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Moroccan Tourism Sea & Beaches

Visit El Jadida : Top Attractions, Best Time to Visit, and How to Get There

Visit El Jadida

Moroccan Tourism

Visit El Jadida : Top Attractions, Best Time to Visit, and How to Get There

Visit El Jadida : Top Attractions, Best Time to Visit, and How to Get There

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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.

Old medina of El jadida

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.

Portuguese Cistern of El Jadida
  • 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.

palms street - el jadida morocco

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.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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Moroccan Tourism Nature & Mountains Sea & Beaches

Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

Winter Tourism in Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

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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
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
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
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
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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwSvSsA1nk

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
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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrR6Y8fDvnc
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.

Read : Where To Celebrate The New Year’s Eve in Morocco

To conclude:

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.

 

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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Ready to Write Your Morocco
Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

Categories
Moroccan Tourism

Morocco’s Most Underrated Cities and Places to Visit in 2024

Morocco Most Underrated Cities

Moroccan Tourism

Morocco's Most Underrated Cities and Places to Visit in 2024

Morocco's Most Underrated Cities and Places to Visit in 2024

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Most Underrated Cities and Places to Visit in Morocco

As the holidays approach, travelers  visiting Morocco often plan their trips around the handful most popular touristy  attractions in Morocco such a Fez, Chefchaouen, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Agadir, Tangier or Casablanca.

For a distinctive experience however, whether you are visiting Morocco for the first time or you are re-visiting for more, you may want to stroll away from the crowds and visit lesser known places in Morocco that are no less vibrant or enticing.

Want to know more? Let us take you through a list of  the best underrated places in Morocco.

Morocco Most Underrated Cities :

1. Meknes 

Located in the Middle Atlas region, the historic city of Meknes is plausibly one of the most underrated of Morocco’s four imperial cities ( that is, Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh, and Rabat). Meknes is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its vestiges of important monuments and historical heritage  placed in a rapidly changing urban environment. Meknes remarkably represents fortification architecture through its voluminous ramparts built in the Hispano-Moorish style reflecting elements of both Islamic and European architecture  and design. 

Listed below are some of the top places you should visit in Meknes. 

  • Bab Al-Mansour

The magnificent Bab Al-Mansour, one of the biggest gates in Meknes, is the main gate between Meknes’ Medina and Imperial City. Its design is one of the most exquisite  architectural delights not only in Africa but the world.

bab al mansour Meknes
Bab al mansour – Meknes
  • Dar Jamai Museum

If you are an artsy person with a taste for  traditional aesthetic Dar Jamai is your to-go place. In addition to the museums’ traditional 19th century Moroccan decor of painted wood and plaster, and its  andalusian-style garden, this museum of moroccan art, is home to a number of local arts and crafts including:  jewellery, textiles, needlework , antique furniture and other metal and wood crafts. 

  • Volubilis

Just about 19 Kilometers beyond the fortified walls of Meknes is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Morocco. Located at the top of a hill, overlooking the countryside below it, Volubilis’ remnant forum, arch and palace make an incredible ambiance that brings together nature and antiquity to give you a walk spanning from the  amazigh’s kingdom to the roman imperial city up to the early islamic dynasty.  

Volubilis – Meknes

2. Al Hoceima: 

Bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean and extending along the Rif mountains in north Morocco, Al Hoceima is on of Morocco most underrated cities, it’s an ideal location for beach lovers and those looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday. Al Hoceima’s diverse landscape offers its visitors the opportunity to experience its serene atmosphere through  golden sandy beaches, clear blue Mediterranean shores, vibrant hills and the Spanish architectural influence in the city’s landscape all at once. 

If this sounds like your next destination, here is a list of places in Al Hoceima  you should consider:

  • Quemado Beach

Topped by Quemado cliff,  this beach is with no doubt the most attractive in the city. Its panoramic view combined with a seaside resort (Hôtel Quemado and Hôtel Mohamed V) and ideal location close to the city centre make this beach one of the most frequented. 

Quemado Beach – Al Hoceima Morocco
  • The idyllic Thara Youssef beach

If you prefer a more tranquil visit to the beach with clean see-through waters, Thara Youssef deserved to be in our list (Morocco most underrated cities), located just a bit in the outskirts of Al Hoceima, is a must visit. 

  • Al Hoceima National Park

A visit to Al Hoceima is incomplete without  stopping by its national park. It is a not-to- miss hike through pure nature, vibrant flora, and glimmering sea. 

  • Moroccan Diving Centre

Located just near Al Hoceima’s port, a visit to Al Hoceima’s Diving Centre  offers you a unique experience of excursion, scuba diving, and boat tours all guided by professional trainers and certified instructors to guarantee the best underwater experience. 

3. El Jadida

Standing still on the shores of the Atlantic since the 16th century, and located between Morocco’s largest city Casablanca and the touristic city of Essaouira, El Jadida remains  one of Morocco’s underrated destinations and undiscovered by many. Here is an overview of the city’s landmarks that will have it climb its way up in your to-visit-list.

  • Historical sites

This portogese-built city  surrounds its visitors with a historic aura and sublime Portoguese/Moroccan architecture. Its UNESCO-listed Fortress of Mazagan is home to a number of monuments including the Church of Assumption, The Cistern, the Jewish synagogue, the bastions and their ramparts. Combined, these monuments grant this place a cinematographic  atmosphere. In fact, many TV productions did take place there, among which is Orson Welles’ “Othello”.

  • El Jadida Beaches

Besides its central beach, known as  Deauville Plage, El jadida’s beaches ( Haouzia Beach, Sidi Abed Beach, Sidi Bouzid Beach) are rather isolated and off-the-beaten-track offering a more relaxed, peaceful and serene vibe and are perfect for surfing-lovers

  • Mazagan Seaside Resort and Golf Club

Stretching along the beach, El Jadida offers golf enthusiasts a distinctive experience in its 18-hole course,  designed by South African golfer Gary Player. 

Mazagan Resort Golf Club
Mazagan Resort Golf Club

4. Tetouan 

Located in the Rif Mountain region between the popular route connecting Tangier and Chefchaouen lies a city worth stopping for. That is , the white city of Tetouan. Being host to one of the most important Mediterranean ports in Morocco, combined with the city’s  rich history and culture mix lend Tetouan a certain beauty and grandeur that makes it  one of the best underrated places to visit in Morocco. Sounds intriguing? Here is a list of places you may wanna keep for your next visit to Tetouan. 

  • Tetouan’s Medina 

Largely characterized by white houses that largely  remained untouched since the 17th century, Tetouan’s medina or old town  is another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring multicultural influence that fuses Moroccan, Spanish, and Andalucían architecture that stood witness to the Marinid dynasty and Andalusian refugeeship. Visiting Tetouan’s medina is like walking through centuries of history in a matter of hours.

Tetouan Morocco
Tetouan Morocco
  • Tetouan’s Art Centres 

Tetouan is home to one of  only two modern art museums in Morocco ( the other is located in the capital, Rabat). The Centre of Modern Art in Tetouan is composed of an architectural base that used to be a rail station linking to Ceuta. Today it’s a spanish-style, castle-like building that houses contemporary Moroccan artwork. Other places showcasing the artsy side of the city include,  Tetouan School of Arts and Crafts and  Tatouan’s Archeological Museum.

  • Tetouan Ville Nouvelle 

Tetouan’s New City, located in the center of Avenue Mohammad V, an open  plaza where you can have a mint tea or grab a coffee while enjoying the architectural delights of the city. Just a walk away, you can find the bright yellow, Roman cathedral of Iglesia de Bacturia, the only remaining church in Tetouan that still holds regular service. 

  • Bab Okla

Bab Okla is the most famous and photographed  among Tetouan’s 7 famous  gates, this magnificent gate is the main entrance to the medina, the royal palace and the  School of Arts and Crafts.

bab okla tetouan
Bab okla – Tetouan

5. Imlil 

Amidst the  High Atlas Mountains of Morocco is the quaint village of Imlil, a small Berber settlement. Being approximately 60 km south of Marrakech, Ilmil is a perfect one-day or a couple-of-days trip to retreat from the city’s chaos and escape  tourist crowds to enjoy a secluded luxury of  beautiful landscape, mountain ranges and traditional food.

Imlil Trekking mountain Toubkal
Imlil Trekking mountain Toubkal
  • Trekking mountain Toubkal

Imlil makes up the main base for ascending Mountain Toubkal,  the highest mountain in North Africa (4167m). This makes it a great location for starting a guided  trekking venture.  If you want to climb up to the summit of Mountain Toubkal, it is recommended that you get in touch with a professional guide for the best and safest experience. 

  • Kasbah du Toubkal

Just above the village sits Kasbah du Toubkal, a mountain resort beautifully set against the scenery of the high-standing Toubkal Mountain. Kasbah du Toubkal is one of the most comfortable – although slightly pricey- accommodation options available in Imlil. In Kasbah, you can have your meals on a beautiful terrace, while enjoying a chill vibe with the glorious view of the High Atlas mountain and valleys surrounding you. 

  • Imlil cascades

Two small waterfalls just outside the village to the west make a nice excursion after a journey from Marrakech. this palce is one of Morocco most underrated cities The hospitality of the Berber people, their traditional food, and the serene ambiance of the place all add up to a unique and authentic experience.

Riad Atlas Prestige, Bed & Breakfast Imlil
Riad Atlas Prestige, Bed & Breakfast Imlil

6. Dakhla

The jewel of the desert is a great destination. Visitors from all over the world visit Dakhla. Dakhla city is a blend of Amazing Amazigh and Spanish architecture. You will feel you are in your home when you visit Dakhla, so you relax. It is a town to relax, rest, and admire outstanding panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

For accommodation and can search and book the right hotel, hostel, riad, residence and more, just by redirecting to our dedicated page “Hotels in Morocco” to see the updated and the best offers in Morocco.

The same for flights, you can always check our site to search and book the cheapest flights to Morocco (economic and business class) where you are with best prices.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.