Miles of fine sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, legendary cliffs, and the gentle sound of the ocean.
The Atlantic influence where the trade winds blow and the Portuguese, Berber, and Andalusian legacies blend.
From the lesser-known but no less attractive city of El Jadida, a former Portuguese fortress, to the wild beach of Legzira, one of the most impressive along the entire African Atlantic coast, you will find diverse destinations where you can bask in the sun, stroll through interesting medinas, enjoy magnificent sunsets, or practice your favorite water sport.In the picturesque fishing village of Oualidia, which stretches around a beautiful crescent-shaped lagoon and is protected from the wild surf by a rocky breakwater, you can taste its famous oysters. You can also buy all kinds of ceramic and pottery items in Safi, practice surfing and kitesurfing on the beaches of Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira, or Taghazout, or relax at a resort in the modern and cosmopolitan city of Agadir.
Explore the eight fascinating stops along Morocco’s Atlantic coast to discover its bohemian beaches, sand dunes, and history.
The Birthplace of the Wind and Gnaoua Magnetism
The Pearl of the Atlantic
Essaouira has that exotic yet familiar feel, accompanied by the ceaseless squawking of seagulls. A walled city with an infinitely Moroccan soul and whitewashed facades in blue and white.
Essaouira tiene ese aire exótico y a la vez familiar, acompañado por los incesantes graznidos de las gaviotas que sobrevuelan la ciudad. En un primer momento podrá parecer que te encuentras en una ciudad de la Bretaña francesa, sin embargo, una vez traspasas sus murallas es una ciudad infinitamente marroquí.
Callejuelas estrechas con olor a pescado fresco que se funde con la brisa húmeda del océano mezclado con aromas a especias y madera, y el sonido de tambores Gnaoua que resuenan en tiendas y casas. Essaouira, sin duda, es un lugar con carácter.
La ciudad son sus murallas, su medina (declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en el año 2001), sus callejuelas, las torres de vigilancia, las monumentales puertas de acceso, los muros encalados que le dan un toque mediterráneo, las ventanas azules, los talleres de artesanos y pintores, sus exóticos cafés y las tiendas primorosamente decoradas.
El puerto de pescadores destaca con total supremacía el color azul, color con el que, según los expertos pescadores, se engaña mejor a las sardinas y facilita su captura. Una increíble paz inunda este lugar a la vez que las gaviotas rompen el silencio. Colores frenéticos, chillones y alegres se mezclan con viejas redes multicolores.
La Escala del Puerto o Skala du Port se encuentra justo al lado del puerto pesquero con unas estupendas vistas de la bahía de Essaouira, de la medina fortificada y de la isla de Mogador que hay justo enfrente y a menos de 1 kilómetro de distancia.
Se trata de una continuación de la muralla de Essaouira, compuesta por dos torres fortificadas de forma rectangular. En el interior de este recinto amurallado se pueden ver los antiguos cañones de bronce, que fueron fabricados por los españoles y los portugueses y que sirvieron como defensa contra los invasores que venían por el océano.
Su sobrenombre como “La ciudad del viento” o “La ciudad de los alisios” se debe a la omnipresencia del viento, que hace las delicias de todos los aficionados a deportes como el surf, windsurf y kite surf.
En Essaouira se desarrollan tres importantes festivales que animan la vida cultural: En abril se celebra el Printemps Musical des Alizés dedicado a la música clásica (totalmente gratuito, dura 4 días); el Festival des Andalousies Atlántiques en septiembre para el intercambio cultural con España y América del Sur; y el Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde de renombre verdadero mundial.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
Trade winds or ‘taros’ in Berber (Surfing Paradise)
The Medieval Treasure and the Portuguese Cistern
El Yadida or El Jadida, whose name means ‘The New One’, has nothing new about it, as this city was ancient Mazagan, one of the most beautiful cities along the entire Atlantic coast of Morocco.
The Portuguese held this city for 250 years. Following the capture of the neighboring city of Azemmour in 1514, the Portuguese decided to build a fortress here called Mazagan. It quickly became the center of maritime traffic for the Kingdom of Portugal, developing into a fortified medina surrounded by a moat that isolated the citadel and made it impenetrable.
This citadel is one of the most interesting landmarks in the city. Entered via the Rue de Carreira, it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is enclosed by a battlemented wall defended by bastions.
Following its occupation by the Alaouite Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, the city was renamed El Brija El Jadida (The New Fortress), and a new city began to grow outside the walls.
To this day, the citadel retains its charm and its original, typically medieval layout. Tucked away deep within its structure, it hides one of the masterpieces of 16th-century architecture: the “Portuguese Cistern.”
This gem is located on Mohamed el-Hachmi Bah bah Street. The structure was first used as a warehouse and later converted into a subterranean cistern in the early 16th century. Supported by rows of pillars holding up a vaulted ceiling, it is especially beautiful when sunlight streams through the central skylight, reflecting off its shallow waters.
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Former Portuguese Mazagán
Colossal red-stone arches bathed by the Atlantic
One of the most impressive beaches on the African Atlantic coast is Legzira beach. Its uniqueness stems primarily from the presence of two large natural stone arches. A fascinating place!
Legzira beach stretches along 8 km of rugged and steep coastline, relentlessly battered by the wind and exposed to dramatic tides.
The two colossal arches can only be accessed during low tide, but it is well worth the wait until the water recedes to stroll through a truly unique landscape.
Saha Certified Itineraries
8 km of rugged coastline
Stone arches carved by the tide
Portuguese sailors called it “Casa Branca”
The oyster shelter and a beautiful semicircular lagoon
A fishing village traditionally famous for its oysters, stretching along a peaceful lagoon whose calm waters are a delight to behold.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
Premium artisanal oyster farming
A lagoon sheltered from the currents
A rich variety of marine life and tranquil beaches
The heart of master potters and the largest sardine port
Safi is famous for its long tradition of fine pottery. Life in the port bursts with vitality and color when the fishing boats arrive.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
A haven for artists and poets
Portuguese sailors called it “Casa Branca”
A bohemian retreat overlooking the sea and camels
Today, Sidi Kaouki is a bohemian surfing haven, characterized by absolute tranquility where the desert meets the vastness of the ocean.
Located 26 km south of Essaouira, the white-sand beach of Sidi Kaouki is highly prized by surfers and has now become a laid-back, bohemian hippie haven.
An oasis of peace by the sea, with sand, wind, and dromedaries! The sunsets here are breathtaking.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
26 km south of Essaouira
Alternative, hippie, and laid-back lifestyle
Spectacular and breathtaking sunsets
The fishing village where the best waves break
Surrounded by some of the world’s most sought-after surf spots, Taghazout retains its welcoming spirit amid spectacular cliffs.
Just a few miles north of Agadir, the fishing village of Taghazout has become a surfing mecca.
Its coastline boasts some of the best surf spots in Morocco.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
Surfing, beach yoga, and seaside cafés
A modern, cosmopolitan oasis of endless relaxation
Agadir combines a world-class cosmopolitan infrastructure with long, clean beaches that are perfect for family fun and relaxation.
Agadir is a lively, cosmopolitan, and modern coastal city, featuring major hotel chains and cafes that give it a distinct European style and touch.
It boasts excellent clean beaches, world-class golf courses, and health and beauty spas. Its subtropical climate allows visitors to enjoy mild and pleasant temperatures all year round.
Agadir has become Morocco’s most popular resort town, making it an ideal destination for both angling and underwater fishing.
Slow Travel Itineraries by Saha Tours
Coastal, modern, European-style
Pleasant subtropical climate all year round
Sport fishing, golf, and luxury spas
