Atlantic coast
El Jadida
The Portuguese fortress of Mazagan, its cistern and long Atlantic beaches.
El Jadida grew around Mazagan, the fortress the Portuguese built on the Atlantic from 1514 and held until 1769. The Portuguese City of Mazagan has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004 and is one of the best-preserved European fortifications in Africa.
Today it is a relaxed seaside town an hour from Casablanca, loved by Moroccan families for its beaches, with Azemmour, Oualidia and its oyster lagoon nearby.
Highlights
A 16th-century vaulted cistern where a thin layer of water mirrors the columns and the light from the roof.
Walk the walls of the Portuguese City between the bastions and the Sea Gate.
Small walled town on the Oum Er-Rbia river, 15 km away, with murals and a quiet medina.
Calm lagoon about 75 km south, famous for oysters and gentle swimming.
Things to do
- Monuments & medinasPortuguese City of Mazagan — Cistern, church of the Assumption and ramparts, all within a few streets.
- BeachesSidi Bouzid beach — Long sandy beach and cafés south of the centre.
- GolfGolf at Mazagan — Links course by the ocean designed by Gary Player.
- Food & marketsOysters in Oualidia — Fresh oysters and seafood straight from the lagoon farms.
- Festivals & musicMoussem of Moulay Abdallah Amghar — Large summer gathering south of the city with tbourida horse displays.
Where to stay
Small hotels near the Portuguese City, or the beach resorts on the road to Azemmour.
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
LuxuryLarge beach resort with a Gary Player golf course, spa and casino, between El Jadida and Azemmour.
- Address
- Km 10 Route de Casablanca, El Haouzia, 24000 El Jadida
- Phone
- +212 523 388 000
- Website
- mazaganbeachresort.com
Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa
UpscaleGolf and spa hotel on the Royal Golf El Jadida course, a few minutes from the Portuguese City.
- Address
- Km 7 Route de Casablanca, El Jadida
- Phone
- +212 523 379 100
Contact details come from the hotels’ official websites or consistent public listings. We are not paid for listings. Always confirm prices and conditions directly with the property.
Getting there
About 100 km south-west of Casablanca (around 1 hr 15 by motorway). Trains from Casablanca. The nearest international airport is Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN).
Local tip
Visit the cistern in the late morning, when sunlight from the opening in the roof falls on the water.