfing enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.
Where is Tamraght ?
Tamraght is a small Berber village situated on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, about 15 km north of Agadir. It is located between Aourir and Taghazout, 40 minutes north of Agadir’s airport and just 3 kilometers from the well-known village of Taghazout, making it an easily accessible destination.
Best Time To Surf in Tamraght ?
Dry all year round with east, northeast winds and a northwest swell, Tamraght attracts enthusiasts with its ideal climate, which provides optimal conditions for surfing. The most pleasant time for surfing in Tamraght is in the fall and early spring. Especially in the mornings, the waves are often more consistent and the wind is more favorable, with water temperatures varying between 18 and 22°C. Although, the best time to surf varies on personal preferences, Tamraght’s surf season is at its peak from September to April. Epic waves await intermediate to advanced surfers in the early fall and late spring. While those seeking a more laid-back surfing experience, summer (May to August) is the best time of year, when the waves are smaller.
Surf Course in Tamraght : Average budget per surf class
In Tamraght, surf classes usually cost between $30 and $50 USD per session. Typically, this cost covers between 1-2 hours of instruction with an experienced instructor, the rental of a surfboard and wetsuit, and small group sizes to guarantee individual coaching.
For those planning a multi-day surf trip, surf camps and schools often offer package deals. These can cost from $300 to $600 USD per week including daily surf course, lodging in a surf hostel or guesthouse, meals, and other activities like yoga or exploring the area. Package options can vary, so it’s a good idea to review what’s included to get the most value.
Tamraght, Morocco (source : unsplash)
Best Surf Spots in Tamraght
Surfing in Tamraght will be an unforgettable experience. The region brings together some of the most diverse surf spots in Morocco, with around 15 different surf spots reachable within 5 to 15 minutes by car.
There are 3 famous surf spots in Tamraght: Crocro, Banana Beach, and Devils Rock.
Crocro is the first surf spot you can reach by walking from the village and offers one of the most consistent waves in the area.
With a small swell, Banana Beach is ideal for beginner surfers. If the swell gets bigger, the Banana Beach point starts working and big waves break.
Devils Rock, on the other hand, is one of the prime surf spots. The large rock that seems to fall out of nowhere in front of the beach provides excellent protection against swell and wind.
Tamraght is located exactly in the middle of all the surf spots, so it’s the most central village to stay in, and that’s where many surf camps welcome you.
Tamraght, Morocco (source : unsplash)
For a Surf Camp Vacation
Tamraght is designed for the perfect surf holiday. Surfing in Tamraght comes with a natural beauty surrounding that enhances its appeal, making it an excellent destination for both surfing and relaxation. With an average daytime temperature between 20° and 29°C, it is an ideal beach break for enjoying the sun.
On-site, you will find many good deals for dining, sipping a coffee, as well as accommodation options to extend your stay. The village has numerous surf schools, along with quality hotels certified by the Regional Tourism Office.
Tamraght reveals its charm through relaxed atmosphere and rich Berber heritage. The traditional fishing community has grown over the years becoming popular with surfers, backpackers, and yogis, as well as Europeans looking for second homes in the sun. The local architecture and friendly atmosphere reflect this unique blend of cultures.
The fishing village Tamraght, is today considered the best surfing area for pros and beginners. Come and spend an unforgettable stay in Tamraght. Not only will you learn to surf, but you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the true culture of Moroccan surfing. Discover the best spots for surfing in Morocco to experience it all.
Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting El Jadida, Morocco – Must-See Spots, Ideal Travel Times, and Transportation Tips
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Jadida is an unparalleled tourist address in Morocco. Coastal and historic city, it is located about 96 km from Casablanca, on the seafront. This place is home to beautiful beaches adapted to the expectations of lovers of idleness and water sports. Every year, the territory thus welcomes a crowd of holidaymakers in search of authentic places for an exceptional seaside stay.
El Jadida, or “The New” in Arabic, was restored at the time of Moulay Abd ar-Rahman, a descendant of the Alaouite dynasty who, in 1822, was proclaimed sultan. Since that year, a large number of European traders (English from Gibraltar) and Jews have decided to settle there. El Jadida then became one of the most touristic and famous destinations in Morocco.
El Jadida stands out above all for its incredible “fortifications” erected for centuries. The city is, in fact, famous for its fortified city, built by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century. Its ancient ramparts, its bastions, and its Portuguese military architecture dating from the Renaissance, are all vestiges that allow you to dive into wonderful stories. To discover this historical jewel of Morocco, a stay in El Jadida or in the neighboring towns is a must.
Why visit El Jadida?
With its thousand and one wonders, El Jadida is sure to seduce all types of visitors.
Admire its incomparable wealth of heritage
For lovers of architectural discoveries, El Jadida is undoubtedly a world apart with its unique heritage and beauty. It is, in fact, the Portuguese city, a huge site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. In the fortifications of El Jadida, the bastions of Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, and the Angel and of the Holy Spirit are still intact. The old fort has also preserved its walls to impress its visitors who will surely be delighted to take the walkway. The latter is carefully preserved.
It leads to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea and the landscapes of the city. To make sure you don’t miss a thing on a hike in the Portuguese city, a visit to the Church of the Assumption is a must. This religious building is characterized by a Manueline style architecture, which will certainly fascinate hikers.
Enjoy a good time on its attractive and sunny beach
This Moroccan city is not just about its authentic architectural destinations. In addition to the impressive fortifications from which it benefits, a magnificent beach with sandy stretches is also available to all. A place of unparalleled relaxation, this seaside resort of El Jadida faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible from the north and south of the city. This tourist area is conducive to a variety of activities, including fishing, sailing and other interesting water sports.
Many holidaymakers also go near El Jadida beach to play golf in a huge, ideally preserved area. It should be noted that the oceanic climate of this part of Morocco is ideal for living all these entertaining experiences. In winter, the city is particularly pleasant with its mild and humid climate.
Stroll around the port of El Jadida to get away from it all
Open on El Jadida, the port of the city is another tourist site to discover absolutely during a circuit in Morocco. In the morning, the place is imbued with a remarkably warm atmosphere that will surprise foreigners. In order to fully appreciate this exotic atmosphere of the port of El Jadida, it is best to stroll there at dawn. This is the perfect time to observe all kinds of marine activity.
While the fishermen are busy selling their baskets of deep-sea fish (sardines, smelt, tuna, herring, etc.), tourists can take the opportunity to enjoy a good frying. Attending this bewitching spectacle will thus mark their stay in El Jadida, before joining the other popular cities of Morocco.
The local port is also a perfect place to learn or practice water sports. Those who wish to indulge in aquatic leisure will find a Nautical Club for beginners and professionals. Finally, the port is home to a large square particularly dedicated to the best festivals in the city.
What to see in El Jadida?
The city of El Jadida is dotted with fascinating places that are absolutely worth a visit.
The “Mellah” district
Just like in the tourist and popular cities of Morocco, El Jadida has a district also called Mellah. This address designates the place where Jews, Muslims and Europeans have resided since their arrival in the territory, and until today. The Mellah district of El Jadida is framed by walls. These were built with the aim of demarcating the district from the rest of the city. A tourist stroll in this part of El Jadida is an opportunity to learn everything about ancient Mazagan, its glorious past and its inexhaustible cultural gems.
The Portuguese Cistern
El Jadida is full of historical wonders, but the Portuguese Cistern is a particularly unusual site. Located in the heart of the city, precisely on the main artery, this center of interest welcomes you in a completely exotic atmosphere with its underground space marked by medieval vaults.
The Portuguese Cistern of El Jadida is steeped in history. It was built in 1541 and served as a weapons room. In 1717, a Jewish merchant, tearing down the wall of his shop, discovered this underground reservoir for the first time. Since then, the Portuguese Cistern has become one of the unmissable sites of El Jadida. In addition to being an incomparable tourist spot, it is also very popular with local and international directors.
Fascinating, the Portuguese Cistern is embellished with a Gothic vault, imposing stone columns and a circular opening measuring 3.5m in diameter. Once in this place, travelers will experience breathtaking natural lighting. Like diamonds, the radiation reflecting off the floor of the place produces a spectacular effect.
Tazotas
In the hinterland of El Jadida, about 90 km from Casablanca, there are several dry stone huts, known as “tazotas”. Unique in their kind, these buildings are devoid of mortar and delimited on a well-defined space. They belong to the population of the Doukkala-Abda region and are marked by lithic landscapes. The tazotas of El Jadida testify to the great know-how of the peasants of this region of Morocco.
According to the story, these small constructions with their original architecture were built during the off-season of agricultural activities in this countryside. These traditional refuges protected the inhabitants from the heat or wild animals.
Other tazotas were also used as granaries or warehouses for hay, straw or cattle fattening. Visiting this part of El Jadida will allow backpackers to better understand the past of the city and the cultural riches of its former residents.
The lagoon of Sidi Moussa
Listed in the Ramsar site since 2005, the lagoon of Sidi Moussa is a must in the region of El Jadida. This coastal wetland is the natural home of different marine species, such as fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It is also the habitat of many migratory and sedentary waterbirds, which makes this place a protected site.
The lagoon of Sidi Moussa is one of the most popular nature reserves in Morocco. Open to all tourists, this conservation area can be visited all year round. To get there, just take the El Jadida-Safi highway. Moreover, this resort is a camping destination of choice in Morocco. It is home to places suitable for nature camping, which will undoubtedly delight holidaymakers when the spring and summer seasons come.
In order to embellish the excursions of each family or couple in this site, the lagoon of Sidi Moussa gives access to idyllic beaches which deserve to be explored. Added to this is an immense lagoon complex which extends over about forty kilometres. Lovers of relaxation in the sun will see a cove of fine sand ideal for recharging their batteries during the summer.
How to visit El Jadida?
To better admire the beauty of the sights of El Jadida, backpackers can choose one of the following transport options:
The train
El Jadida is an easily accessible Moroccan city. Indeed, only a hundred kilometers separate this wonderful destination from the city of Casablanca. From the latter, backpackers can then take the train and reach the most beautiful destinations of El Jadida during the day. This transport is available every day and the trip usually takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
Car rental at the best price
Travelers who plan to spend a long stay in Morocco can rent a car suitable for their type of trip. They will then enjoy maximum comfort on each trip. In addition, this means of transport is the best option for a road trip in Morocco. From Casablanca, it is very easy to get to El Jadida, as these two destinations are connected by a highway.
Small or large taxis to explore the city
Compared to other Moroccan cities, El Jadida is a less popular city for mass tourism. It is therefore easier to discover its historical attractions during a stay on its territory. To do this, just take one of the small or large taxis that are available throughout the city. However, it is always wise to be accompanied by a guide, or to know the district of destination, before taking these transports.
Coach or bus to visit El Jadida and its surroundings
To better admire the landscapes of El Jadida, it is also possible to take a bus or coach trip. These are modes of transport widely used in this locality. That said, backpackers can go by bus if they want to reach places like Azemmour or Sidi Bouzid. You should know that the coaches from El Jadida serve destinations that are a little inaccessible or far away.
When to travel to El Jadida?
El Jadida is a tourist place that can be visited all year round, because the weather is pleasant almost in all seasons. In reality, this is explained by its excellent geographical location (on the Atlantic coast) which gives it the benefit of a pleasant oceanic climate.
Before leaving for El Jadida, it is still preferable to study its travel formula, its type of stay, but especially the sites to discover on the territory. For example, for a successful summer vacation in El Jadida, the ideal would be to go there during the hottest months of the year (July, August, September and October). Moreover, the summers of El Jadida are not marked by extreme temperatures, which will surely satisfy backpackers.
As for the winters of the city of El Jadida, they are rather mild, and are almost similar to the winters of the Canary Islands. During the winter seasons, El Jadida enjoys a warm morning atmosphere and more or less hot afternoons. Tourists will easily find accommodation adapted to their holiday needs.
It should be noted that the city of El Jadida undergoes periods of drought during the months of June, July, August and September. The beaches and seaside resorts of El Jadida are therefore not recommended for swimming between June and October. However, travelers can always organize a circuit or a road trip there, if they wish to go on an adventure or discover the emblematic sites of the destination.
Wild coasts, sometimes cut off by fine sandy beaches, sometimes bordered by white cliffs, the Atlantic sees the desert marrying the ocean.
On the Atlantic coast, the best surf spots follow each other and are not alike! Each beach offers a unique landscape, very different waves, sliding possibilities for all tastes.
To the delight of surfers in Morocco !
Thousands of birds, some of which are endangered like the bald ibis, calmly share the expanses of the shores with gliding enthusiasts.
All water sports are practiced here and many clubs offer introductory courses in windsurfing, diving, surfing, water ski, Kite surfing or even Jet Skis. The coast can also be visited on horseback, mountain biking, or why not on the back of a camel.
1. Safi :
Safi is resolutely turned towards the sea, but it is above all its spot, famous and recognized worldwide, that fascinates board sports enthusiasts. Regular, fast and powerful, the particularity of the Safi wave is its ability to form a tube over a length that varies between 800 and 1000 meters.
Surf pros compare it to Australia’s and rank it among the top ten in the world. The location and the good wind conditions also attract fans of wind and kite surfing.
safi surf morocco
2. Essaouira :
Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast or a professional water rider, the Essaouira bay offers golden sand that is always tender, the sun always present, and especially the wind, because Essaouira is the city of the trade winds.
A unique and still wild nature, a great diversity of point breaks, reef breaks and beach breaks, the spiritual and human cultural richness of a land full of beauty and energy. Such is the success of the Essaouira spot.
3. Taghazout :
Taghazout is the surf village par excellence. Long straights and excellent beach breaks alternate on this coastline and delight surfers of all levels, from beginners to pro. The “Killer Point” wave is named after the orca (Killer whales) that can be seen from time to time in the area. After surfing, do not hesitate to go to the “banana village”, they make the best tagines in southern Morocco.
Further south, 120 km from Agadir, the small village of Mireleft attracts both fishermen and surfers. Its beaches overlooked by vertiginous cliffs offer a unique panorama for lovers of surfing or bodyboarding.
4. White Beach of Tan-Tan :
Over nearly 50 kilometers, the mythical White Beach of Tan-Tan is a virgin stretch of fine sand, bordered by a sea with rows of high and sovereign waves, frontal and roaring.
In the middle of the dunes, this secluded corner of paradise includes an ornithological reserve “the Khnifiss National Park ” where cormorants and flamingos take refuge. The color of the flamingos contrasts surprisingly with the blue of the sky which is reflected on the waters of the wadi.
The Khnifiss National Park
5. Oued Chbika of Tan-Tan :
Finally, a spot in full development, Oued Chbika offers the region multiple hotel infrastructures to welcome the many enthusiasts who stay there.
When you leave Tan-Tan, you will be surprised to discover the impressive “Devil’s Hole”, a pit of more than 30 meters in diameter and depth. The ocean rushes into it through an underground gallery.
6. Cape Juby : Nayla in Tarfaya :
Further on, the lagoon of Nayla is a superb place sought after by surfers for its opulent seabed. Separated from the ocean by a large cordon of dunes over several tens of meters, the lagoon allows surfers, windsurfers, body surfers of all levels to have fun.
Suitable for fishing as shown by the huts on the shore and the wrecks of boats, witnesses of the violence of the storms, Tarfaya, formerly Cap Juby, was one of the Aéropostale relays between Casablanca and Dakar. The city is famous thanks to the literary works of Saint-Exupéry, who was one of the famous pilots of the Aéropostale. Tarfaya hosts a small museum dedicated to his memory.
From Tarfaya to Laayoune, you can visit picturesque fishing villages. We fish all kinds of fish and shellfish, but more particularly lobster and lobster.
Cape Juby – Tarfaya
7. Dakhla :
More sun-drenched jewels, where the soul is adorned with multiple colors ranging from emerald blue to turquoise, from the deepest to the most limpid shades, the beaches of Dakhla make you dream.
The 40 km peninsula, with its tranquility and its migratory birds, presents ideal surfing conditions: a perfect and long straight wave. Thanks to an equally constant wind, wind and kite surfers have also found a paradise here.
Ocean Vagabond Lassarga – Dakhla
Read more about Ocean Vagabond Lassarga – one the best surf camp in Morocco.
The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour Kite-Surf riders will line up at one of the kitesurfing world’s most contestable wave riding venues at West Point in Morocco running from 27th September – 06th October 2024.
8. Tamraght :
Tamraght is a Moroccan Berber village in north of Agadir, known for having the best surf spots in the Agadir region
Tamraght is designed for the perfect surf holiday. Surfing in Tamraght comes with a natural beauty surrounding that enhances its appeal, making it an excellent destination for both surfing and relaxation. With an average daytime temperature between 20° and 29°C, it is an ideal beach break for enjoying the sun.
On-site, you will find many good deals for dining, sipping a coffee, as well as accommodation options to extend your stay. The village has numerous surf schools, along with quality hotels certified by the Regional Tourism Office.
The coast of the Kingdom, extending over 3000 km, offers any type of beach you hope. Either if you like calm and relaxing sailing, or you crave some adrenaline, wind or water sports, the coasts of Morocco will serve the best of your desires.
Visit Saïdia-Oujda: the north-eastern Mediterranean borders of Morocco’s Kingdom
Saidia represents Morocco‘s azure and pleasant seas. Whether you’re visiting with family, as a couple, or with friends, don’t pass up the opportunity to marvel at the region’s magnificent natural beauty. Take a walk across the city and see the architectural history and long-standing medina in Oujda.
The coastal village of Saidia is an unavoidable retreat, with an astonishing 14 kilometers of exquisite white golden sandy beach and a generous sun shining all year round. Many activities, including water sports and golfing, are accessible at or near the lake’s edge. In the evening, the marina is a great place to sample the region’s cuisine.
Oujda, sixty kilometers from Saidia, exhibits the riches of its lengthy past. From the medina and its majestic gates to a cultural excursion within Sebti palace and Lalla Aicha park, a little oasis of fresh air within the city.
Saïdia-Oujda has it all: awareness, joy, and enough excitement to make your stay unforgettable!
Saidia, the best destination to relax and workout:
The beaches of Saidia are ideal for rest and relaxation. They are, nonetheless, actual playgrounds where the most athletic people work out and overcome problems. Saidia’s high-end infrastructure allows you to engage in a wide range of activities. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and water skiing are just a few of the amazing delights that await you!
The city’s marina is yet another marvel! It provides you with the possibility to rent a boat, and go fishing in the heart of the Mediterranean. Surfcasting is another option in the nearby region. Throw your line into the waters from the coast with a rod in your hand and wait for the ideal catch.
Golf aficionados will appreciate exploring Saidia’s golf course. Attempt after attempt, test your technique, traverse bunkers and streams until you succeed. Beginners are welcome to try out a new sport in a green environment, while expert golfers are presented with exhilarating difficulties!
Sports in Saidia should not be missed! Join the coastal town and have a fun-filled stay!
Saidia beach – sunset
Vast expanse of beautiful white sand Seaside vacations with friends or family:
Saidia, the Mediterranean’s gem, is a beach resort devoted totally to relaxation and your well-being. For a few days, you may forget about your everyday routine and relax at cutting-edge institutes dedicated to sustainable development.
These gorgeous beaches appear to go on forever. You can just rest and enjoy a tranquil time with 14 kilometers of fine sand. Allow yourself to be lured by a fantastic contemplation moment of stunning vistas while sitting on a deckchair in the shade of a parasol and being rocked by the rolling waves.
These modern beaches were created to suit the expectations of tourists by providing a variety of entertaining activities. You will have fun with your family or friends in calm and pleasant seas that are totally secure. Take Windsurfing, kite surfing, diving, and water skiing are all options.
Plunge into cool, pure water and fill up on thrills and excitement in the Mediterranean’s gem.
Saidia nature’s untainted beauty:
The Mediterranean seas lie to the north of Saidia. The lovely Oujda is to the south. Between land and sea, these two towns provide a range of scenery as well as the greatest adventure activities.
Nature has magnificent vistas all surrounding Sadia, which may be reached via planned trips. Cape Ras-El-Ma, located a few kilometers outside of town, is another must-see.
The coastline is made up of cliffs with a beautiful white sandy beach at their base. Adventurers will ascend to the cape’s heights and marvel at the scenery, including the dunes dotted with eucalyptus trees. Moulouya, which is still close to Saidia, is a must-see for all nature enthusiasts. This high-ranking location is home to a diverse range of flora and several beautoful birds.
A universe of opportunities is waiting for you. You will not be bored throughout your stay at Oujda-Sadia!
Saidia city strolls and rambles:
Relaxation and exploration may be found in the north-eastern cities of Saidia and Oujda.
Saidia, Morocco’s Blue Pearl, invites you to its cutting-edge hotel amenities that are both pleasant and ecologically sustainable.
Oujda has an entirely different vibe. The city has a long past that merges beautifully with modern culture Going there is like going through the streets of an ancient city with a thousand-year history. The “old Morocco” may be found throughout the medina. The fortified district transports you across time.
Oujda is a veritable open-air museum. The Sebti Palace represents the city’s cultural heart. Receptions, exhibits, other types of festivities, music, painting, and arts all contribute to the pleasant mood.
While Saidia boasts about the warm Mediterranean environment, Oujda hides historical riches!
Located in the Oriental, which corresponds to the region in the north-east of the kingdom, Oujda is the only Moroccan city to be able, during a single day, to offer the visitor a hike in the mountains to the north of the city.
On the Béni-Snassen mountains, to make a circuit in the desert or to bask on the Mediterranean coast, the sea is barely sixty kilometers away.
The town is also 100 kilometers from Nador and 115 kilometers from Mellilia. A brand new highway, also connects since the end of July 2011 Oujda to Fez in barely 2 hours and 40 minutes by car.
Born in 994, according to historians, Oujda, a city of commerce and cultures, displays more than a thousand years of existence and presents a past charged with a particularly rich history.
A visit to the old medina, now the souk, allows you to take stock of it. It was in the 11th century that the city took off as a stopover town on the trade route between West and East Africa, with caravans bringing back gold dust and feathers. Ostriches, ivory and slaves from present-day Sudan.
Today, the city and its surroundings provide a very tangible insight into the charms of living in an oasis.
And who says oasis, says water. Largely thanks to its mountain ranges, Oujda and its neighboring towns are fed by springs, some of hot water.
A liquid so rare elsewhere that has allowed here to raise an important vegetation and create pleasant shaded areas. But the Moroccan city is also a cultural center with, in particular, an international raï festival which takes place every year in July.
Located very close to the border with Algeria, the city of Oujda – or “capital of the Orient” is not the first one that comes to mind when talking about Morocco. However, there are a number of things to do and see in Oujda that make it a city as dynamic as it is atypical.
It is also a unique city from which it is easy to escape to the sea or the desert… in the same day. Here is our top 10 things to do in Oujda :
1. Go for a walk in the Medina and the Souk of Oujda
You only have one day in Oujda? Go to the Medina and the Souk! This is perhaps the first thing to do in any city in the Middle East… The medina – or old town – and the souk are indeed a pleasant way to establish a first contact with the local population.
Oujda Medina Souk
However, be careful what you buy there because counterfeiting remains present.
Oujda is no exception to the mix of flavors and scents that can often be found in a souk! By the way, do not hesitate to discover the “Souk El Ma” or “water market”: in the past, we sold … rainwater! This was used for the surrounding gardens. Atypical, right?
You will not fail to appreciate the arcades and ramparts of the medina as well as the charm of the stones marked by the sun. Clearly a must if you spend a day in Oujda.
2. Maison Dar Sebti
This “mini-palace” is little known and yet it is worth the detour! This residence was offered to the city by a merchant from Fez, Abdellatif Senti, at the end of the 1940s.
Today, it is a village hall in which weddings and events take place, but it is also the seat of the Center for Studies and Research on Gharnati music.
An authentic and colorful place that you will not miss to visit in Oujda!
3. Lalla Meryem Park
Just opposite the Maison Dar Sebti, the Lalla Meryem park is one of those essential places to visit in Oujda. After a day of walking under the Oujda sun, you will enjoy a walk in the shade of its palm trees! You will also discover a lively place, imbued with culture with an open-air theatre, the Museum of Traditional Weapons.
In summer, it is also home to many music festivals. Among the best known in the city of Oujda, you will also find the Lalla Aïcha park, a park of about twenty hectares with everything you need to let off steam: playground, horse riding or tennis club, swimming pool… If you spend a day in Oujda, don’t miss a trip to one of these parks.
3. Bab Sidi Abdelwahad
Bab Sidi Abdelwahad
This is the old city gate, located east of Oujda. Very beautiful with its amber color, this door offers many architectural details to admire.
Enhanced by the large esplanade on which it overlooks, it is also a very important crossing point in the city. The other city gates are: Bab El Gharbi, Bab Ouled Amran, Bab Sidi Aïssa and Bab Al Jamai.
5. The Al Kabir Mosque and its three fountains
Oujda Mosque
There are several mosques in Oujda… Also nicknamed “The Great Mosque”, the Al Kabir Mosque is definitely one of the things to see in Oujda because it is the oldest monument in its Medina.
Built in 1298, the Mosque has since been renovated several times in order to retain none of its splendour. Good to know: to the right of the entrance, take the alley that will lead you to Médersa mérinide, a school whose architecture and tranquility will mark your visit to Oujda.
6. Make a hammam in Oujda
Discovering the Moorish baths of Oujda is one of the activities to do in Oujda… even if many of them have unfortunately been destroyed.
Among those which remain, the Hammam El-Bali which means “old hammam” – sometimes also nicknamed hammam of Sidi Yahya (from the name of the patron saint of the city) bears its name well, because it is the oldest in Oujda.
It is therefore of real historical interest even if some prefer the “Ajjarda” or “Jarda” hammam not far away, and its very beautiful architecture with its dome and its fountains.
7. The oasis of Sidi Yahya
A few kilometers from the Medina of Oujda, Sidi Yahya has something to soothe you, with its palm trees and its stream. It is also a crossroads of inter-religious encounters, Muslims, Christians and Jews rub shoulders there. You can see the mausoleum of Sidi Yahya who is the patron saint of the city.
Around Oujda:
Due to its location, Oujda allows you to go in turn to the sea, in the forest or in the middle of the desert, and all that during the day.
8. Sidi Maâfa Forest:
a few kilometers from Oujda, this forest is an ideal place to relax in Oujda and have a beautiful view of the city by climbing a little.
About sixty kilometers from Oujda, Saidia is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Morocco. With its magnificent beach, but also its many festivals and events, Saïdia is very popular and shines internationally.
10. The Marchica lagoon:
The lagoon of Nador is a unique natural site! Its unique flora and fauna (even threatened for certain marine species) makes this lagoon a site of particular interest around Oujda.
11. The Zegzel Valley:
there are two prehistoric caves which are among the top things to see in Oujda and around, the “Camel Cave” and the “Pigeon Cave”.
Tetoutan tourism guide : the white bride of the kingdom’s north
Nestled on the side of the Rif mountain and overlooking the waters of the Mediterranean, Tetouan, a Hispano-Moorish city, plays on the mixture of cultures and remains the guardian of its most beautiful traditions to offer an exceptional setting to tourists looking for good -being and authenticity.
Mysterious, sometimes distant, Tetouan, referred to as “the white dove” or “the daughter of Granada” by Arab poets, is a place steeped in history. How to remain insensitive to the charm of its superb and moving streets and alleys, testimonies of Andalusian and Mediterranean civilization?
Here the memories of a rich history are written in each wall and on each facade and are told to passers-by. Its mild and temperate climate throughout the year and its heavenly beaches make it a very popular tourist destination.
Want sun, idleness? Near Tetouan, the seaside resort of Tamuda Bay will offer you stays combining the softness of the Mediterranean beaches with the voluptuousness of the Andalusian way of life. As for nature and adventure enthusiasts, the Rif mountains will reveal fantastic landscapes where wild nature dominates.
Must-see in Tetouan:
60 km from Tangier, the city of Tetouan is characterized by districts with Andalusian architecture imported from Seville and Granada.
With its green and white houses, crenellated ramparts and shaded squares, the Medina of Tetouan has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997.
Medina
Surrounded by five kilometers of ramparts, access to the interior of the medina is through its seven magnificent carved doors Bab El Oqla, Bab Saaida (towards the East), Bab Mqabare and Bab Ejjyafe (towards the North), Bab Nouader (towards the West), Bab Tout, Bab Remouz (towards the South).
The seven gates that punctuate the fortifications of the medina tell the story of the city’s past and its successive waves of immigration, the arrival of the Andalusians in the 15th century, then that of the Moors in the early 17th century, the movement of the Mellah district to 1808, and the opening of the walls in the 20th century to link the medina to the new Spanish quarter (Ensanche).
The medina of Tetouan is the liveliest place in the city. Here, the souks are well separated, each trade occupying a precise perimeter.
Its important mellah (Jewish quarter) was called little Jerusalem. Rue Tarafin, lined with jewelry stores, leads to Place Hassan II and the Royal Palace, a fine example of Hispano-Mauresque architecture.
The medina retains its dynamism of yesteryear, the craftsmen perpetuate their know-how there and the houses are well preserved by the descendant owners. These old residences built around a patio reflect the degree of refinement of domestic architecture.
The medina has benefited from a rehabilitation program funded by the Junta de Andalucia. Its particularity lies in the development in the 15th century of a network of pipes from the sources of the city.
In Berber, “Titaouin” means “sources”. They are the ones that supply the houses and the many fountains thanks to the Skoundou (from the Spanish segundo), an underground network of pipes.
This network provides drinking water to houses and buildings and public fountains, mosques, hammams, along a line of springs originating at the foot of Jbel Dersa.
This device resembles that developed by the Romans in Volubilis, and seems to have been adopted by the Andalusians. Even today, some houses keep fountains of this water from the past.
The succession of 20th century Spanish architecture and the abundance of singular buildings give the modern city a prestigious cachet, in particular the European district with its colonial architecture where Baroque and Art Deco influences mingle. Gardens, public spaces and wide avenues have been created to highlight this rich urban heritage.
Avenue Mohammed V
From the Place du Palais begins the Avenue Mohammed V where you can admire Dar Taïr known for its statue on the top floor. On this avenue, there is the old Spanish casino dating from the 1920s, and the General Library and Archives of Tetouan from the 1930s. Its wealth of documents has made it a space for reading and research in the field of the history of Morocco.
This avenue also crosses Place Moulay El Mehdi where the Notre Dame de la Victoire church, built in 1919, is located. Place Al Adl, is the courthouse and the Avenida cinema, a mythical place in the city.
As for the Spanish theater built in the 1930s, it has just been restored. Near Bab Okla stands the school of traditional arts and crafts “Dar Sana” in neo-Arab style. It highlights the different artistic expressions that flourished in Tetouan over several centuries. The craftsmen work there on painting on wood, embroidery, zellige, copper, leather, stucco or marquetry with the same know-how as their ancestors four centuries ago.
The Archaeological Museum
The two key places of Tetouan remain the Archaeological Museum where lies the ancient history of the city, luxury mosaics, Roman bronze figurines, collections of coins from the Punic period and the Ethnological Museum Moroccan Arts of Tetouan, created in 1929.
The latter
The latter is a Tetouanese masterpiece. From the entrance, you can admire a garden with a pond in the center and a wall fountain decorated with zellige, a design similar to those found in the Andalusian palaces of Granada. Today, this museum presents, through a permanent exhibition, traditional costumes and musical instruments, the traditions, habits and customs of the city of Tetouan and its region.
Tetouan, the artistic capital of northern Morocco Visitors find it Andalusian, Ottoman, European. Tetouan is a bit of all of this. From this effervescence was born a true art of living which continues today thanks to its craftsmen and its artists. Land of the arts, from music to the visual arts, the city is home to artistic movements, which have an influence far beyond the region.
Like any artistic capital, Tetouan had to have its School of Fine Arts, created in 1947 by Don Mariano Bertucci, Spanish orientalist painter and great lover of Moroccan art. Having become the National Institute of Fine Arts since 1993, this school has had a comic strip teaching section since 2000 and has hosted the International Comic Strip Festival every year since 2004.
Tetouan is distinguished by many festivals, the most important of which is the International Festival of Mediterranean Cinema created in 1985, the International Festival of Lute, the International Festival of Comic Strips and the Festival Voix de femmes, a tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly to lead their city into the 21st century, while preserving its authenticity and plural identity.
The specialties of the region
The work of zellige is one of the most characteristic artistic professions of the city of Tetouan. It is defined by its shaping technique, its colors and its surface aspects which give it a particular singularity and authenticity.
Tetouan is also known for the mastery of painting on wood. Artisans specializing in this type of craft generally work with mineral paint powders. The achievements are very varied and very beautiful.
Leatherworking is very old in this city, as evidenced by its tanneries. But the tanners’ souk is also the fabric and clothing market, “Guersa El Kébira” where all types of multicolored, plain or embroidered fabrics are sold and where “Jebliates” (women of the Rif), dressed in their traditional costume , sell their “mendils”, pieces of red, white and blue striped fabric.
Tetouanese embroidery is certainly one of the most original in Morocco. It owes its success to its multiple origins, both local and Ottoman and Arab-Andalusian influences.
Tetouanese culinary art, resulting from the combination of many recipes (Andalusian, Rif, Jewish, etc.), is one of the most famous in Morocco. The Tetouan dishes, especially the savory ones, chicken with caramelized raisins for example, are pure delights.
Other typical dishes: pastilla with chicken and eggs without almonds, tahliya, serrated gazelle horns, ktayefs, and of course Jben, a fresh and creamy white cheese, wrapped in palm leaves and prepared within the cooperatives of women.
Riad Al Ochak
Located below the old medina, Riad Al Ochak extends over approximately two hectares. Created in 1929, the garden, a perfect replica of the famous gardens of the Alhambra palace in Granada, has been extensively restored and today offers its multicolored flowerbeds, majestic trees and numerous ponds and fountains.
The garden is an integral part of the city’s heritage and most of the inhabitants have the habit of coming there at the end of the day for sweet moments of relaxation.
Tamuda Bay
From the Garden of the Hesperides of Tetouan to the beaches of Tamuda Bay Less than five kilometers from the center of Tetouan, on the edge of the Oued Martil, is the archaeological site of Tamuda, concealing Roman remains. Homer considered Jebala country a land of legend.
It is in this region that the famous gardens of the Hesperides would be located. Hercules even went there to “steal the golden apples”.
The Hispano-Moorish character of the Tetouan region is illustrated right down to the beaches where several houses with ceramic-covered walls are located along the coast. Renowned for its paradisiacal beaches of golden sand, relaxation, well-being and the sweetness of life are there.
Tamuda Bay is characterized by its hilly landscape, covered with green forests, overlooking translucent blue water. This new seaside resort, located on the M’diq-Fnideq coast, covers an area of fifty hectares with a quality hotel infrastructure designed to offer luxury and relaxation. It includes an eighteen-hole golf course, a lakeside city, the Smir Lagoon where it is possible to observe many species of migratory birds.
It also has a water park that appeals to young and old alike, shops, restaurants, very lively pubs especially during the summer period, and two marinas Kabila and Smir.
Tamuda Bay also has thalassotherapy centers where everything is done to ensure that relaxation is your best accomplice throughout the stay. Fitness with sauna and steam room, personalized treatments, high-level equipment, professional staff, swimming pool and private beach, everything is designed for your well-being.
Mdiq
Mdiq is a very popular seaside resort, where life flows at a peaceful pace. Seaside, pedestrian streets, wide seafront promenade, everything has been refurbished to the delight of visitors. At the entrance to the town, at the end of a road on the right, you will reach its authentic and endearing fishing port. Very popular on summer evenings, people meet there to eat grilled sardines, freshly caught, accompanied by mint tea.
M’Diq is renowned for the quality of its restaurants where you can taste many fish and seafood specialties at more than competitive prices. Fishing ports and marinas
Perched at the top of the hill, Cabo Negro is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday on the shores of the Mediterranean. Pretty whitewashed buildings, flower gardens, the resort attracts tourists especially with its fine sandy beaches and horseback riding. The Royal Golf, designed in the purest British tradition, is one of the jewels of Morocco’s golfing heritage with an eighteen-hole course nestled in a forest of Mediterranean species.
Martil
Martil is famous for its fishing port, once a haunt of pirates. Its proximity to Tetouan makes Martil and its blue and white whitewashed houses a very pleasant seaside resort. Many restaurants and cafes line the corniche where families like to stroll.
Marine Smir
Marina Smir, a luxurious ultra-modern marina located in the heart of a privileged site facing the Mediterranean, welcomes the largest yachts and has more than 450 berths. Near the Marina Smir complex are other popular seaside resorts such as Kabila, Ksar Rimal, Restinga, …
Hesitate between chilling and activities
The Tetouan coast offers many activities combining rest and discovery. These beaches will enchant anyone looking for peace and quiet. Here you can admire the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and the frenetic pace of the big seaside resorts.
For the more athletic, you will have the choice between jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing, towed banana, deep-sea or traditional fishing, sea kayaking, surfing or sailing.
For the more adventurous, the Strait is a real paradise for scuba diving as the fauna and flora are generous there (coral, gorgonians, sponges, groupers, barracudas, trevallies, moon fish, rays, moray eels…). Two diving centers located in Marina Smir will accompany you to make your vacation unforgettable.
To conclude
Tetouan and its region is a must, capable of bringing to our dear reader the experiences that we “adventure seekers” seeks, a solid lifetime experience, DARDIF highly recommend the destination as it can bring the missing touch in the kingdoms roots to conquer your hearts forever.
Renowned in Morocco and around the world for the quality of its ceramic pottery, Safi is a city steeped in history as well as Souiria Lakdima, a summer and vacation resort and the charming beach of Cap Bedouza.
Fit for any visitor eager for discovery. Crossroads between the North and the South of the Kingdom, the city of Safi, presents an important and diversified tourist potential.
Admittedly, seaside tourism occupies a special place there thanks to a long coastline of fine sandy beaches, but the city with a glorious past has other tourist assets made up of historical sites, natural settings conducive to relaxation and discovery.
The hinterland has many attractions for a diversified tourist activity: hiking, discoveries and visits to historical sites, sports practice….
Open to the Atlantic Ocean, the city has always been a privileged space for the exchange of ideas, goods and encounters between people, so much does it nourish the spirit of adventure, freedom and discovery so dear to people of the sea.
Safi tour:
The medina and the Souk alley
To discover and appreciate the beauty of the old medina, it is pleasant to take the boulevard along the seafront from Place of independence, to reach Rue du Souk. This street is in fact the main artery of the medina which crosses the city on both sides to Bab Chaâba. The many stalls that line this long narrow street alone concentrate all the commercial activity of the medina.
The charm and interest of the place are justified by this architectural harmony combining buildings and buildings of different cultures and faiths (Christian, Muslim and Jewish).
Thus, once arrived at the height of the great mosque, a passage leads straight to the Portuguese chapel, built in 1519. The building which still retains traces of the Manueline style is the heart of the cathedral of Safi.
The Sea Castle (Ksar El Bhar)
This “Sea Castle” built by the Portuguese in the 15th century was for some time the seat of the governor. It served as a fortress to defend and protect the northern part of the old port, the city and the Governor’s Residence. It was fully restored in 1963.
Its large monumental door opens onto the , or place d’armes, where you can admire a dozen old Spanish and Dutch cannons pointing towards the ocean. And you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, the port and the old medina, from the southwest bastion of the Sea Castle.
Borj Eddar the kechla
The imposing walls of this citadel date from the Portuguese occupation (1508 and 1514) as evidenced by the coat of arms of King Emmanuel 1st on one of the towers of the citadel.
A monumental door leads directly to a large platform lined with old cannons as well as a superb semi-circular tower from which there is a panoramic view of the city of Safi and more particularly its port, its medina, its minaret of the R ‘bat and the Potters’ Hill.
The Potters’ Hill
Rich in rare mineralogical resources and enjoying ideal climatic conditions, Safi has been able to develop its own craft activity which has made and continues to make its reputation both nationally and internationally.
The city became the first African pottery center and the first school of ceramics in Africa. The Potters’ Hill brings together master potters, ceramists and weavers who, thanks to their knowhow and dexterity, have made the city a destination of choice for local crafts.
Safi has raw materials such as clay and natural fuels (broom) used to heat the cooking ovens, as well as ancestral craftsmanship.
The city walls Of Almohad origin, the wall surrounding the city was rebuilt by the Portuguese between 1510 and 1540. Equipped with a walkway and a parapet, it is flanked by several towers and pierced by several doors, the most important of which are Bab Achaâba and Bab El Kouass.
The biggest tagine in the world
Safi also owes its fame to the largest tajine of sardine dumplings in the world presented on Saturday July 10, 1999 on Place Mohammed V.
Two hundred women participated in the preparation of this gigantic dish. This feat is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
This tagine measures 6.30 m in diameter and 4.5 m in height. It was decorated by the best potters in the city.
The Medersa
This monument built near the Great Mosque of Safi around 1218 of the Hegira served as a residence for students who followed the courses given by the Ulemas within the Mosque.
Dar Soltan
Dar Soltan “The House of the Sultan” is a citadel whose origin dates back to the Almohad period (XIXIIIth centuries), it served as protection for the city because of its position.
Over the centuries, the monument has undergone frequent renovations and rearrangements. Between 1508 and 1541, the Portuguese endowed it with a large tower engraved with a coat of arms of the Portuguese King Emmanuel 1st (currently called Borj Dar).
The site enjoys a panoramic view of the city and particularly of the cascade of houses in the medina, descending towards the Château de la Mer and the Ocean.
Currently, the monument houses the National Museum of Ceramics. The Portuguese Cathedral It was built by the Portuguese in 1519 in the Emmanuelin style. During his retreat from the city in 1541, King Emmanuel ordered its destruction.
Only a vaultless chapel and a heart have been preserved. Later, what remained of the cathedral was transformed into a public Hammam (Hammam al Bwiba). It was still functioning until the beginning of this century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Department of Fine Arts at the time intervened to remedy this situation by classifying the cathedral as a historical monument.
Fishing harbor
The port of Safi is one of the largest sardine ports in Africa. To contemplate the incessant coming and going of fishing boats and boats, you can take a walk on the port side.
The fish-rich waters of the coasts of the Safi region allow trawlers and fishing boats to land some 26 tons of fresh fish daily, which can be obtained at very affordable prices.
The National Museum of Ceramics
This museum provides a global look at the production of ceramics in Morocco and highlights the city of Safi, renowned for its artisanal production and its workshops since the end of the 19th century. The exhibition offers a collection of works large enough to capture this invaluable part of the national heritage.
Presented chronologically, it offers visitors a retrospective on several periods of history. From prehistory to contemporary times, from the sugar factories of Chichaoua to the pottery of the Rif, without forgetting the pottery with green glaze of Tamegroute and the enamelled and polychrome ceramics of Meknes and Fez, the diversity of ancestral techniques used over the centuries is in value to remind visitors, from here and elsewhere, of the rich heritage of Morocco.
The course of the museum makes it possible to trace a map of Morocco on the one hand, the objects found during archaeological excavations and, on the other hand, the artefacts produced in the Moroccan workshops.
To attract more people, the museum is betting on a modern layout and offers a multimedia space, fun activities and documentation adapted to the different visitor profiles. On the heights of the city, overlooking the medina and the ocean, this museum is a place of memory in tribute to the diversity and authenticity of Moroccan ceramics, rich in various influences that have shaped its success.
A heritage that it was necessary to preserve to recall the work of the craftsmen who, for centuries, have modeled History in clay and clay. This place is also dedicated to these great “maâllems”, these masters who bring out forms and meaning in their hands. Ceramics is a marker of time that allows us to trace the history of Moroccan civilizations and show their many facets.
Hunting and fishing tourism
The Safi region is rich in game. There are hares, quails, snipes, red partridges and wild pigeons. In winter, teal, ducks and common cranes…
In addition to this potential, there is the Royal Reserve of the Gazelle of Sidi Chiker on 1987 hectares, with 280 heads.
For fishing enthusiasts, the beach at Cape Beddouza is a top resort and relaxation spot. Fishing for sea trout, wolf, conger and ray is within the reach of amateurs, given the abundance of marine game.
Safi and its beaches:
The beach of the city of Safi Surf Park of Sidi Bouzid, is characterized by a wave classified as one of the best in the world.
Lalla Fatna beach
Located 15 km from Safi, one of the most beautiful beaches in Safi. Dominated by a high cliff, it offers its visitors the calm and expanse of its beach with long strips of golden sand. This beach, endowed with a mild climate, remains a tourist area very popular with summer visitors.
Cape Beddouza Beach
For lovers of fishing, hiking and speleological discoveries, this charming beach halfway between Safi and Oualidia is a top resort and relaxation spot.
Ras el-Lafâa (Devil’s Rock)
A world-class surfing point break, its wave ranks among the top ten straights in the world. The location and the good wind conditions also attract wind and kite surfers. Classified among the “World Class Waves”, the Safi wave has become an unmissable attraction for world surfing champions.
Karam Daif Beach
60 km along the coast, south of Oualidia, this is a magnificent, very wide and well-maintained beach which also offers services to bathers.
Souira Lakdima Beach (Blue Flag)
Finally, 36 kilometers south of Safi, for lovers of discovery and adventure, you will discover Souira Lakdima Beach, a summer and holiday resort. Its calm, its expanse and its forest offer opportunities for hunting, fishing and scuba diving.
Events in Safi:
Safi offers the triple attraction of old Portuguese buildings, a very active port and a living city. It also offers its visitors a multitude of artistic, cultural and sporting events and events.
The Sea Festival
Safi has its annual meeting of the sea in May around the theme of the sea and sailors. For the record, in Safi, the fishing season don’t start until the imperturbable ceremonial of the festivities organized each year at the Sidi Bouzekri mausoleum during the moussem of the fishermen sailors.
The season begins with prayers and incantations, the solemn sacrifice of a black goat and the long trance of the people of the sea, all fervent followers of the brotherhood of the Hmadchas. Various songs, old and new, is on the program every year.
The Sea Festival is organized between the exhibition hall, the conferences, the gastronomic festival and the shows on a total area of 4,000 m2 with 100 exhibition stands for 50,000 visitors and participants.
The Bladi Safi Caftan Festival
The Caftan Bladi event, organized in March, aims, among other things, to highlight the talent of Safi craftswomen and to support them financially. It brings together sewing professionals and artists who give impetus to the promotion of this art in the region.
Human, artistic and cultural encounter. This appointment schedules fashion shows, exhibitions, sewing workshops, to promote embroidery and weaving in the region.
Aita Festival
Organized in August by the Ministry of Culture, this event is a meeting place for a public connoisseur or simply amateur of this musical genre perpetuated in this region.
Safi is known for its culinary art and has acquired his stripes at the international level. It reflects a certain art of living and keeps the specialties of the region, namely: tajine, couscous, fish, pastries, etc…
A varied cuisine
The praline fish, the marzipan, the orange salad with black olives, the fondant meringue with walnuts… Families have been able to perpetuate this culinary delicacy. There are other variants, with for example caramelized tomatoes (matecha maâssla) and flavored with orange blossom water. You can also be tempted by a fish stuffed with steamed saffron rice, then mixed with raisins and crushed almonds.
Mint tea, the national drink, is also served to guests as an accompaniment to Moroccan cakes such as gazelle horns, ghoriba (shortbread), Massabane (typical Safiot cake)…
At the gastronomic level Safi, like any Moroccan city will enchant you with very rich and varied dishes, you can taste a Berber couscous, an olive tagine, a fish tagine or other dishes based on argan oil, of olive oil or amlou.
Safi inherited the gastronomy of Western Andalusia (Spanish West and Portugal), it is part of the Moroccan-Portuguese heritage to which gastronomy does not escape: Salad of Market Hazina with argan oil, dishes and fish-based tagines, the famous Safiote cake: Massapan, without forgetting that Berber cuisine and especially Jewish cuisine have marked this region.
Safi in Motion
To conclude
Safi and its surroundings have confirmed their rank as a tourist destination in their own right, with their immense potential, whether in the fields of history, biodiversity or the richness of the landscapes.
A visit of the city is recommended for tourists eager for a total change of scenery, aspiring to take advantage of local tourism or the discovery of curiosities. The dazzling of the senses remains the key word of any stay in the region.
It offers visitors the triple advantage of being both a city with a past steeped in history, a living and active city thanks to its merchant port and a city renowned at the artisanal level for its pottery and ceramics.
The largest city and economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca has an incredible architectural heritage and some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. So, what do you must see in Casablanca ?
Heading to the Moroccan Atlantic coast, you will definitely decide when to visit Casablanca because we will take you to discover its most emblematic places !
Casablanca Hassan 2 mosque :
Mosque Hassan 2
The Casablanca Hassan 2 mosque is a massive structure that sits in the seashore mist. The prayer hall has a total space of 20,000m2 and can seat 25,000 attendees. Outside, 80,000 people can pray in the courtyard.
The mosque’s position, which is partly constructed over the ocean and overlooks it, corresponds to a passage in the Qur’an that states that God’s seat is on the water. It is the only mosque in Morocco that non-Muslims may attend on a daily basis. A must-see when you visit Casablanca.
This place is designed by the French architect Joseph Marrast. It is one of Casablanca’s most important historical monuments. Following major reconstruction to allow tramway transit, the subterranean tunnels are undergoing further renovations as of March 2020 to restore them to their original level of grandeur and flair.
It is the future city’s epicenter. It serves as a connecting point between the historic medina and the contemporary city. You really need to visit this place to discover Casablanca because it serves as a link between the past and present.
Everything is close by: a tram station, the souk, luxury hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, stores, banks, business headquarters, and travel agencies.
Beach Ain Diab :
Ain Diab Beach
During the summer, this Casablanca beach is very popular. Residents and visitors to Casablanca seek relief from the heat of the city center by swimming at this vast stretch of wonderful sand beach.
Habous – New medina :
Habous Casablanca
Casablanca’s new medina or Habous, in the city’s southeast, was constructed by the French in the 1920s and remains one of the city’s most atmospheric districts.
Strolling around the Habous exposes a fascinating combination of French colonial buildings and traditional North African architecture, peppered with little souks offering Moroccan handicrafts and leather items, and is marked by small tree-lined squares, clean lanes, and exquisite arcades.
The Habous district, which is bordered by Boulevard Victor Hugo and includes such highlights as Casablanca’s elaborate royal palace and the Mahakma du Pacha (the Pacha’s courthouse), which dates from the 1950s and is renowned for its Spanish-Moorish design, is a must-see for those taking a walking tour of the city to discover Casablanca.
The Old Medina transports you into an authentic setting. All the alleys of this emblematic district of Casablanca breathe the history of the city.
Morocco Mall :
Morocco Mall
The Morocco Mall, was opened in 2011, is the world’s 20th biggest retail mall and Africa’s second largest. Located at the end of the spectacular Corniche.
A real national pride, a shopping paradise, and one of Casablanca’s most prominent emblems of economic vitality.
Fly to Casablanca to the greatest mall would be a good idea. It is a commercial hub where you can participate in a variety of entertaining activities. You can choose between fantastic international stores, sophisticated restaurants, movie theaters, an aquarium, ice skating, and so on.
For those who are unable to visit the historic medina, the Mall has established a separate souk on its premises. So, on your next vacation to Casablanca, we strongly suggest you to travel there with friends or family.
La Corniche :
Ain Diab Corniche
Casablanca’s corniche is a favorite weekend destination for people looking for some fresh air. It’s also where the most famous Casablanca nightlife can be found.
There are several wonderful beaches and private pools around La Corniche. Its huge beach, on the other hand, is distinctive.
It’s the ideal place for some sand time with the family while basking in the warm Casablanca sun. This is why this beach draws a large number of visitors as well as locals.
Take a stroll down the beach and take in the scenery!
Royal Palace :
Palais Royal Gate, Casablanca
This old Royal Palace is perhaps the city’s most stunning structure, located in the Habous area. It boasts magnificent Mediterranean gardens and was built in the 1920s in a rather contemporary Arab-Muslim design.
The Royal Palace of Casablanca, like all of the King’s many residences, is breathtakingly gorgeous. The royal residence is enormous in every manner, with enormous windows and notably stunning external walls.
The one in Casablanca, however, is extremely heavily guarded, as are all of the King’s palaces in various Moroccan cities. Getting inside is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. Its outstanding exterior architecture, on the other hand, is certainly worth a look… even from distance!
A significant destination in the city’s history that should not be overlooked when you visit Casablanca!
Best hotels for an unforgettable vacation in Casablanca:
The hotels prices in Casablanca are interesting. In the heart of Casablanca’s lively business district, the elegant building of the Sofitel Casablanca la Tour Blanche stands out. Step through the doors of this 5-star establishment and you are in a temple of design and splendor.
Sofitel Hotel
Behind the elegant and refined facade of the 5-star Hotel Le Casablanca, in a quiet and green residential area only 5 minutes from the center of Casablanca, a sumptuous universe awaits you.
At the Grand Mogador City Centre Hotel, you are invited to let go! Leave your vehicle with the valet and enter the lobby of this 5-star establishment. (Book Hotels in Casablanca)
15 minutes from the old medina and 10 minutes from the Habous district, the Movenpick Casablanca Hotel is ideally located for those who want to discover the city’s picturesque and architectural attractions on foot; an airport transfer service is provided by the hotel.
The largest city in all of Morocco has good addresses where you will always know what to do. Casablanca has a rich cultural and historical heritage, pleasant squares, welcoming restaurants, charming neighborhoods and a lively nightlife.
In short, you should not miss the White City during your tours in Morocco.
Read also about El Jadida , 1h15 far from Casablanca.
Visiting Morocco in Winter is Always a Good Idea and This is Why:
Few in the world are the countries which can claim as much diversity as Morocco. Geological, landscape, floristic, faunistic diversity, diversity of cultural heritages, human diversity.
From the ranges of the Atlas to those of the Rif, from an Atlantic coast to a Mediterranean shore, from sandy beaches to small isolated rocky coves, from the vast golden dunes of the south to the green oases, in Morocco, nature has left free run to its imagination.
A country with a thousand facets, different each season; land of atmosphere bringing together in its kingdom the greatest dreams and the most beautiful traditions of the Orient; land of encounters, of flavors; country where hospitality is king, Morocco will surprise all those who have the curiosity to go beyond the marked roads to discover its true nature.
Skiing in Morocco: North Africa’s Atlas Mountains (CNN)
The return of gray skies and rain often rhymes with a cooking moment at home, wrapped in a blanket with an herbal tea in hand.
The rainy season pushes many people to take refuge at home even during the holidays, not in Morocco a country that is full of several beautiful regions that visitors can discover during all seasons.
Take height:
The mountain is everywhere in Morocco. To the north, the Rif is an imposing mountain range stretching from the eastern tip of Tangier to the territories of the Rif tribes on the Algerian border.
Beautiful coastal towns and magnificent landlocked villages punctuate this chain of reliefs which culminates at an altitude of 2000 meters.
1. Djebel Moussa/ Jbel Musa
Winter in Morocco (Unsplash)
Dejbel Moussa is a mountain in northern Morocco which rises to more than 850 meters in altitude. Hiking and climbing enthusiasts will certainly find what they are looking for as they can enjoy a panoramic view of the Strait of Gibraltar from the top.
For your stay, you can rent accommodation from locals or stay in a hostel. The city of Tangier is about thirty kilometers from Djebel Moussa.
The valleys of the Atlas Mountains:
More impressive the Atlas and its high snow-capped peaks cross the country from North to South, its name evokes the Greek myth of the giant Atlas condemned by Zeus to support the celestial vault on his shoulders.
Nicknamed the “roof of Morocco”, it is the highest massif in North Africa and delimits Saharan Morocco from Atlantic and Mediterranean Morocco.
To the adventure!
Country of mountains, Morocco offers sportsmen and amateurs alike, all types of hikes. In winter, good equipment quickly becomes essential, and board sports, surfing and skiing, can judiciously enhance a muscular trekking.
The most proficient can try to climb the summits to reach “the roof of Morocco” and offer a fabulous view of the whole country.
2. Ifrane
Ifrane, Morocco (Unsplash)
Ifrane is the Morocco of the heights, part of the Atlas and its majestic reliefs.
Perched at an altitude of 1,650 meters, the city surprises the traveler. It contributes to the wealth of experiences that can be lived in Morocco.
There, lakes with a calm wave, waterfalls which pour their cold waters into the valleys. All around, the largest cedar forest in the world. These trees raise their solemn silhouettes on the slopes of the Middle Atlas which they cover with a mantle of greenery.
The purity of Ifrane’s air depends on a delicate balance. To preserve it, the city is enclosed in a natural park. Walking there is a delight; you will enjoy browsing these beautiful regions. The hiking trails are numerous, among the most beautiful in the country.
A rich and varied fauna accompanies you in your walks. At the bend of a path, it is a macaque which amuses you with its antics; further on, in the background, proud and fearful, a Barbary deer is watching you.
Ifrane is also a heritage. The city is its own spectacle that a little train allows you to discover. On board, you cross some of the cleanest streets in the world, you discover a typical regional craft: there, upholsterers spin their works; here, a basket weaving cane stems; there, finally, a pottery or Thuja wood object shop lined with charming trinkets.
Ifrane is all this, a “little Switzerland”, with luxury hotels, in the middle of Morocco. Something to disorient you, that’s for sure!
What to do in Ifrane to keep yourself active?
In this little corner of Morocco, you can explore immense cedar forests during a trek on foot or on a horseback ride! Climb to the trees and admire the unique landscapes of the region during a tree climbing session.
On an ATV or quad, explore the countless areas of lakes and shelters!
Without forgetting of course to put on your skis! Enjoy the excellent air quality of the Ifrane region during a regenerating stay!
Ifrane and its region are a heaven of greenery and pure air! A variety of sporting activities are available to you in a setting of rich and unexpected landscapes! Between its many lakes and its waterfalls of singular beauty, you will have the opportunity to flourish in an environment particularly conducive to sports activities of all kinds.
Hunting aficionados will be able to practice their passion in the heart of the largest cedar forest in the world! Fish or explore in a pedal boat the lakes of Daït Aoua, Afenourir or Dayet Hachlaf.
And to end these holidays in style, you can even put on skis! Indeed, in winter, the ski resorts of Michlifen or Jbel Hibri give you the opportunity to set off on snowy slopes, by ski or sled!
3. Azrou
City of a thousand and one forests with many butterflies, Azrou, 89 kilometers south of Fez will reconcile you with nature in winter.
Once there, you are invited to visit Cèdre Gouraud, a kind of forest where there are centenarians’ trees.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore up and down the mountains and the Azrou forest, then you should definitely stay overnight at the camping area.
It is guaranteed to be really safe, and a lot of tourists will be camping too, so you are never alone. The Milky Way is also beautiful at night.
4. Toubkal National Park
The summit of Toubkal mountain (Unspash)
In the High Atlas, Toubkal National Park has an exceptional diversity of populations. On the advice of a mountain guide, the ascent can be done in two days with one night in a bivouac or in a refuge.
5. Aït Bouguemez
Still unknown to the general public, Aït Bouguemez is one of the most paradisiacal destinations in Morocco.
Nicknamed the Happy Valley, the Kasbah is popular with thrill seekers who can enjoy a variety of activities on site, such as canyoning, hiking and climbing.
Visitors who wish to enjoy a break of relaxation and change of scenery can also find what they are looking for in Aït Bouguemez, where they can enjoy a stay under the sign of relaxation and discover the M’goun massif in the central High Atlas.
The diversity of the fauna and flora of Aït Bouguemez attracts tourists from all parts of the world coming to know more closely the traditions of the local inhabitants.
6. Marrakech
Dream palaces, luxury hotels, splendid riads, and social events, Marrakech deploys its opulence without inhibition. All the greats of this world come to recharge their batteries and experience the magic of the bewitching ocher city.
A city both mystical and hectic, sparkling with life, Marrakech reveals its splendor to tourists eager to discover its art galleries, exhibitions, celebrities, luxurious palaces, and trendy nights. It’s thrilling magic works divinely, as proof, we always come back to it.
In winter, you can enjoy the ski resort of Oukaimeden, Visit the Ourika valley which sinks into the first foothills of the Atlas: a beautiful green valley surrounded by adobe villages which is suitable for hiking foot.
The picturesque village of Oukaïmeden is located 78 km south of Marrakech, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The village is perched at 2,630 meters (8,530 feet), while the winter sports area clings to the edge of Jebel Attar Mountain and has a maximum elevation of 3,260 meters.
The ski resort of Oukaimeden
A single chairlift takes you to the top, where six descents await you. There is also a nursery area, a ski school, a family toboggan area, and a series of intermediate trails served by four ski lifts.
If you want an unconventional way, you can always climb to the top of the trail on one of the resort’s donkeys.
7. Amanar Lands
Hanging on like Tarzan, pulling like Robin Hood, and warming up by the fire – all can be done in Amanar Lands.
Located in an Amazigh region not far from Marrakech, this hotel-park complex at the foot of the Atlas Mountains is not to be missed.
The Park offers a wide variety of activities, including horseback riding, archery, Amazigh crafts, zip lining, swimming, and mountain biking, to fill your vacation agenda.
Amanar Zipline
8. Mazagan Beach and Gold Resort
If the stunning scenery, and historic charm are not enough to keep you entertained on a winter evening in Morocco, you can always relax in the many nightlife entertainment venues that Morocco has to offer.
To stay warm, what could be better than a short weekend at the Mazagan of El Jadida?
At Mazagan Beach and Gold Resort, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, is the Mazagan Casino, where you can spend an entertaining evening.
If you’re feeling lucky, indulge yourself in poker, roulette, punto banco and blackjack and over 400 slot machines.
Winter seasons are made for hiking, climbing, skiing seekers, for glamorous night events lovers, and for those who simply love chilling on the sofa, in a balcony pointed to a marvelous sight.
The millennial kingdom of Morocco seems to know it all and is calling you to be wiser enough to let him guide you, to one of the best days and memories that we all seek at least once in our lifetime.
