If you have a passion for history, horses, and fish, and you’re seeking a single destination that offers all these experiences, then El Jadida, Morocco, is precisely the place for you.
Despite the lack of a direct connection between these hobbies or desires, El Jadida has decided to bring them together, offering you an experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.
In addition to its rich cultural and historical heritage, El Jadida boasts stunning sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and two fishing ports that delight fish enthusiasts.
The city is also famous for its equestrian sports, thanks to the annual horse festival, which has earned it the title of "Capital of Horses" within the kingdom.
A Charming Stopover
El Jadida is located on the Atlantic coast, 100 kilometers from Casablanca, and it is a charming stopover.
El Jadida, or "Mazagan" as it was previously known, was founded in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers on their way to India. It was built as a fortified colony overlooking a vast bay, gradually evolving into a major commercial crossroads.
The Portuguese were expelled from the city in the 18th century, and it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century, after which it was named "El Jadida."
Getting There and Accommodation
El Jadida can be reached from various cities in Morocco via national roads, highways, or railways. For those arriving from outside Morocco, it is possible to travel directly by train from Casablanca to El Jadida, a journey that takes no more than an hour and a half and costs around 40 dirhams (4 dollars).
The city offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from classified and unclassified hotels to private residences, most of which face the city’s beach and offer a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean. Prices range from 300 to 1500 dirhams, depending on the visitor's budget and preferences.
Getting around El Jadida is easy due to the availability of various transportation options, including taxis, public buses, and licensed ride-sharing apps in Morocco, all at affordable prices.
The Wonderful Beach
The beach of El Jadida may be one of its most distinctive features, characterized by a strong recreational and social vibe. A variety of sports are practiced there, including football, water skiing, and even acrobatics, especially in winter when the number of swimmers and sunbathers decreases.
Staying at the beach, El Jadida has a major fishing port in Morocco where you can taste many fresh fish, such as sea bream, sea bass, swordfish, and, of course, sardines, either fried, grilled, or cooked in a tagine with vegetables.
In fact, the region's coastline extends for 100 kilometers, from the commune of Bir Jdid to the outskirts of the Oualidia area (76 kilometers from El Jadida), offering visitors a real opportunity in the summer to diversify the beaches they visit, each with its own unique feature.
The Portuguese Quarter
Now, let's go back a few centuries and discover the Portuguese Quarter, which is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of modern-day El Jadida and close to the city's port. It is truly a rare architectural gem.
Visitors can take a stroll through the alleys of this ancient quarter, which was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2004. The old houses, which defy the ravages of time, are covered with plaster and vibrant colored materials.
The Portuguese Quarter is surrounded by high walls topped by a wide passage and a square about 400 square meters in size. From the top of the walls, you can admire the Atlantic Ocean and breathe in the sea air.
While exploring this fortified quarter, you will come across the Church of Our Lady with its wooden structure dating back to the 16th century. From there, head to the Grand Mosque of the city, which was built by order of the Alawite Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane bin Hicham (1822-1859) as part of his efforts to restore and rehabilitate the fortress in the 19th century.
The Cistern of El Jadida
This is a very suitable heritage site for those who love both adventure and history. It was built in the early 16th century in an underground passage located beneath the fortified city's water cistern, and it was discovered by accident in 1916.
The cistern consists of six large rooms supported by 25 columns. Initially, this space was used to store grain and weapons before it was converted into a water reservoir to provide the Portuguese inhabitants with drinking water during the siege of the city in 1769.
The cistern offers a magical and charming atmosphere, especially with the reflection of the illuminated well and the stone stores on the water, making it an enchanting place during a visit to the old fortress.
Local Products Worth Tasting
The Doukkala region, to which El Jadida belongs, is generally famous for its high-quality local products that have gained fame across the kingdom, such as Olad Freij figs. The purple grapes of Doukkala also remain one of the fruits that El Jadida area is known for.
The Capital of Horses
If you are interested in the world of horses in all its beauty, El Jadida hosts an annual Horse Show at one of the most important horse farms in the kingdom, established in 1913 by Marshal Lyautey.
The Horse Show is located at the city entrance opposite the Atlantic Ocean and covers an area of 5 hectares. You can also enjoy horseback riding tours on the beach.
Moreover, the Moulay Abdallah Amghar festival, held in the village of Moulay Abdallah, located 12 kilometers south of El Jadida, in August, is one of the largest festivals in Morocco. It is an opportunity to meet around 20,000 people and participate in the celebrations, including equestrian performances, with a number of horses that can reach up to 15,000!
