Détails Blog

Description of the blog

El Jadida in Morocco, although relatively unknown, is a city worth visiting. Located on the Atlantic coast, a hundred kilometers from Casablanca, visiting El Jadida can be a part of a trip to Morocco to enjoy the beach and the charm of this small town. Accessible by train, so it is very easy to get there to visit El Jadida. After a brief review of the history of the city initially called Mazagan, I will give you some ideas for visits to El Jadida and share with you some photos of the city taken during my visit in 2013! After reading this post on El Jadida in Morocco, you should have all the useful practical information and you should know what to do in El Jadida. The Carthaginians already occupied the geographical location of present-day El Jadida since the 5th century BC. It was at the very beginning of the 16th century that the Portuguese founded the city. At the time known as Mazagan, a military fortress was built and a little later a larger town surrounded by walls. These are the walls that can be seen today in El Jadida. The Portuguese city of El Jadida in Morocco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mazagan resisted the many assaults of the Moroccans and it was not until the end of the 18th century that the city came under Moroccan control. Before their departure, the Portuguese demolished / mined the city to the point that it was renamed El Mehdoûma (La Ruinée) by Morocco. A few dozen years later (early 19th century), the city was restored and it was at this point that it was given its current name, El Jadida, which means "The New".

Although the historic center of El Jadida is rather small, it is beautiful. The various points of interest of the city cluster around what was once the Portuguese city, the historic heart of the city. If you plan to visit El Jadida during your trip to Morocco, this is the first place to go!

Take the time to lose yourself in the alleys of the Portuguese city that looks like being mistaken in a medina. You can also stroll around the city walls and enjoy a magnificent view over the rooftops of the Portuguese city and over the ocean. Do not miss the Portuguese cistern of El Jadida either, an underground water reserve built during the construction of the Portuguese fortress at the beginning of the 16th century. You can also take a walk on a dike near the old town of El Jadida. It is a bit of a meeting place for locals, especially at the end of the day, to enjoy the magical colors of the sunset.

You will also be able to observe (rather in the morning) the fishermen going out to sea. They use boats which strongly resemble those of Essaouira. Unlike the color, here in El Jadida, they are red!

You will understand, the ideal place to sleep in El Jadida is the old Portuguese town. It is the most charming and pleasant place to stay in El Jadida. I know two addresses in the old town:

if you are looking for a little dar, simple but clean and your accommodation budget is limited, go to Dar El Jadida (more information here) in the heart of the Portuguese city. The rooms are basic but very clean and the welcome lives up to the reputation of Moroccan hospitality! Price of around 25 euros per night in a double room with breakfast. Hard to beat :)

if you want a more upscale, more refined address, only one place to remember: the Iglesia in the Portuguese city too. This hotel occupies a former Spanish church in the Portuguese city. A truly charming and very refined place. Count 120 euros per night in a double room. With such charm, in a city like Fez or Marrakech, it would take more than 200 euros per night ... If you have the budget, go for it! It’s El Jadid’s nugget

Beyond the historic center of El Jadida, this small town is ideal for resting and relaxing for a few days by the sea. A bit like the town of Asilah which I told you about a while ago on the blog. Unlike a tourist city like Essaouira, El Jadida remains very authentic and there are far fewer tourists there than in Essaouira.

Although located at the level of the Atlantic Ocean, it is much less exposed to the wind than Essaouira and you can therefore enjoy the beach. When I was in El Jadida in September, there were very few people in the city but also on the beach! It was very nice and the beach is quite long.

Finally, as for most coastal towns in Morocco, it is possible to eat many varieties of fish, freshly caught. There is also an excellent market near the historic center of El Jadida. You can buy fresh fish there to grill. A delight! The city is not huge, I recommend that you stay there for 2 or 3 days. This is enough to discover and visit El Jadida and enjoy the beach and the peace of this charming little town.