MAZAGAN
aBOUT THE CITY
Once one of Morocco’s most important trading post when ruled by the Portuguese, and now the destination of choice for wealthy Moroccans, people inside and outside the kingdom are drawn here by the long beaches and relaxed atmosphere of Mazagan.
The Portuguese influence can still be seen all over the town, most notably in the buildings and walls that are found in the old quarter. The Cistern is the most complete example of the old town and you must make time for a visit. But Mazagan is, at its heart, a Moroccan town, with a fascinating medina that has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s a great place to go if you want to experience Moroccan culture while avoiding the hustle and bustle that typifies so many of the inland cities.
selected experiences
Head down to the water’s edge in Mazagan and you’ll discover some lovely beaches. The sand is a strong yellow colour contrasting prettily with the turquoise blue of the ocean and there are very few stones to disrupt a barefoot walk.
The beaches span the whole length of Mazagan, which gives you plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy yourself. Whether you’re a bucket-and-spade fan, a Frisbee chaser, a splasher or a swimmer, or even a book and beach towel kind of person, the beaches of Mazagan will more than meet your needs.
This port city on the Atlantic coast has plenty to offer a hungry traveller, whether it’s traditional stews and tagines, Mediterranean-style dishes such as kebabs and pizzas, or delicious seafood pulled fresh from the blue waters that surround Mazagan.
Many of the city’s best restaurants are around the coastal edge of Mazagan, giving you spectacular views over the ocean as you tuck into your meal of fried fish with chili sauce or aubergine tapenade. Oysters are somewhat of a speciality here too – the famous beds of nearby Oualidia provide the restaurants of Mazagan with this aquatic delicacy.
Further into the city you’ll find more restaurants and cafes, and away from the seafront and the tourist areas it’s very easy to find a seat in an authentic Mazagan restaurant for a taste of the real Morocco.
The Mazagan Golf Course is the longest course in Morocco, covering a whopping 7,484 yards. If that, combined with it being par 72, sounds a little intimidating you’ll be happy to discover that there are several tee spots to start from; so golfers of all abilities can enjoy this excellent course. It’s a Gary Player design which follows the contours and natural features of the land and has the feel of a true links course throughout. Broad fairways and tricky contours characterise each hole, as well as some stunning views across the Atlantic. It’s a course with plenty of risk/reward shots, making Mazagan Golf a fun, challenging place to play.
Mazagan Golf Club
Designer: Gary Player
Holes: 18
Par: 72 (6,885m)
· Clubhouse with a restaurant, bar and terrace overlooking the Atlantic
· Golf buggy and club hire
· Driving range, putting greens, and practice area
· Tuition available
· Part of a 5 star resort including a spa and casino
Getting There: 1 hour 30 minutes from Casablanca airport
WOW FACTOR: Longest golf course in Morocco
www.mazaganbeachresort.com/activities/golf
Registered as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004, Mazagan is an imposing city with stunning traditional features running throughout. The many hammams are visited by a wide variety of people, with the spectacular tile work giving even the smallest building a sense of grandeur. Whilst lying on the floor in the steam room, you can gaze at the exquisite tiles which have remained the same for centuries, retaining their bright vibrant colours and patterns.
The dry heat which rolls off the ramparts of the city, combined with the salty sea breeze means that the chance to relax in the hydrating steams of the hammams is an essential part of life in Mazagan, and an experience not to be missed.
Just an hour’s drive away from Casablanca, Mazagan is a great place to take a seriously indulgent holiday. There is the world class five star Mazagan Beach Resort and a range of other hotels in this coastal town, and during your stay you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and awe-inspiring architecture.
Whether you choose to stay in a sumptuous hotel room, a grand suite, or even the privacy of your own villa, Mazagan has somewhere to meet your needs. You’ll find some breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean, a range of good restaurants and world-class spas. Out and about in the town you can experience ultimate relaxation in one of the hammams, or tackle Morocco’s longest golf course before enjoying the opulent facilities in the clubhouse.
If you’re looking for one of the newest, most luxurious resorts in Morocco for your MICE events, then Mazagan Beach Resort will delight you. Up to 1,300 people can be accommodated in this five star beach and golf resort just forty miles south of Casablanca. It has state of the art facilities, including a 2,000 square metre conference centre with outside venues, and the staff are experts in hosting corporate events. The resort offers a free shuttle service to Casablanca airport, while the facilities on site include a gym, spa, heated swimming pool, nightclub, Gary Player designed golf course and one of the finest stretches of Atlantic beach in Morocco. No wonder it has won the World Traveller Award for Africa’s best MICE Hotel in 2014 and 2015.
From the outside, Mazagan resembles a Portuguese port, rather than a Moroccan city. The Europeans came to the city in 1502 and stayed for over 250 years, leaving their mark on both the architecture and the people. This conflux of Moroccan and Portuguese heritage makes Mazagan a fascinating place to visit.
The people of Mazagan have the same outlook on life that is found in so many Moroccan towns along the coast. There is a calm air about the place, and as it is such a popular destination for holidaymakers visitors are made extremely welcome wherever they are in the city.
Mazagan is developing a global reputation as a luxurious retreat thanks to the five star Beach and Golf Resort. Built alongside seven kilometres of long Atlantic beach, the sunsets across the water are always spectacular.
The resort is designed to ensure you leave relaxed and refreshed. Spend some time in the award-winning spa centre, indulge in a traditional hammam, play a round on Morocco’s longest golf course and enjoy a delightful meal in one of the fine restaurants before enjoying the evening’s entertainment. Mazagan is already a must-visit for Hollywood’s A-listers – visit soon and find out why.
Like most of the towns and cities along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Mazagan has some lovely surf spots for you to enjoy. The bay is north facing and with a north-west swell the waves are consistent in all tides. Peaks reach up to eight foot high, and when the wind swings in from the south the offshores are impressive. A range of surf schools is available and they’ll also rent you the gear you need, from bodyboards to longboards. It’s easy to find accommodation in El Jadida too, allowing you to enjoy the surf in the knowledge of a comfortable night.
top hotels in MAZAGAN
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A unique destination in Morocco, the Resort spreads over 250 hectares, 7 kilometers of beachside and brings you a myriad of extraordinary experiences. Whether you stay as a couple, a family or a group of friends, let us enchant you with our 492 rooms and suites, 13 restaurants and bars, countless activities, golf course and spa for an unforgettable stay.
Location : Google Map
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Set in El Jadida, 19 km from El-Jadida lighthouse, Al Kasbah offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The hotel features a hot tub and room service.
The units at the hotel come with a seating area. At Al Kasbah every room has a terrace, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a à la carte breakfast.
The nearest airport is Mohammed V International Airport, 89 km from Al Kasbah.
Location : Google Map
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The riad is inward focused which allows intimacy for its guests.
You’ll discover a delicate combination of a sober contemporary decoration and a subtle oriental touch.
Calm, relaxation, well being and a mysterious enchantement awaits the guest who is invited to cross the threshold of the riad. Three of the seven theme rooms are around the central courtyard shaded by fruit trees giving a great deal of tranquility and conviviality. For your convenience, a table can be set in the patio, the dinning-room or the rooftop terrace. Many and varied areas are arranged for your comfort. You’ll be delighted to choose between a shaded space under the fig and orange trees, an oriental atmosphere in the living-room on the first floor, the dinning-room, the muted ambiance of the berber living-room and its fireplace and the intimate space in the library. The rooftop terrace proposes a solarium, zelige tables and a Moroccan living-room under a pergola where you can savour moments of pure tranquility and contentment.
We have deliberately limited the number of our suites and theme rooms decorated in individual style in order to make your stay as personal as possible in the warmth and quietness of an authentic Moroccan guest house .
Location : Google Map
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This property is a 4-minute walk from the beach. Riad Dar El Malaika is located in El Jadida’s la Médina district. This striking Moroccan villa features traditional design and is set around a courtyard with a pond and garden.
The villa at Riad Dar El Malaika maintains original elaborate features, such as intricately carved pillars, high painted ceilings, archways and stained-glass windows. The luxurious lounge area has a beautiful blue ceiling, a sofa, a fireplace and satellite TV. There is also a kitchen and free Wi-Fi is included.
Meals can be prepared upon request.
Jadida’s beaches and the city’s railway station can be reached within 30 minutes by car.
Location : Google Map
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This property is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Offering a terrace, Maison Naila is a self-catering house just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. Guests are invited to use the free Wi-Fi connection or take a swim in the shared outdoor swimming pool.
Maison Naila is set on 2 levels and features 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower. The equipped kitchen includes a microwave, a coffee maker and a refrigerator. The house has a garden area and 3 terraces.
A professional maid, cook and babysitter are available with an extra cost. You can also arrange ironing services or an airport shuttle.
Free private parking is available on site and the center of El Jadida is 3.1 mi away. The property is 8.7 mi from the port of Jorf Lasfar and Azemmour is a 25-minute drive away.
Location : Google Map
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some frequently asked questions
Morocco is one of those types of destinations that can be visited year-round. You have to understand the geography of the country in order to choose the best time to visit Morocco. Taking into account that you have vast desert regions, probably those should not be visited during the peak summer months such as July and August.
Also, knowing that Morocco has most part of its territory with mountains above 10.000 feet and up to 14.000, you will surely encounter snow in highlands above 4200 feet. So, expect snow during the months of November until February. Overall we can say that Morocco is amazing and can be visited from January until December, but the ultimate best times to visit Morocco are during April, May, September, October, and November.
Tourists have been visiting Morocco for years and Moroccans have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Moroccan cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. Morocco is very well secured, Police in every location, there is so many checking points, this is what makes Morocco safe and 100% secured to make sure everybody are safe and comfortable in Morocco. Morocco generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Morocco if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.
Travel insurance should be obtained before leaving your country of origin. It is not compulsory to purchase it. Local hospitals have limited diagnostic capability. Private clinics can be expensive, evacuation can cost a lot, luggage can disappear, so insurance is a good idea.
You can relax and wear whatever is familiar, comfortable, and best suited for you during your holidays. Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, and you’re not expected to act or look like a Moroccan. Longer shorts and shirts are fine for men. Concerning women, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders and arms in rural areas.
It’s not easy to get Moroccan Dirham outside the country as it is a closed currency. Those who succeeded have paid heavy commissions for banks.
There are ATMs everywhere in the country, exchange points, banks, and many businesses/shops/restaurants nowadays accept cards mostly with a 5% transaction fee. The best place to exchange money with high rate is the touristic areas.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco. Made up of 100 centimes per unit, the currency is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco’s central bank). Historically, the Moroccan Dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire’s Drachm, and was used in Arabia and the Levant in pre-Islamic times. The name “Dirham” stems from the Roman word “denarius” .
Credit cards are widely used in Morocco in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Morocco are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Visitors to Morocco must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the scheduled return date to enter Morocco and you can obtain a visa from Morocco Consulate before departure. Also, entry visa is available upon arrival Morocco airports against USD 27 per passport for specific nationalities and need to check before.
Some nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. For more info and details on entry visa to Morocco please check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy at your country
It is always recommended for travelers who wish to have their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Morocco to purchase them upon arrival.
There are duty free shops in the airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Tangier and Rabat. Tourists are allowed to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes on arrival.
English and French are studied in school all over Morocco. This is why most Moroccans, who live in the cities, speak or understand at least some English words or phrases, and most of Moroccans are speaking French well. Fewer Moroccans can speak Italian, Spanish, and German; however, professionals in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who cannot speak Arabic. They speak enough English and many other languages to fulfill the needs of most travelers. Many travelers enjoy their stay in Morocco without learning a single word of Arabic; however, it is always good to learn a few Arabic words to expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. Generally, Moroccans are friendly and are happy to help anyone, especially foreigners and tourists, even if there is a language barrier.
Many people in the tourism sector depend on tips, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Morocco. It is a customary attitude for expressing ones satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great and if not, you are not obliged to do it.
– The same as many hotels all around the globe, the check-in time in most hotels in Morocco is around midday, 1 or 2 PM. If you arrive in the hotel late at night or in the early morning, you may have to pay for an extra night to get to your room immediately without having to wait until the normal check-in time.
Accommodations for travellers in Morocco fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, coming from international hotel chains like Movenpick, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sofitel. A step down from these is a variety of local hotels that ranges from luxurious to simple. Moroccan hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale; however, this scale is different from international standards used elsewhere.
Moroccans are well known all over the world for their tolerance and hospitality; however, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams and bridges. In most places where photography is prohibited there will be signs to notify you.
Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit and access Hassan 2 mosques in Casablanca except when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day. Tourists are not allowed to enter any other mosque at any time. Only outside visit is possible.
Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Morocco open from 9 AM until 6 PM. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.
Most of the shops in Morocco open from around 9 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in main cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours a day in touristic areas. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, opening hours may change significantly with shops closed during the middle of the day and staying open much later. Medina Souk in Fez closes Friday Morning.
There is a public transit system in Morocco that uses a rail to link the main towns and buses for inner-city trips. Small private and group tours will typically use large vans and sedans. Medium to large motor coaches is used for larger group holidays.