EXCURSIONS

Discover El Jadida. Once a fortified fortress port for the Portuguese galleons dating back centuries ago, El Jadida was granted prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.

Sitting on the estuary of Oum Er Rabia (‘Mother of Spring’), Azemmour is another former Portuguese haven and a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

The region of Doukkala, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is waiting to be discovered. The hotel also offers a programme of excursions in this little-known region.

For history enthusiasts and those with a passion for traditions, several villages and ancient cities serve as reminders of the region's glorious past.


El Jadida – 6km from Mazagan Beach Resort
Built by the Portuguese between 1510 and 1520, El Jadida (The New One) was square-shaped like a castle, with four towers at each corner, called 'Castro Real'. However, the construction of the fortified enclosure took 30 years, taking until 1541 to complete. A four-sided enclosure surrounded the city, built around the citadel.

The centre of the citadel, a large arms room comprised on the ground floor, was converted in 1941 to a water tank to provide water supply in the event of a siege. This water tank is one of the most attractive and interesting sites in the city of El Jadida.

The Portuguese city of Mazagan (El Jadida) became a UNESCO World Heritage site on 30th June 2004.

Visitors to the town are impressed by the mystique of an ancient fortified town enclosed by walls or the historic buildings that line winding streets. The town hosts many festivals and colourful souks or markets.

Equally impressive is the attraction of the Atlantic Ocean and walking on mile after mile of pristine coastline.


Azemmour – 17km from El Jadida
The ancient 'Azma' of the Romans was also Portuguese at the turn of the 15th century. Located on the banks of the Oum-Er-R’Bie (Mother of Spring), its impressive ramparts rise out of the river's estuary, reflected on the water.

The Kasbah is completely surrounded by stone ramparts, on top of which is a two metre-wide pathway. Visitors may stroll down its streets and observe the fine details, including the doors at every house, all remaining examples of Portuguese architecture.

The city of Azemmour is a nest of charm and tranquillity. From the colourful Islamic domination of the 12th century to the walls and fortress that were left behind from the 16th century Portuguese occupation, Azemmour continues to enchant young and old alike.


Oualidia – 70km from El Jadida
A pleasant seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, Oualidia is a sight unique to Morocco. Its 12km long lagoon, with its navy blue and turquoise colours, gives it all its charm.

It is also famous for its oysters, famous all over Morocco. In the summer, the beach is covered with little open-air restaurants where diners enjoy lobster, crayfish and of course, oysters.


Safi – 160km from El Jadida
Capital of the region of Doukkala-Abda
The Portuguese also captured this city in the early 16th century. Several remnants remain from this period: the 'castle of the sea' (Dar el Bahr), the Portuguese chapel and the Kechla, a fortress which surrounds a square accessed by a monumental doorway. From the western platform, there is a wonderful panoramic view of the Medina, the city and the port.

Medina is the oldest part of Safi. The road of the Souk is the main thoroughfare and is lined with stalls and souks, stallholders and crafts people.

A ceramics museum is located within the citadel. Pottery was developed in Safi in the 18th century, with the arrival of master craftsmen from Fez. These beautiful and unique crafts can be recognized by their blue-tint.