11 Most Amazing things to do in El Jadida, Morocco

El Jadida might not be a staple on a typical Moroccan itinerary, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth a visit! Located only a 45 minute train ride from Casablanca, El Jadida is a gorgeous, laid back coastal town situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

The city’s peaceful atmosphere and close proximity to other Moroccan cities makes El Jadida a perfect beach destination outside of the hustle and bustle of nearby Casablanca. Additionally, El Jadida’s history as a Portuguese port gives this Moroccan city a uniquely European flare.

How long to stay in El Jadida? 

With its close proximity to Casablanca (about a 45 minute train ride), El Jadida is easily accessible as a day trip. While its a wonderful beachside escape, I would recommend staying 1 to 2 days maximum as the city itself is pretty small. 

If you’re renting a car you could easily tack El Jadida on  a longer road trip along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. The nearby town of Sidi Bouzid is another popular holiday destination for Moroccans and foreigners alike, and would be a great add-on for a trip to El Jadida. 

What to wear/bring? 

If you’re day tripping to El Jadida from Casablanca. I’d recommend packing a backpack with the things you’ll need for the day. I’d bring: 

• A water bottle 
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Shorts
• Beach cover-up
• Light sweatshirt
• Quick-dry towel
• Camera
• Cash in Moroccan dirhams (small bills/coins for taxi)

Cash is king in Morocco, and you’ll want to bring enough cash for your trip. While there are ATMs in El Jadida’s center, it’s a hassle to have to take time out of your visit to hunt down a cash machine. Bring enough cash with you, and make sure you have small bills/coins for the taxi. Unlike most cities in Morocco, El Jadida’s taxis have a fixed rate. You’ll need to take a taxi to get to the city center. 

How to get to El Jadida by train

From Casablanca:

Take a taxi to Oasis train station (Gare D’Oasis) In Casablanca. There, you can buy a ticket to El Jadida. The train runs every hour and the tickets cost 17-47 dirhams (about 2-5 USD). 

The train to El Jadida is about 45 minutes and the nearby scenery is beautiful! Try to find a seat by the window if you can. 

What to Do and See in El Jadida 

1. Venture to the Portuguese City 

The city of El-Jadida has an interesting history. While it was originally established by Berbers, El Jadida was seized by the Portuguese in 1503. The Portuguese erected defensive seawalls along the coast of the city and these seawalls were integrated into the old medina center.

Walking the ramparts reminded me of some old pirate movie as I made my way past fortresses, cannons, lookouts, and even some old jail compounds. It’s a really cool spot to explore, and the views of the ocean from some of the lookouts are incredible!

2. Stroll the ancient medina

Much like Marrakech and Fes, the heart of El Jadida lies in its ancient medina. Here, you’ll find the old city walls, street vendors and artisans, and get a feel for this laidback, coastal oasis. It’s definitely much calmer and easier to visit than the medina of Marrakech, so you can actually take your time meandering the streets (and you don’t have to worry about being run over by a speeding mule cart!)

3. Check out some artisans shops 

As you venture towards the seawalls of the city, you’ll come across plenty of quaint shops filled with Moroccan handicrafts and artwork. They’re definitely worth a visit as you stroll along the old city streets. 

4. Grab breakfast at a seaside cafe 

All alongside the beachfront, you’ll find some seaside cafés serving up some classic Moroccan breakfast. What’s on the menu? Assortments of Moroccan breads, pastries, eggs, meats, fresh orange juice and much more. Of course, you can also delight yourself with a cup of classic Moroccan mint tea! The classically sugary staple is sure to get your blood pumping as you start your exploration of the city. 

5. Marvel at the Portuguese Cistern 

This unique (and rather spooky) landmark is one of the coolest sights in all of El Jadida. When it was built in 1503, the Portuguese Cistern and housed much of the city’ water. Now, it’s one of El Jadida’s most famous landmarks.

The stone pillared-cistern is coated with a thin layer of water on the ground, which makes for some incredible reflection shots. It’s a must for any photographer visiting the city!

6. Sip coffee on a rooftop café

As you meander your way through the medina of El Jadida, you’ll come across some hip laidback cafes where you can order anything from Moroccan mint tea to the latest fruit-juice concoction. Up on their rooftop terraces, you can gaze at amazing views of the ocean and the skyline of the medina as you sip your afternoon beverage. It’s a long-revered Moroccan custom to sit in cafés for hours and chat with friends, and you can’t find a better spot for this!

7. Visit the Port de El Jadida 

8. Taste Local Fish Cuisine

Rather unsurprising given the city’s proximity to the ocean, El Jadida has a great scene for fish and seafood. Moroccan classics like Fish tagine or pastilla are top favorites, and you can find some amazing places to eat both in the main center of the city and towards the central beach (Plage Sidi Bouzid).

9. Discover the Center Market of El Jadida (Marché Central D’El Jadida)

This market (located between Avenue Hassan ll and Avenue Mohammed Erraf) is not your typical aesthetic tourist market in Morocco. Rather, it’s a boisterous, lively local market serving anything from fresh seafood to vegetables, clothing, and more. As you venture towards the market, you’ll see Moroccans engaging in colorful bargaining displays as they do a bit of their grocery and food shopping. What’s so special about the Marché Central? It’s the best place in town to find deals on El Jadida’s famed fish, seafood, and sardines.

10. Take a trip to the beach

No trip to El Jadida is complete without a trip to the beach. Luckily for you beach bums out there, there are a few beaches to choose from in and around the city.

Plage Sidi Bouzid. This is the most central of El Jadida’s beaches. Located only about a 15 minute walk outside of the old medina, Plage Sidi Bouzid is known for its golden beaches and coastal vegetation.

Deauville Plage. Deauville beach is El Jadida’s city municipal beach and has a long stretch of sandy coastline to relatively calm and protected waters. Dotted with quaint seaside cafés, restaurants, and even playgrounds, Deauville is very accessible and a lovely spot to watch the tide roll in.

Plage El Haouzia. El Haouzia beach has some of the most dramatic coastline in all of Morocco. This is due in part to the battered remnants of a 1980’s shipwreck along the horizon of the beach. Unlike the other beach options in El Jadida, Plage El Haouzia has a lifeguard station. The beach is located about 15 kilometers outside of El Jadida city near the town of Azemmour.

Plage Sidi Abed. Sidi Abed beach is located about 40 minutes outside of the city of El Jadida, and its isolation and tranquility is it major draw. Sidi Abed’s sandy dunes are the perfect place to relax and unwind from a busy day of exploring!

**El Jadida’s beaches face Morocco’s open Atlantic coast, which is subject to changing surf and current conditions. As always, pay attention to ocean conditions and swim at your own risk. If in doubt, don’t go out!

11. Gamble it up at the Mazagan

Okay, this one’s a little different than the others. What might be surprising to most people is that quaint little El Jadida is home to Morocco’s only casino! Constructed in 2009, the Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort boasts over 400 slot machines, 40 game tables, clubs, swimming pools, spas, and so much more.

While rates for a night’s stay at this 5-star resort might be a bit steep for a backpacker’s budget, you can check out the casino floor or dine at one of their thirteen restaurants for the evening. If golf’s your thing, they also have one of the most renowned courses in all of the country. Stay safe, have fun, and make good decisions people!!

As a recap:

11 Most Amazing things to do in El Jadida, Morocco:

1. Venture to the Cité Portuguese
2. Stroll the ancient medina
3. Check out some artisans shops 
4. Grab breakfast at a seaside cafe 
5. Marvel at the Portuguese Cistern 
6. Sip coffee on a rooftop café
7. Visit the Port de El Jadida 
8. Taste Local Fish Cuisine
9. Discover the Marché Central D’El Jadida
10. Take a beach trip
11. Check out the Mazagan

Have you recently visited El Jadida? Have a few favorite places to share? Leave a comment below!

Have any questions? Send me a message.

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