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The Gorgeous City of El Jadida, Morocco

The drive from Casablanca to Essaouira can be a long, hot and boring ride along the A7. While this may be the quickest route at just over four hours, it sure doesn’t show you much of the country.

For a better option on our road trip, if you have the time, take the coastal route for it’s sweeping views of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, lush farmlands, and historic sites. If you do take the coastal route, plan on about six hours of driving time with more for stops and rests along the way.

Better yet, I recommend you do like us and split the trip over two days and spend the night in El Jadida exploring the 16th century Portuguese city and fort and enjoying a fresh seafood dinner.

Red fishing boats anchored in the harbor in El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fishing boats come in for the night in El Jadida.

Visiting the Portuguese City of El Jadida

El Jadida was known as Mazagan by the Portuguese that first settled the area as a stopover on the India trade routes. They established a thriving port city and built a state of the art fortress to protect it. The fortress and the old city of Mazagan still exist today in a well preserved state of day-to-day to use.

What is there to do in El Jadida, Morocco?

View of the old city walls and Atlantic Ocean with a flock of seagulls flying overhead.
The city and fort were originally built by the Portuguese in the16th century.

A walk along the bastions and battlements provides a view out to the city on one side and an overlook of the fishing boat port on the other. We loved sitting in the glowing light and watching the small, colorful fishing boats bobbing around in the bay.

Old city walls and gate El Jadida, Morocco.
The old city walls offer a spectacular view of the port, old city, and new city.

While wandering around the Portuguese city you should also make time to visit the cistern and the mosque. Both are small and won’t take much time but can’t be missed! In the cistern, the rippling light and sounds of dripping water echoing off the stone walls and pillars is magical.

Underground cistern with stone pillars, rippling light, and sounds of dripping water.
There’s something mystical about the ripples of light, sound, and water in an underground cistern.
Minaret on the Grand Mosque in El Jadida, Morocco.
Minaret on the Grand Mosque.

It was a popular thing to do in the warm, breezy evening and we passed families, teenagers, and couples at various points along the ramparts all smiling, enjoying the sunset.

One family stopped and talked to us for a few minutes welcoming us to their city.  We chatted and went on our way.  The sun was dipping quickly into the sea and we were ready to start searching for some dinner.

Mosque in the Medina in El Jadida, Morocco.
Mosque in the Medina.

El Jadida is a bustling, lively and colorful port town on a beautiful stretch of coast. There are some beautiful golden sand beaches nearby and of course plenty of fresh seafood.

Gorgeous beach near El Jadida, Morocco.
Beach near El Jadida.

You could stop in for a short visit on your way to or from Casablanca or make it a day trip out of Casablanca. If you decided to spend the night there aren’t as many options as you would find in more touristic destinations but there are a few riads and hotels.

We tried to stay in riads whenever possible while traveling around Morocco. They tend to offer a more authentic stay in the heart of the city. Many are family owned or managed, and we were able to spend time in conversations about life in the Medina, getting tips for restaurants or sites not to be missed, and just making new friends.

Cannon placements on the El Jadida fortress wall.
The cannon placements on the battlements are a wonderful place to sit and soak in the sunset.

El Jadida Riad

This was all true in El Jadida as well. Our host met us at the edge of the medina, as had happened in other towns, and guided us to the house through the twisting maze of alleys. We had to leave the car parked in a bank parking lot, but it was safe for the night.

We spent a very comfotable night in the Riad La Maison des Epices. From our riad we were a short walk from the Portuguese city, the fishing port, and the light house.

On the recommendation of our hostess, we ate dinner at “Cousteau” a small place directly across the street from the port. The fish was fresh and the calamari tender, all with that perfect blend of herbs and spices. Finished off with a refreshing mint tea, this was another perfect stop on our Moroccan road trip.

El Jadida FAQ

How to Get to El Jadida

Getting to El Jadida by car is a simple matter of following the R320, N1, or A5 out of Casablanca heading south. The R329 takes you right along the coast with the best views and some nice beach stops along the way. The N1 is inland some and probably a little quicker.

If you just want to get there, take the A5 highway. Once in El Jadida, follow the coast around the bay until you come to the Portuguese city. You really can’t miss it if you stay along the water.

If you’re traveling north, out of Essaouira for example, take the R301 or N1 into El Jadida. Again, the R301 has the beach views and meanders through farmlands more, but it will slow you down. The N1 is more direct and quicker, but, again, not much scenery along the road.

If you are taking the R301, be careful. The stretch just south of Safi drives though some scary, almost apocalyptic industrial areas but the rest of the coastline along here is gorgeous.

Another option for travel in Morocco is a grand taxi, but you’re really taking your life in your hands if you choose to join up with other fellow travelers using these shared taxis. Being passed by these guys was the most frightening part of driving in Morocco. I can’t imagine being a passenger in one.

Picturesque Post De Police in a tower in the town wall, El Jadida, Morocco.
Police post tucked into the city wall.

Where to Stay

We stayed in the Riad Maison des Epices, one of a few that were listed in El Jadida. The riad is owned by a couple that live elsewhere but is managed by a friendly Moroccan woman and her small family. They made us feel right at home and provided a tasty breakfast in the morning.

When looking for a riad be sure to use some system that provides as many reviews as possible. Look for reviews that specifically mention the host, hostess, or family that runs the house. This should give you the most personal and authentic stay possible.

Where to Eat

Eating establishments abounded along the streets of the medina, all looked tasty and popular. There were only a couple of seafood restaurants by the coast and they were crowded as well, but we had no problems getting in for dinner. Other options included food carts that offered some deliciously fresh merguez hot off the grill

Conclusion

Even if you don’t have much time to spare, make a stop in El Jadida. Not only did we think it was the prettiest city in Morocco, but it’s got a lot going for it. There is plenty to do, friendly locals, and delicious seafood. What more can you ask for. Have been to El Jadida? What was your favorite part of the city?

Author Bio: Jim Vail, is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

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Asmaa ed

Friday 16th of February 2018

I'm so happy to read about your experience in my home town. ❤

Corinne Vail

Friday 16th of February 2018

Asmaa, We thought El Jadida was one of the prettiest places in all of Morocco.

Corinne Vail

Sunday 14th of August 2016

And so it is! Have you been?

najid

Saturday 27th of June 2015

I Love Morocco , I repeatedly visit El Jadida is a beautiful city

Corinne Vail

Saturday 27th of June 2015

Najid, Yes! El Jadida is probably my favorite city in Morocco. It's so quiet and pretty.

Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

Sunday 14th of June 2015

The coastal route definitely sounds like a better route if driving here and the stop at El Jadida sounds and looks lovely! I am sure Laurence would love taking photos here:)

Corinne Vail

Monday 15th of June 2015

Jessica, Yes, it's extremely photogenic! El Jadida was such a quiet little stop.

Paula McInerney

Thursday 11th of June 2015

El Jadida has been captured in a beautiful way so well done. It is interesting to know that it is not a tourist mecca, and that makes it a great place to visit.

Jim Vail

Friday 12th of June 2015

Paula, thank you! We really enjoyed our time there. Like most of Morocco, it was hard to take a bad photograph!