Oualidia Travel Guide

This low key lagoon town that clings to the Atlantic Coast has been described by Vogue as the ‘Montauk of Morocco’. And it’s perfect for a restorative few days. Here’s our guide to beautiful Oualidia.

 

GETTING TO KNOW OUALIDIA

If you’re looking for a total contrast to bustling Marrakech, Oualidia is just three hours drive away. It’s laidback, beachy and free of tourist hotspots. And therein lies its beauty. King Mohammed V built his summer palace here in the 1940s and the ruins of a seventeenth century kasbah still cling to one of the hills that overlook the town. But you don’t come here to shop, club or see the sights. Oualidia is all about the beach, the views and immersing yourself in nature. Oh. And dining on the fresh oysters that are farmed here, as well as the fish that’s caught daily by fishermen who sell their catch on the beach. Take a stroll, feel the sand between your toes and plunge into this untouched destination where the style crowd from Marrakech and Casablanca go to unwind. 

 

 

WHAT TO DO IN OUALIDIA

Oualidia sits on the end of an 11km lagoon that’s protected from the crashing Atlantic waves just beyond so a trip here is all about the water. And the wildlife around it. 

First, the water. The quiet waters of the lagoon are perfect for children to learn to surf and there are various surf schools in town. Surfland runs very popular weeklong camps for kids throughout school holidays. And there are bigger waves too. Many of Morocco’s pros choose to train in the bigger – and less crowded – Atlantic waves around Oualidia. Plus, of course, there’s everything from paddle boarding and kayaking to boat trips, fishing and horse riding along the sand on offer.  

 

 

Then there is the nature. The combination of the lagoon and surrounding salt marshes that are separated from the Atlantic by dunes mean that the wetlands around Oualidia are internationally  recognised. In spring and autumn, flocks of migrating birds stop to rest there as they journey from Spain to sub-Saharan Africa. Flamingos are a highlight but you’ll also find storks, avocets and egrets. But year round, it’s a bird watcher’s paradise. The marshy areas just outside town are packed with everything from curlews and herons to oystercatchers and sandpipers. 

All that coastline means there are plenty of hiking opportunities too. We’d recommend getting a local guide to show you the trails. Or drive an hour south down the coast to Safi – the home of Moroccan pottery – where winding streets are packed with master ceramicists and you can pick up pottery at a fraction of the price you’d get it elsewhere. Or go an hour north to El Jadida. This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll be able to explore ancient ramparts before coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants. 

 

WHERE TO EAT & STAY IN OUALIDIA

What do you want? Luxe, beach chic, laidback or your own private home? It’s all on offer here.

La Sultana is perhaps the best known hotel in town and it’s a five star option. The restaurant is great too if you’re staying elsewhere and the spa a seriously luxe option. Or for laidback style head to Azalai Beach Cottages. Their rooms are less coastal grandma and more beach uber chic.  

Hippocampe is a great option if you want to stay closer to town and flip flop on and off the beach. It’s inexpensive but comfortable and clean. The restaurant is also good. Have lunch or dinner at Ostrea, an oyster farm that also has a restaurant with stunning views of the water Or, if you want to hunker down in a private rental with a party of up to 12 people, we’d recommend Lagoon Lodge. It’s a perfectly secluded home from home that’s owned by art experts and styled immaculately. The pool views over the lagoon are exceptional and the food prepared by their cook is delicious. 

 

(c) Azalai

(c) Azalai

(c) Lagoon Lodge