El Jadid, Morocco
Region: El Jadid, Morocco is located in the region of Casablanca-Settat
Geographic Coordinates: 33.233300, -8.500000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 194934
Language: Arabic
El Jadid is a charming port city situated on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, About 100 kilometers southwest of Casablanca. The city, Also known as Mazagan, Has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was established by the Portuguese. Today, El Jadid is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, History and natural beauty. One of the most significant landmarks in El Jadid is the Mazagan Fortress. This imposing structure was built by the Portuguese in 1514 to protect their interests along the Moroccan coast.
The fortress has been well-preserved over time and remains one of El Jadid’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore its battlements and towers while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean. Another must-see attraction in El Jadid is its UNESCO-listed Old Town or Medina. This historic district features narrow streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with traditional Moroccan tiles and intricate carvings. The Medina also houses several souks where visitors can shop for local handicrafts such as leather goods, Jewelry and textiles.
For those interested in learning about Moroccan culture and traditions, El Jadid has several museums worth visiting such as Dar Al-Maghrib Museum which showcases traditional Moroccan architecture and art; Moulay Abdellah Amghar Museum which displays artifacts from prehistoric times to modern-day; or Sidi Bouzid Museum which highlights local Berber culture. The beaches around El Jadida are renowned for their pristine waters and golden sands making them ideal for swimming or sunbathing during warmer months. Some popular options include Sidi Bouzid Beach located just outside town center or Haouzia Beach situated southward towards Azemmour town center.
Foodies will be delighted to discover that El Jadida offers some delicious culinary experiences ranging from street food stalls selling kebabs or tagines to high-end restaurants serving up traditional dishes like couscous, Harira soup or pastilla. The city is also known for its seafood which can be enjoyed at one of the many seaside restaurants lining the coast. El Jadid is an ideal base from which to explore other nearby destinations such as Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. Casablanca is only a 90-minute drive away and boasts several notable attractions including the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche waterfront promenade.
Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, Is just over two hours away by car and features numerous historical sites such as Kasbah des Oudaias or Chellah Necropolis. Marrakech, Located further southward towards Atlas Mountains offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Moroccan culture in its vibrant souks or admire its stunning architecture like Koutoubia Mosque or Bahia Palace. El Jadid has something for everyone whether you’re interested in history, Culture or simply want to relax on a beautiful beach.
With its rich heritage and diverse attractions combined with warm Moroccan hospitality make it an ideal destination for any traveler seeking an authentic taste of Morocco’s coastal charm.
- Cité Portugaise (Portuguese City)
- El Jadida Beach
- Mazagan Beach Resort
- El Jadida Lighthouse
- Church of the Assumption
- Royal Golf El Jadida
- Chouaib Doukkali University
- Sidi Bouzid Mosque and Mausoleum
- La Cantine Restaurant
- The Old Port of El Jadida
- Agriculture is a significant industry in the region with a focus on producing olives, oranges and other fruits.
- The city’s location on the Atlantic coast has led to a thriving fishing industry.
- Tourism is also an important part of the local economy with several historical sites such as Portuguese Cisterns and Citadel of Mazagan attracting tourists from all over the world.
- Textile manufacturing is another prominent industry in El Jadid with several factories producing clothing items like jeans, t-shirts and other garments.
- The city has multiple companies that produce construction materials such as cement, bricks and tiles which contribute significantly to its economy.
- The services sector includes numerous small businesses like retail stores, restaurants and cafes that provide employment opportunities for locals.
- Education is also an essential sector in El Jadid with several schools offering primary education up to university level which contributes significantly to the local economy through tuition fees paid by students while creating employment opportunities for teachers and support staff alike.
- The city of El Jadida was founded in 1514 by the Portuguese and was originally named Mazagan.
- After over two centuries of Portuguese rule, Sultan Mohammed III of Morocco captured El Jadida in 1769.
- During the French Protectorate period (1912-1956), El Jadida served as an important naval base for France and played a significant role in Moroccan history.
- El Jadida is home to several historic landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Portuguese Cistern.
- Driss Chraibi, a prominent Moroccan writer and intellectual who wrote extensively about social and political issues in Morocco, is one notable figure associated with El Jadida.
- Abdelkrim Khattabi, a Berber leader who successfully rebelled against Spanish colonial rule in northern Morocco during the early 20th century, is another notable figure from El Jadida.
- Hicham El Guerrouj, an Olympic medalist who won gold medals in both the 1500m and 5000m races at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, is among several prominent athletes produced by this city.
- Cité Portugaise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a fortress, ramparts, and underground cistern.
- El Jadida Municipal Museum showcases the history and culture of El Jadida and Morocco.
- Sidi Bouzid Beach is a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views.
- The Church of the Assumption is a historic church built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
- The Mazagan Casino is a luxurious casino located within a stunning hotel that offers gambling options for visitors to enjoy.
- The Royal Golf Course of El Jadida is an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Artisanal Center of El Jadida allows visitors to watch local craftsmen create traditional Moroccan handicrafts such as ceramics, textiles, and leather goods.
- Moulay Abdellah Amghar Mausoleum is a beautiful mausoleum dedicated to Moulay Abdellah Amghar who was an important political figure in Morocco’s history.
- Dar Al-Makhzen Palace Museum showcases Moroccan art, architecture, and culture from different eras throughout history; it’s housed in a former palace.
- The Jardin Mohammed V Park near Cité Portugaise which is perfect for relaxing or taking a stroll through its gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers.
- Difaa Hassani El Jadidi (DHEJ): This football club was founded in 1956 and is one of the most successful teams in Morocco. They have won multiple national titles and reached the finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2018.
- Association Sportive de la Police d’El Jadida (ASPEJ): This football club was founded in 1967 and is known for its strong defense and disciplined playstyle. They have won several regional championships.
- Club Olympique Marocain d’El Jadida (COMEJ): This basketball club was founded in 1995 and has been a dominant force in Moroccan basketball since then. They have won multiple national titles.
- Club Omnisport de la Province d’El Jadida (COSPEJ): This multisport club was founded in 1974 and offers various sports programs for youth development, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, judo, karate, athletics, swimming, and tennis.
- Association Sportive des Enseignants de l’Académie Régionale d’Education et de Formation Doukkala-Abda (ASEARFDA): This multisport club was founded by teachers from the regional education academy to promote sports activities among students. They organize various tournaments throughout the year for different age groups and disciplines such as football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis etc.
- Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort’s International Music Festival
- El Jadida Horse Show
- Festival of the Sea (Moussem of Sidi Bouzid)
- El Jadida International Film Festival
- National Festival of Popular Arts in Morocco (Festival National des Arts Populaires)
- Sidi Ali Ben Hamdouch Cultural and Religious Festival
- Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira (nearby city)
- Fantasia Horse Riding Show at the Royal Ranch in Skhirat (nearby city)
- Seafood dishes: As a coastal city, El Jadida is known for its fresh seafood dishes such as grilled sardines, fish tagine, and seafood paella.
- Moroccan tagine: This slow-cooked stew is a staple dish in Morocco and can be found in many restaurants throughout El Jadida.
- Harira soup: A traditional Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
- Couscous: A classic Moroccan dish made with steamed semolina grains served with vegetables or meat.
- Cafe de France: A popular cafe that serves breakfast items such as croissants and coffee as well as traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous.
- Le Mazagan Restaurant: Located inside the Mazagan Beach Resort hotel, this restaurant offers a variety of international cuisine including French and Moroccan dishes.
- La Table du Marche: This restaurant features a seasonal menu based on locally sourced ingredients from the nearby markets of El Jadida.
- Chez Ali Baba Restaurant: Specializing in fresh seafood dishes served with traditional Moroccan sides like harissa sauce and bread dipped in olive oil.
- Dar Naji Restaurant & Lounge Bar: A rooftop restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city while serving up modern takes on classic Moroccan cuisine like lamb tagine with apricots or pastilla filled with chicken or pigeon meat.
- Parc Hassan II: A large public park located near the beach with walking paths, playgrounds, and gardens.
- Jardin Mohamed V: A small public garden with fountains and benches for relaxation.
- El Jadida Beach: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as surfing and windsurfing.
- Mazagan Golf Club: An 18-hole golf course located near the beach that offers stunning views of the ocean.
- Horseback Riding at Ranch de Diabat: Visitors can take guided horseback rides along the beach or through nearby forests.
- El Jadida Marina: This marina offers boat tours, fishing trips, and other water activities such as jet skiing and kayaking.
- Cite Portugaise (Portuguese City): This historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient fortifications, churches, and buildings dating back to the 16th century.
- Sidi Bouzid Beach: Another popular beach in El Jadida known for its calm waters and clean sand.
- Souira Kedima Fortress: This fortress was built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century to protect their trade routes along the coast of Morocco.
- Oualidia Lagoon: Located about an hour’s drive from El Jadida is this picturesque lagoon known for its oyster farms and birdwatching opportunities.
