El Jadida and Oualidia may be lesser-known than other Moroccan destinations, but they offer much for travellers interested in history, nature, and a genuine experience of Moroccan life.

El Jadida: Where History Meets the Atlantic 
The centrepiece of El Jadida is its 16th-century Portuguese fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to a time when Portugal held sway on Moroccan shores. Begin with the Portuguese Cistern, a hauntingly beautiful subterranean vault with gothic arches and water reflections that give it an eerie, enchanting glow. Used as a filming location for Orson Welles’ Othello, it’s an absolute must-visit. Outside, the Mazagan Fortress offers panoramic views over the Atlantic and captivating scenes at sunset, especially at the Bastion de l’Ange, where the waves crash against the ancient fortifications. Around the city, a collection of boutique hotels offers charm and comfort within historic buildings. These stays often combine modern amenities with interiors influenced by Moroccan and Portuguese design, creating a unique ambiance. As you wander through the fortress, the thick walls and stone arches make it clear why this place has captured imaginations for centuries.

Outside the fortress, El Jadida’s medina is a calmer, more relaxed version of Morocco’s traditional markets. Stroll through the narrow lanes lined with artisan workshops, selling pottery, textiles, and traditional crafts, each stall exuding its own unique charm. A short drive away, Azemmour is a day trip that shouldn’t be missed. This art-filled village sits along the Oum Er-Rbia River, where colorful murals dot the walls, and quiet galleries hide down winding lanes. Here, street art blends with ancient buildings, and the calm of the river offers a soothing contrast to the bustling medina of El Jadida.

The best riads, hotels and guest houses in El Jadida

Oualidia: Coastal Tranquility and Natural Beauty 
Oualidia, with its lagoon embraced by sandy shores and small rocky outcrops, has a sense of timelessness. This quiet fishing village boasts some of Morocco’s most idyllic scenery, ideal for a relaxing escape. Travelers seeking secluded charm and relaxation will find a handful of small luxury hotels here, that offer rooms with direct access to the beach and personalized spa treatments that make full use of Morocco’s famed argan oils and clays. Morning is the perfect time to walk along the lagoon, where migratory birds, including flamingos and herons, can often be spotted. Local guides offer birdwatching tours, or you can simply take a leisurely stroll with binoculars in hand. In fact, the lagoon is known as one of the country’s top birdwatching spots. 

If you’re up for an adventure, Oualidia has become a well-regarded destination for surfing. The waves here are gentle enough for beginners, but the area has a handful of hidden surf spots for the more experienced, particularly at Sidi Moussa, a lesser-known cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Kayaking and paddle boarding in the lagoon offer a tranquil way to explore the coast, while the area’s dune landscapes, including La Grande Dune, make for excellent hiking. For a hidden beach experience, drive to Sidi Bouzid, a quiet local beach south of El Jadida. Known for its surf and seaside picnics, Sidi Bouzid is where you’ll find families and surfers gathered, giving it a relaxed and friendly feel.

Oualidia is an excellent destination if you are looking for a romantic or quiet getaway in a place off the beaten tourist track. It offers splendid views with its coastline and coastal lagoon, and for gourmets, a unique opportunity to sample fresh fish, oysters, and seafood at a very affordable price by Western standards. Check out our collection of charming accommodation, riads in Oualidia for an unforgettable experience.

The best riads, hotels and guest houses in Oualidia

In the Casablanca - Settat region, activities are rich with local culture, outdoor beauty, and a chance to immerse in traditions unique to Morocco.

On the Southern tip, the small town of Oualidia, with its famous lagoon, which is protected from the ocean and abounds in fish and shellfish. In fact, the town was founded in the 17th century to protect the natural harbour and today it is used as a centre for cultivating world-famous oysters. Indeed, this is one of Oualidia's main attractions. The possibility of eating fresh fish and seafood, freshly caught in the waters of its lagoon or the ocean and at very reasonable prices.
It is a quiet place where you can relax and enjoy a magnificent beach. Although the waves are generally strong, it is relatively easy to follow its coastline and find a more sheltered cove that may disappear overnight due to the play of the tides. It is also a splendid area for watching seabirds, such as cormorants and spoonbills.

Oualidia’s surfing scene has grown steadily, and it’s now known for its accessible waves and small surf schools that cater to beginners. For seasoned surfers, nearby Sidi Moussa offers more challenging waves in a secluded setting. Paddle boarding in Oualidia’s lagoon, meanwhile, is a serene way to explore the coast and get close to the birdlife that thrives there. If you’d rather stay on land, hiking around the coastal cliffs or the surrounding dunes is a beautiful way to connect with nature, with views over the Atlantic stretching as far as the eye can see.
Each August, Oualidia’s Oyster Festival celebrates the town’s most famous export, with market stalls, oyster tastings, and evening gatherings that fill the town square. Here, you’ll find live music, traditional Moroccan dancing, and food vendors offering everything from grilled seafood to traditional pastries. The festival is a rare chance to join in the local culture, savouring oysters fresh from the lagoon as locals and visitors come together to celebrate.

Al Jadida is an exception to typical Maghrebi architecture: it does not look like a Moroccan town. Instead, it has sturdy, ancient, European-looking carved stone walls, specifically built by the Portuguese, who occupied it from the 16th to the 18th century. The ruins of the period are some of the city's most important buildings, recognised by UNESCO, and tourist attractions such as the fortification, the cistern, and the Church of the Assumption. The city is also home to some of the oldest remains of Phoenician settlements in Morocco.
In El Jadida, the long beach outside the city walls is perfect for a casual swim or a relaxed day by the sea. The coast is also known for its traditional fishing spots, where you’ll often see local fishermen mending nets or preparing their boats for the day. You can join them for a fishing excursion or simply watch the activity unfold.

The markets in El Jadida offer an equally immersive experience. The main souk is a lively maze where vendors sell spices, olives, handmade crafts, and local produce. It’s an ideal spot to pick up ingredients for a picnic, especially if you’re headed to the beach later in the day. Nearby, Azemmour’s markets are smaller but no less vibrant, with a strong focus on locally crafted goods and Moroccan artwork.

During the summer, El Jadida hosts the Moussem of Moulay Abdellah Amghar, a vibrant cultural festival that centers around the traditional Moroccan sport of fantasia, where teams of riders charge forward on horseback, dressed in colorful traditional attire and firing rifles into the sky. The event draws crowds from all over Morocco and offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s equestrian traditions. Surrounded by the sounds of traditional music and lively celebrations, it’s a thrilling spectacle for visitors.

Oualidia’s lagoon is an oyster lover’s paradise. Stop by one of the open-air stalls by the water, where vendors shuck fresh oysters on the spot. Pair them with a bit of lemon or harissa, a local hot chili paste, to bring out the ocean flavour. Another idea to savour the local seafood is to buy it directly from the fishermen on the beach - you can negotiate the price - and they will grill it for you. The most common seafood consumed here is shellfish - such as spider crabs, oysters, razor clams or sea urchins - and with regard to fish, you can find very different types due to the different seabed of the coastline. That is to say, both gilthead bream or redfish - rocky - and red mullet or sole - sandy bottom. Beyond oysters and fish, seafood tagines are a specialty here, particularly those with sardines or white fish, cooked slowly with olives, preserved lemon, and Moroccan spices.

El Jadida’s food scene combines coastal flavours with Moroccan classics. Grilled sardines, marinated with chermoula (a flavourful mix of herbs and spices), are a must-try, often served at small beachside restaurants. The markets are also great for a taste of local street food: freshly baked batbout (soft, thick flatbread) stuffed with grilled meats, spiced lentils, or tangy tomato salsa.

Throughout the Casablanca region, dessert is an art. Stop by a local café for kaab el ghazal (gazelle horns), an almond-filled pastry delicately flavoured with orange blossom, and enjoy it with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. Another local specialty is msemmen, a flaky Moroccan pancake served warm with honey—a sweet yet simple treat that makes for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.