Oualidia

Oualidia is a charming holiday community surrounded by several lagoons and located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Today it is known among Moroccans for breeding Japanese oysters. Morocco’s first oyster farming was established in Oualidia in 1957 and […]

Oualidia is a charming holiday community surrounded by several lagoons and located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Today it is known among Moroccans for breeding Japanese oysters. Morocco’s first oyster farming was established in Oualidia in 1957 and now has an annual production of 200 tons.

Beaches of Oualidia

On the lagoon’s edge is where the city’s primary beach is situated. Here you can rent a local boat to get to the other side of the lagoon, the price is about 100 dirham (in both directions).

On the other side of the main one, there is a beach in the Atlantic Ocean for those who enjoy the sound of the waves.

Things to see & do in Oualidia

For the last two years. The increase in urbanization and hotels in Oualidia is a clear sign of its growing importance as a summer tourist destination.

It was founded by one of the last Saadian sultans, Muley el Oualid, in 1634, who chose this site due to the conditions of the natural port that meets, protecting this and the town by building a defensive wall. Currently only a small part of the canvas and a door remain, protecting an empty space.

Mosque and walls of Oualidia

North of Oualidia we can find an 18 hole golf course. It’s interest lies exclusively in its natural environment and in the possibility of eating fresh fish and seafood at very attractive prices.

The village is located on a small elevation of a few tens of meters in a narrow and long lagoon. The latter is separated from the open sea by a cord of coastal dunes located on a coastal abrasion platform, and connected with it by two small mouths bordered by two rocks

For lovers of bird watching, among the most interesting things to see in Oualidia are its many species of seabirds, both inside the lagoon and on the open coast.

It is easy to contemplate the fishing maneuvers of the cormorants, the incessant runs of the sandpiper on the sandy shore bathed by the waves, as well as other species of waders that surprise us by the speed with which they move with their “feet of thread”, the singular peak of the spatulas (photo below) and the flight of the different species of gulls.

However, in recent years the prestige of this city as a tourist destination is increasing, and a couple of urbanization have already been built on the slope that descends towards the coast. Likewise, the quads have made their appearance, an unmistakable sign that the days of tranquility and tranquility of these beaches will not be eternal.

For shopping we recommend visiting the nearby town of Safi, where the traditional Moroccan market is located.

National Park

Another proposal that can not miss in a list of what to see in Oualidia is the Souss-Massa National Park. It is not far from the city and covers more than 130,000 hectares. It is the natural habitat of mongooses, wild boars, gazelles, seagulls, hawks, cormorants…

 

The park was founded in 1991 and now there are 7 villages with a population of about 2,500. Since 2005, the park area is protected by the Ramsar Convention due to its wetlands of international importance as a habitat for waterbirds.

How to get to Oualidia

There are a few ways to get there depending on your starting cities. Here are some options:

By Car: If you’re driving, the easiest way to get to Oualidia is by car. It’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Marrakech, and you’ll follow the highway towards El Jadida. Once you reach the town of Sidi Bennour, you’ll take a left turn towards Oualidia. The roads are scenery is beautiful and in good condition.

By Bus: There are regular buses that run between Marrakech and Oualidia. You can take a Supratours or CTM bus from the Marrakech bus station to Oualidia. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, and the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.

By Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Marrakech to Oualidia. However, this is likely to be more expensive than taking the bus. You can negotiate a price with the driver before you start the journey.

Private Transfer: If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, you can arrange a private transfer from Marrakech to Oualidia. There are many companies that offer this service, and the cost will depend on the number of people traveling and the type of vehicle you choose.

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