Merzouga Desert Journey
Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara
Grand Morocco in 14 Days
The Saghro Traverse
Atlas lakes to Saghro
Erg Chigaga & Lake Iriki
The Grand Atlantic
From Marrakech
From Fes
From Casablanca
Couples
Families
Friends
Boutique riads
Luxury desert camps
Nights under the stars
Our story
Your driver-guide
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6-Day Old Atlantic Coast: Casablanca, Oualidia and Essaouira
The coast between Casablanca and Essaouira is where the Portuguese built their fortresses five hundred years ago, and where Moroccan families still spend their summers. You start with the Hassan II Mosque, built over the ocean, then follow the coast south to Azemmour and the Portuguese city of El Jadida. Two nights by the calm lagoon of Oualidia, famous for its oysters, then on through Safi, the pottery town, to Essaouira. The journey ends in Marrakech.
Best for: Travellers landing in Casablanca who want the sea, old Portuguese towns and fresh oysters before Marrakech.
Highlights
- The Hassan II Mosque, built over the Atlantic
- The Portuguese cistern of El Jadida, a UNESCO site
- Oysters and calm water on the Oualidia lagoon
- The potters' hill of Safi
- Two nights in Essaouira's walled medina
- The old river town of Azemmour
Day by day
Driving times are honest estimates for the time behind the wheel. Stops for photos, tea and lunch come on top, and you can always ask your driver to stop.
Day 1Arrival in Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
Arrival in Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
Your driver meets you at Casablanca airport or your hotel. In the afternoon you visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built partly over the ocean, with a guided visit inside. Evening walk along the Corniche. Night in Casablanca.
Day 2Casablanca – Azemmour – El Jadida – Oualidia
Casablanca – Azemmour – El Jadida – Oualidia
South along the coast to Azemmour, an old white town on the cliffs above the Oum Er-Rbia river. Then El Jadida, the Portuguese Mazagan, where you walk the ramparts and see the vaulted underground cistern, lit by a single opening in the roof. In the afternoon you reach Oualidia, a calm lagoon behind a sand bar. Night by the lagoon.
Day 3A day on the Oualidia lagoon
A day on the Oualidia lagoon
A slow day. The lagoon is shallow and calm, safe for swimming even when the ocean is rough. Take a small boat with a fisherman, walk to the oyster farms and taste them fresh, or rest on the beach. Seafood lunch by the water.
Day 4Oualidia – Safi – Essaouira
Oualidia – Safi – Essaouira
Along the cliffs to Safi, where you visit the potters' hill and its kilns, and see the old Portuguese sea fortress. The coast road continues south through quiet fishing villages to Essaouira. Evening walk through the medina to the sea walls. Night in a riad in the old town.
Day 5Essaouira at leisure
Essaouira at leisure
A free day in Essaouira: the fishing port in the morning, the Skala ramparts, the galleries and wood workers of the medina, and the long beach in the afternoon.
Day 6Essaouira – Marrakech
Essaouira – Marrakech
Through the argan country, with a stop at a women's argan oil cooperative, to Marrakech, where your driver takes you to your riad or the airport and the journey ends.
Where you'll stay
These are our usual choices. If one is full on your dates we book a place of the same standard, and you can ask for an upgrade.
Price per person
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €1,350 |
| 4 travellers | €990 |
| 6 travellers | €870 |
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Hotels and breakfast are included. Travelling alone, or with 3 or 5? Ask us and we send your exact price within 24 hours.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Hand-picked riads and sea-view hotels, double or twin rooms
- Breakfast every day
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
- Guided visit inside the Hassan II Mosque
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Surf lessons
- Local guides
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Questions about this journey
Can we end in Casablanca instead of Marrakech?
Yes. We can drive back up the coast, or add a night in Rabat on the way. Ask us and we adjust the route and the price.
When is the best time for a coastal tour?
From May to October for warm, dry days. The Atlantic stays fresh even in summer, around 18 to 22°C in the water, and the trade winds keep the coast much cooler than Marrakech. The south coast around Taghazout and Mirleft is mild all year, so these journeys also work well from November to April.
Can we swim everywhere?
Not everywhere. The Atlantic has strong currents on some beaches, so your driver-guide will show you the safe, sheltered spots, and lifeguards work on the main town beaches in summer.
Can we add the Sahara or the mountains?
Yes. Every journey is private, so we can add a desert night, a day in the Atlas or extra nights by the sea. Tell us what you would like and we send you a new route and price.
How is the price calculated?
Your car and driver-guide cost the same for 2 or 6 people, and we book one double or twin room for every two travellers, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Travelling alone or with an odd number? Ask us for your exact price.
More journeys
The Mediterranean Coast
Clear water, white towns and the wild Rif coast road to the coves of Al Hoceima: Morocco's other sea.
From €1,350 per person
Southern Atlantic Coast
From the blue port of Essaouira to the surf villages and the red cliffs of Legzira, one week down Morocco's wildest coast.
From €1,580 per person
Essaouira & Oualidia Escape
Four days of sea air away from the city heat: the blue port of Essaouira and the calm lagoon of Oualidia.
From €900 per person
Where will your road begin?
Tell us your dates and who's coming. Abdou or one of the team will send you a route and a price within 24 hours.