Oualidia, the relaxed seaside resort with the large lagoon on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, has so much to offer: beautiful beaches, wild coastline, luxurious hotels, boat trips with bird watching, fresh oysters and gourmet cuisine on the beach.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know for a successful stay in Oualidia: what there is to experience, where to find the best pool and which restaurant serves the best seafood.
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The Oualidia lagoon: relaxing by the sea
Combining a city trip with a stay at the beach is quite easy in Morocco.
One of the most popular excursions from Marrakesh is a visit to Essaouira, a port fortress built by Portuguese sailors in the Middle Ages, which can be reached from the red city in 2.5 hours, making it a good day trip.
But we have another insider tip for a break by the sea: Oualidia!
We have spent several days relaxing and swimming in Oualidia and think that the small town on the coast is a nice contrast to Marrakesh and definitely worth a detour.
- The Oualidia lagoon: relaxing by the sea
- The Atlantic coast offers a rewarding contrast to the Moroccan cities
- When is a trip to Oualidia worthwhile?
- Journey to Oualidia
- The history of Oualidia
- Oualidia, the St. Tropez of Morocco
- The city with two beaches: Bathing in Oualidia
- The most beautiful infinity pool in Morocco:Hotel Villa La Falaise
- Oualidia is a paradise for seafood lovers
- Activities in Oualidia
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The Atlantic coast offers a rewarding contrast to the Moroccan cities
The Moroccan Atlantic coast is largely wild and impassable. Beautiful beaches without high waves that are suitable for small children are rather rare north of Agadir.
The sound of the sea, the roaring surf, the spray splashing on the rocks, the salty air, the cries of the seagulls, the blue sky, sunlit cloud towers, the glowing red evening sun sinking into the sea in dramatic melancholy…
Those who like all this will get their money’s worth here.
And Oualidia has both: a quiet family beach for swimming and a wild rocky coastline for spectacular views.
Oualidia is also known for its excellent oysters! The oysters served in the restaurants of Marrakesh, Casablanca and Rabat mostly come from here and are really delicious. So why not try some oysters on the spot?
However, it takes a good 3 hours to drive from Marrakesh to Oualidia, which makes it almost too far for a day trip. It takes just over 2 hours to drive from Casablanca and almost 3 hours from Essaouira.
It is therefore advisable to stay in Oualidia for at least one, preferably two nights.
When is a trip to Oualidia worthwhile?
Actually, whenever you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax a little by the sea. But Oualidia is also very suitable for active vacations.
In summer, when the heat is on in the city, the locals like to escape to the Atlantic coast, as there is always a fresh breeze here, making the summer heat bearable. Then it is really crowded here, the beach is populated by families and the hotel prices rise considerably.
In winter, on the other hand, it can get uncomfortable on the Atlantic. If you’re unlucky and catch a windy and rainy day, it’s cold and damp. However, most days are mild and sunny and you have the beach practically to yourself.
But in the off-season, from March to June in spring and from September to November in fall, it’s great here.
The sun is shining, the sea is sparkling blue, a light breeze is blowing, the view is wide and the air smells of salt. There is almost always surf here, as the wild Atlantic rolls unhindered onto the coast.
Journey to Oualidia
Oualidia is neither on the main tourist routes nor is the town well connected to a highway. It is therefore quite difficult to get there by public transport and the easiest way to get there is from Casablanca.
From Casablanca, you can also take a day trip to Oualidia*.
The most comfortable way to get from Marrakesh to the small town is with a private driver or a rental car. The 200-kilometer route takes an experienced driver a good 3 hours.
The drive from Marrakesh first leads through a red-dusty wasteland with small villages, at the sight of which one involuntarily wonders what the people here live on, because there is nothing to see except stones.
Then the landscape along the well-maintained road becomes a little friendlier and livelier again.
The colorfully painted schools, with smiling children playing soccer in front of them during the breaks, catch the eye in every town. In the fields, depending on the season, you can see farmers plowing, sowing or harvesting vegetables. The sweeping view over the flat landscape gives you an idea of the size of Morocco.
As you continue towards the coast, the air and the light change, the sky turns baby blue and the land becomes greener.
Many tomatoes are grown in the coastal area. Depending on the route the driver takes, you will see row after row of greenhouses in which the tomatoes thrive. Apparently they grow particularly well in the coastal climate, as almost all of Morocco’s tomato production comes from this area.
Before you see the Atlantic, you can smell it and recognize it by the white mountains of clouds that usually gather far off the coast.
And then it’s time: Arrived, and hurray! — a few nice days at the beach lie ahead of us!
The history of Oualidia
On the entire Atlantic coast of Morocco, the lagoon of Oualidia is one of the places most protected from the breakers of the ocean and has therefore been inhabited since time immemorial.
It is said that the Carthaginian admiral Hannon landed his ship here in the 6th century BC and found shelter in the caves in the cliffs by the sea. Apparently elephants lived in the lagoon at that time, which were of great interest to the Carthaginians.
El Oualid Ben Zidane, a sultan of the Saadian dynasty, gave his name to the town, which is officially called Loualidia in French. In 1634, he had a fort built to better guard the entrance to the lagoon.
For many years, Oualidia was probably just a small fishing village that didn’t even have a harbor, as the boats are still pulled onto the beach when not in use, as was common in the past.
Oualidia has only been popular with tourists for a few decades and the population has grown to 16,000.
In addition to tourism, oyster farming plays the main economic role in the tranquil coastal town.
Oualidia, the St. Tropez of Morocco
In 1940, the then king built a vacation home or vacation palace here and named Oualidia Royal Beach. The small palace, which can be seen from the lagoon, was a private vacation home and the royal family spent many summers in Oualidia.
In the wake of the royal family, it became fashionable for many of the country’s wealthy families to also settle on the lagoon. Even today, the town is something like the St. Tropez of Morocco, where the rich spend their summer vacations.
The palace still belongs to the royal family, but is abandoned and left to decay. Nevertheless, it is guarded around the clock by a handful of royal guards and photography is strictly forbidden.
The city with two beaches: Bathing in Oualidia
Oualidia has two beaches with very different faces: the beach in the lagoon and the beach on the Atlantic coast.
The water in the Atlantic is usually too cold for swimming — and this is where the lagoon comes into play: In the calm bay, the water is a few degrees warmer than on the other side of the rocks, where the waves are raging. The water in the lagoon is calm, the beach has fine sand and the entrance to the water is shallow, making it ideal for families with children.
The sand is golden yellow and is perfect for building sandcastles. Until the flood comes, of course. Then the sea reclaims the castles. Make sure you find out about the tides before you go to the sea!
The beach on the Atlantic coast, on the other hand, is wild, the rocks are rugged and it is usually quite windy. The sea often has high waves and the spray splashes up high.
The contrast between the two beaches is fascinating, especially as they are only separated by a rock barrier and you can hear the breakers of the Atlantic thundering against the rocks in the lagoon while you lie on the beach and look out over the calm lagoon.
The most beautiful infinity pool in Morocco:
Hotel Villa La Falaise
For accommodation on site, we recommend the “Villa La Falaise” hotel.
Situated on a rocky ridge in front of the Atlantic Ocean, just outside the actual village, the view extends far over the sea and the surrounding landscape.
In our opinion, the infinity pool with a view of the Atlantic is the most beautiful in Morocco!
The “Villa La Falaise” is furnished to a very high standard and with great attention to detail. The owner has managed to combine a modern atmosphere with charm and coziness with traditional Moroccan handicrafts.
The garden is surrounded by light-colored walls, the local limestone used for the garden walls forms a warm contrast to the elegant white of the hotel. The hotel, the rooms, the entire complex — everything is very well maintained and radiates a cheerful lightness.
The hotel team around host Samira is super friendly and attentive. The hotel’s recommendations for excursions in the region are well chosen and are gladly organized by Samira on site. As the hotel is located a little out of town, the transfer to the activity is also provided.
The hotel terrace and pool offer spectacular views of the Atlantic. All you can see in the pool is water, the Atlantic and the sky — a beautiful triad of different shades of blue!
The sunset on the hotel terrace is particularly spectacular. With an aperitif on Moroccan cushions next to the pool, you can enjoy the colorful spectacle.
In the reflection of the pool’s water surface, the sea, the thoughts of the day and mental relaxation come together in an almost magical way. The reflection of the light between water, ocean and sky touches the soul and is so beautiful that it almost hurts.
The hotel’s own restaurant offers — how could it be otherwise — mainly seafood and fresh fish with a view of the Atlantic.
The young chef knows his trade and the menu is varied, is supplemented by daily specials and offers fish and meat as well as seasonal vegetables from the region.
Are you looking for a hotel in Marrakesh?
Our charming Riad Selouane in the Medina offers the best ratings, breakfast on the roof terrace and first-class service!
Oualidia is a paradise for seafood lovers
There are several very good restaurants in Oualidia that serve freshly caught fish and seafood.
The small fishing boats moored on the beach often sell their catch as soon as they land on the beach and in some places there are even small barbecue stalls where you can sample the fresh fish.
There are all kinds of sea fish, mussels and crustaceans. Those who like sea urchins will also get their money’s worth here. The delicacies are usually not expensive either, but the restaurants are nowhere near as chic as in Marrakesh or Casablanca.
The most famous restaurant is L’ Araignée Gourmande near the beach, the most luxurious is the La Table de la Plage in the Hotel Sultana.
Oualidia is particularly famous for its oysters from the lagoon. A boat trip on the Oualidia lagoon followed by an oyster tasting is an unforgettable experience and highly recommended.
Activities in Oualidia
First and foremost, relax, let your gaze wander over the sea and enjoy the fresh sea air. But it’s worth getting out of your deckchair and going on a discovery tour. Here are a few ideas for sporting activities:
Boating in the lagoon
The locals offer boat trips into the lagoon on small, colorful fishing boats.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some rare bird species or even flamingos.
Afterwards, you can sample oysters at Ostréa or eat freshly grilled seafood on the beach.
The boats can be found on the beach or you can organize the excursion through the hotel.
Surfing
Surfing in the waves of the lagoon or the Atlantic — the surf school Surfland offers courses for everyone. Even the king’s children learned to surf here.
The start times depend on the tides. There are suitable wetsuits and a board for everyone. Accompanied by an instructor, you then cross the shallow sandbank into the rolling waves at the entrance to the lagoon. Great fun for everyone — even if it doesn’t work like the pros straight away. Best booked through your hotel.
Kite surfing is also possible.
Visit to the weekly market
Once a week on Wednesday there is a large weekly market above the village.
The market is huge and some vendors come from up to 50 km away — by donkey cart!
The market is very authentic and you can buy almost everything you need to live here. Above all, there are fresh vegetables from the region.
There are also several barbecue stands to feed hungry market visitors. Definitely an absolute experience off the beaten track!
Quad biking
Quad biking — an alternative way to explore the surrounding area. There are a variety of routes, some of which lead above the cliffs to secluded little sandy beaches. The paths lead through fields full of tomatoes and other vegetables. There are several rental companies, and the Hotel Villa La Falaise also offers quads. An exciting alternative to explore the oyster bars, among other things. A driver’s license is required.
Riding
Riding along the sea — whether on the beach through shallow water or on quiet paths through the fields above the sea. If you want to fulfill this dream, you can do so here without much effort. It is best to make an appointment through your hotel.
Surf fishing
Fishing on the coast is fun for both passionate anglers and curious beginners.
There is the possibility of surf fishing from the beach and from the rocks. The equipment is provided and an experienced guide knows where to cast the line.
The fish caught include beautiful perch and sea bream. These can also be prepared freshly caught in the hotel on request.
Deep-sea fishing
Deep-sea fishing is possible from Safi, the next largest town, as an excursion on a fishing boat on the sea. A special experience that you should definitely book in advance and is only available seasonally. It goes far out into the Atlantic, just the thing for passionate sailors. If you are lucky, you will experience the thrilling fight with a tuna at the other end of the line.
Kayaking
The lagoon is ideal for exploring by kayak. From the kayak you can observe the many birds in peace and quiet. There is also the opportunity to land on one or two small beaches and enjoy nature. The oyster restaurants can also be reached directly by kayak.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Just like the kayaks, stand-up paddle boards can be hired in the village. The calm waters of the lagoon at the back are ideal for paddling and maybe you’ll spot the flamingos!
Yoga
Yoga — alone or in a group, depending on your preference. The exercises take place in the lagoon on the sandbank, surrounded by the fresh sea air. In the early morning, a spot by the pool with a view of the ocean and the rising sun is already full of energy for all early risers and entices them to do yoga.
Hammam
After a day on the surfboard, head to the hammam in the evening, wash off the salt and then have your tired limbs massaged — it doesn’t get much better than that. There is always a hammam in the larger hotels, but this should be booked in advance. Public hammams for tourists, such as those in Marrakesh are not to be found in Oualidia as far as I know.
Oualidia is the ideal place to spend a few relaxing days
with delicious food by the sea!
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