Want to step off the beaten path and surprise your taste buds as much as your eyes? Between secret lagoons, coastal villages, and sunny vineyards, the Atlantic coast around Casablanca reveals unsuspected gems. Just a few hours are enough to dive into an authentic Morocco, a delicious blend of wild nature, fascinating history, and culinary delights. Ready to set sail?
Looking for adventure, indulgence, and wild nature just a few kilometers from Casablanca? Head out for an escape on the Atlantic coast and let yourself be surprised by the unsuspected treasures nestled between lush vineyards and enchanting lagoons. With oyster tastings at your feet in the water, historical walks in the footsteps of the Portuguese, exploration of natural reserves, and artistic strolls, the region offers the perfect cocktail of disconnection, discovery, and gourmet pleasures. This article reveals four irresistible destinations to explore on a getaway of less than two hours from Casablanca.
Explore the Oualidia Lagoon: A paradise between ocean and dunes
Imagine a stretch of golden sand caressing the ocean for over 40 kilometers, sheltering a protected lagoon where nature expresses itself freely. Oualidia, a small seaside resort that is both chic and discreet, invites you to settle in a universe where serenity meets indulgence. This Ramsar-classified gem attracts lovers of wide open spaces, salt marshes, and unique oyster parks in Morocco. Here, you can swim safely, learn to ride the waves on a surfboard, or simply embark on a peaceful stroll amid cows grazing on the dunes, unusual tomatoes, and an incredible variety of birds, including the famous flamingos.
For a full experience, choose La Sultana, a refined boutique hotel set in a wild garden, where each room offers the intimacy of a private terrace and decor that evokes the spirit of escape. After enjoying the spa or the infinity pool, treat yourself to a seafood feast at Ostrea II, the country’s leading oyster producer, or savor a seafood grill lunch at Nadia in Issa Blanca, right by the waves. Need to get introduced to surfing or paddleboarding? Head to Surfland, the pioneer in the field!
To continue exploring the treasures by the water, also dive into the inspiring adventures offered on this maritime discovery site.
Travel back in time in the Portuguese city of El Jadida
To the south of Casablanca, El Jadida proudly raises its golden ramparts facing the Atlantic, recalling over two centuries of Portuguese presence. Classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the fortified city reveals one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance military architecture from the 16th century, with its watchtowers and its walkway offering breathtaking views of the sea. The alleys lined with patrician houses, the remnants of ancient churches, and the lively port tell a fascinating and multicultural story.
Spend the night at L’Iglesia, an extraordinary boutique hotel set in a former church and convent, with vintage décor from the 1940s and rooms offering spectacular views of the ramparts. A perfect stop before savoring the local lifestyle and being charmed by the unique ambiance, blending Lisboete past with the colorful ballet of fishermen.
Are you a fan of historical curiosities? Continue your heritage strolls with ideas for walks on sites dedicated to urban treasures!
Get introduced to street art in the medina of Azemmour
While Azemmour primarily evokes a Portuguese citadel surrounded by ramparts, the city offers curious visitors an explosion of colors and creativity. For a decade, the medina of Azemmour has been showcasing itself as a true open-air museum, where faded walls welcome murals and works from artists from around the world for street art festivals. You wander through serene streets, greeted by a cheerful hello, amidst the remnants of studded doors and intricately carved wooden balconies, guided by an artistic thread.
This charming urban interlude showcases the vitality of a city that looks toward the future while celebrating its glorious past. To vary the pleasures, explore other creative destinations by checking out good plans on this off-the-beaten-path discovery site.
Discover Moroccan wines in Benslimane: a gourmet escape at Ouled Thaleb
In the hinterland, between Casablanca and Rabat, the region of Benslimane hides a well-kept secret: the Ouled Thaleb Estate, the oldest operating winery in Morocco. On 200 hectares of vineyards, noble grape varieties and old vines produce renowned wines, including the famous Tandem born from a collaboration with a Rhône legend. Here, wine tourism comes to life: after a visit to the winery, treat yourself to a local lunch at Riad des Vignes, paired with the house wines – sure to awaken your taste buds and sharpen your senses while enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.
This stop will delight travelers who are epicurean and curious to experience the culinary side of Morocco. To continue the tour of flavor destinations in the great outdoors, let yourself be inspired by other suggestions combining local flavors and ocean.
A rich palette of getaways between lagoons, villages, and vineyards
Less than two hours from Casablanca, there are four unexpected wonders – Oualidia, El Jadida, Azemmour, and Benslimane – inviting you to disconnect and discover, amidst wild nature, art of living, and multicultural heritage. Whether you are a surfer, epicurean, heritage enthusiast, or urban art lover, the Atlantic coast will continue to surprise you! For more ideas for unexpected stays, also explore this coastal exploration site.
