11 Best Things To Do In El Jadida, Morocco

things to do in el jadida morocco
Raphael
Raphael 
Updated
| 5 min read

Just an hour away from Casablanca, El Jadida is a town on the southern Atlantic coast just off the Atlantic Ocean, that was once upon a time a Portuguese City. With an ever-increasing growth spurt, many people are now heading to this town to enjoy its beach and the many other activities and rich historical culture that it has to offer. A paradise that the Moroccans have already discovered and used as a summer vacation spot, it is recently becoming a known destination for foreigners coming to Morocco. The old El Jadida and the new El Jadida collide to give you an experience that will rival any other. For a more in-depth look, below are some of the best things to do in El Jadida, Morocco.

1. Sidi Bouafi Lighthouse

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The 46-meter (151-foot) Sidi Bouafi Lighthouse is a historical landmark in El Jadida. It became operational in 1916, approximately 2 years since the start of its construction. Designed by French architects, this remarkable structure was made by the hands of German war prisoners. It does have quite a history to discover along with the practical significance it plays, lighting the way of navigating boats for over 100 years. Get to the topmost level of Sidi Bouafi Lighthouse to catch breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. To do that, prepare your legs to climb over 200 steps.

Sidi Bouafi Lighthouse

Address: El Jadida, Morocco

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2. Lalla Zahra Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Get your fresh produce at Lalla Zahra Market, a busy farmers market on Avenue Echouhada that sells meat, fruits, and even clothes. If you’re in El Jadida for a long time, buying from the farmers market equates to higher savings as the prices are comparatively lower than supermarket prices. Plus, you get to interact with locals who have come from various parts of the city, some even from provinces. Also, a visit to Lalla Zahra is an interesting way to experience Morocco’s colorful local culture. Get there early to seal a good deal for your fresh produce and seafood.

Lalla Zahra Market

Address: Avenue Echouhada, El Jadida, Morocco

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

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3. Cadran Solaire NASSIF

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cadran Solaire means sundial in English, and you probably have heard how sundials helped people in the past tell the time through the shadows cast on the plate by sun rays. If you haven’t seen a sundial yet, pay a visit to Cadran Solaire NASSIF. This tourist attraction is an outdoor installation in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque in what was once a Portuguese city in El Jadida. Occasionally, the area doubles as an exhibition and events venue. On lucky days, you may be just in time for a lovely local musical show.

Cadran Solaire NASSIF

Address: El Jadida, Morocco

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Add some activities to your visit

4. Sidi Bouzid Beach

A post shared by Omar Esselmouny (@esselmouny) on May 8, 2017 at 10:14am PDT


If you want to get your tan-on, head off to this wonderful and untouched beach just a 5 kilometer (3 mile) drive from El Jadida. It is untouched in the sense that the beach does not have touristy buildings. Good weather and the Atlantic Ocean make it the beach of choice both for the locals and the tourists. Sidi Bouzid Beach is quite distinctive because unlike many beaches around the Moroccan coastline, its waters are crisp, clear and the beach is clean with minimal to no rubbish around.

Sunbathing should be on your list, but it might become a little redundant just lying on the beach doing pretty much nothing (unless doing nothing was the plan for your whole trip). There are plenty of activities that can put a fun twist on your time at the beach. For one, Sidi Bouzid Beach has great winds which can be great for kite surfing or surfing. Secondly, if fishing is more your thing, head off into the ocean with a fishing rod and reel in some dinner. If you would like to add some je ne se quoi to your trip with a partner, have a romantic horseback ride on the shore of the beach and watch the sunrise or sunset together.

Sidi Bouzid Beach

Address: Avenue Hassan II, El Jadida 24000, Morocco

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5. Mazagan Golf Club

Come to discover our nice golf course, designed by the famous Gary Player.

Posted by Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort on Sunday, 2 October 2016

For an all-inclusive package, make your reservations at The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort. With temperatures not going over 30 degrees (90°F), you can plan a golfing holiday that is centered on this 72 par golfing course. The resort has luxurious offerings such as high end restaurants, bars and hotels. You will never have to leave the resort!

Mazagan Golf Club

Address: Km 10, Route de Casablanca، El Jadida 24000, Morocco

Website: Mazagan Golf Club

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Be amazed by its famous landmarks

6. Portuguese Cistern

Cisterna portoghese
Source: Photo by user Fulvio Attisani used under CC BY 3.0

El Jadida was a Portuguese stronghold for about 250 years before the Moroccans took it back into their control in 1769. With several historical sites, one that stands out is the Portuguese Cistern. This site stands out, especially for movie buffs who follow Orson Welles’ work, who filmed his movie Othello in Essaouira, a location that is off of El Jadida.

Historically, the cistern was probably used as an armory or a warehouse but it eventually was turned into a water reservoir. But in Welles’ movie, he used this dark and broody site as a location for the infamous fighting scene between Roderigo and Cassio. With not so much light let in, the cistern is an embodiment of creepiness as it is always wet, courtesy of the overflowing pool at its center and an opening on its ceiling which lets in one stream of light. The echoes and shadows from the light and columns is like a scene from a horror movie.

Portuguese Cistern

Address: Rue Hachmi Bahbah | Cite Portugaise, El Jadida 24010, Morocco

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7. Portuguese City

Morocco - AlJadida - Medina
Source: Photo by user Pawel Ryszawa used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Portuguese City makes for picturesque surroundings, perfect for lovers to create lasting memories as they stroll watching the sunset. Sited as a World Heritage Site, its Portuguese influence clearly seen in its structural design is romanticized by the fortress, stone walls and bastions that epitomized the Portuguese City’s stronghold.

Portuguese City

Address: El Jadida, Morocco

Website: Portuguese City

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How do they do the nightlife?

8. Alias Nightclub

Vivez des soirées en discothèque exceptionnelles au prestigieux Alias Club au Mazagan Beach Resort. Ouvert Jeudi,...

Posted by ALIAS Club Mazagan on Wednesday, 20 March 2013

This club is sitting on luxurious bedrock at Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, providing exceptional clubbing services that far surpass the frigid clubbing scene found in Morocco. Alias Nightclub is always streaming with events that make it memorable for their patrons who make it their one-stop-shop for an evening of fun. Sit at one of their VIP tables that are peppered around the dance floor in the Main Room or find yourself in the Silk Room, an intimate and opulently decorated area of the club exclusively set apart where you can enjoy profligate cocktails in VIP booths around the room.

Alias Nightclub

Address: Mazagan Beach Resort, Route d'Azemmour, El Jadida 24000, Morocco

Website: Alias Nightclub

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9. L’Horizon Bar

whiskey on the rocks
Source: Photo by user Dominick Guzzo used under CC BY 2.0

This bar does not have the raucous you would expect to generally get at a bar, but you will definitely have a great time here. With décor that truly represents its heritage; you will be able to get yourself a drink as the establishment holds a liquor license. Food is available too if the hunger bug strikes.

L’Horizon Bar

Address: Avenue Mohamed V, El Jadida 24000, Morocco

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Experience El Jadida’s cuisine

10. Café Do Mar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sipping mint tea on a roof-terrace in El Jadida and having a panoramic view of the ramparts and the ocean sounds about right I must say. You can have that imagery at Café Do Mar, a café that has a vantage position in front of “Porte De La Mer”. Get some lunch or if you prefer, get a table inside this stylish café and wash down a serving of crêpe with your mint tea or coffee. You can cool down with some ice cream, fresh juice or smoothies too.

Café Do Mar

Address: Porte de la Mer, Cité Portugaise, El Jadida 24000, Morocco

Website: Café Do Mar

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11. Zerad Restaurant

Posted by ZERAD on Friday, 31 March 2017

A little out of town, Zerad Restaurant atones for the distance by having some of the most delectable cuisine in El Jadida. It has an impressive and vast dining area that comprises of a tent, a café, a covered patio, an inside restaurant and a roof terrace with enviable views. The menu will take you through the usual Moroccan flavors and you will get to enjoy a variety of foods from pizzas to rotisserie chicken and a variety of other Moroccan servings. Their menu comprises of food made out of produce from local farmers who work hard to ensure their produce is organic.

Average in food standards, what really brings people here are the views and relaxing atmosphere. After eating, head up to the roof terrace and enjoy some coffee while taking in the surroundings. Like many places in Morocco, alcohol is hard to come by at this restaurant. They do not sell alcohol more so because they have a mosque in the compound. And out of respect to the establishment and to the sacredness of the place, do not carry your own alcoholic drink to the grounds; it would just be rude to do so.

Zerad Restaurant

Address: Route P3427 | Commune Ouled Rahmoun, El Jadida 24000, Morocco

Website: Zerad Restaurant

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El Jadida living

Beach loving or adventure seeker, you will have a lot of fun discovering, learning and enjoying this city. It has rich history, pristine beaches and endless opportunities to make memories. Grab them and have fun with it.

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Raphael is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for exploring the world. With over a decade of experience in travel writing, he has honed his storytelling skills, making readers feel like...Read more

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