Ready for a fun summer drive in Morocco? This trip from Casablanca to El Jadida is relaxing and full of small surprises along the way. As a Belgian traveler, you’ll enjoy the quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and charming streets by the coast. The weather is warm, the drive is short, and the views are worth it.
You don’t need to rush or follow a strict plan. With your own car, you can take your time, stop where you like, and enjoy the ride. Renting a car in Morocco makes the journey smoother. You can pick up your vehicle in Casablanca and head out when you're ready. In this guide, we’ll show you where to go, what to see, and how to enjoy each stop. Our Casablanca to El Jadida itinerary will help you make the most of your day, with easy stops and clear directions along the way.
Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your summer road trip along the coast. Belgian tourists in Morocco can book online before the trip, compare prices, and choose the best deal. You can pick up your car at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport or from a city location to start your trip immediately.
For summer travel, choose a car with air conditioning to stay cool during the drive. Most cars are manual, but you can find automatic ones too if you book early. The road from Casablanca to El Jadida is smooth and marked. Moroccan traffic signs are easy to follow, but some symbols might differ from what you’re used to. Speed limits are 120 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 60 km/h in towns.
To rent a car, you’ll need your Belgian driver’s license, passport, and a credit card in your name. You must be at least 21 years old, though some companies prefer drivers aged 23 and up. Basic insurance is often included, but you can ask for full coverage if you want extra peace of mind. You’ll find fuel stations along the way, and most accept cards. With a reliable car and an easy route, your Casablanca to El Jadida itinerary becomes more fun and stress-free.
The Casablanca to El Jadida itinerary covers around 106 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive in normal traffic. It’s a short but scenic ride along the Atlantic coast. In summer, it’s best to start your trip early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Midday heat can be strong, and traffic in Casablanca is often heavier during peak hours.
Once you leave the city, you’ll use the A1 motorway. This is a toll road, so have some cash or a card ready. Signs are written in Arabic and French, but major routes like A1 and N1 are clearly marked. Driving from Casablanca to El Jadida is smooth, with straight roads. To begin, head southwest from central Casablanca and follow signs for the A1 towards El Jadida. Once you’re on the highway, continue on A1 for about 75 kilometers until you reach the exit for El Jadida. From there, follow the N1 road into the city center.
The drive from Casablanca to El Jadida is a smooth coastal route with places worth pausing for. These spots turn a regular trip into something more relaxed and scenic. Whether you're heading out for a summer break or a weekend escape, here are five stops worth including in your plan.
As you leave Casablanca behind, your first refreshing stop should be Dar Bouazza, only 30 kilometers from the city center. This seaside town is popular with locals looking for a quick escape. You can pull over at beachfront cafés facing the Atlantic and enjoy a mint tea or fresh juice while enjoying the salty breeze. In the morning, surfers hit the waves. Breakfast menus include everything from warm croissants to fresh msemen. Parking is easy to find along the main beach road, and it’s a pleasant start to your coastal drive.
Roughly 25 minutes further along the N1, you’ll reach Sidi Rahal, a beach town perfect for a midday swim or seafood break. The beach here is wide and sandy, with shallow waves that are safe for children during summer. It’s less commercial than other tourist spots, so you won’t find big resorts. However, you will find fresh, affordable seafood. Local vendors set up small stands offering grilled sardines, fried calamari, and spicy lentil soups. There are also shaded areas where you can picnic, rinse off, and rest before continuing your trip south.
If you’re open to a detour, consider driving west to the Oualidia Lagoon Viewpoint, about 70 kilometers off the main route. It’s worth the side trip if you enjoy calm nature scenes and birdwatching. The lagoon is sheltered from the Atlantic, so the water is gentle enough for kayaking or paddleboarding. From spring to autumn, flocks of flamingos, herons, and storks can be seen in the area. Seafood lovers will enjoy lagoon-side restaurants serving oysters and grilled fish.
Back on the N1, you’ll reach Azemmour, a riverside town located on the banks of the Oum Er-Rbia River. It’s a quiet stop to explore Portuguese-era ramparts and whitewashed alleys lined with street art. The medina is peaceful, with fewer tourists and a slower pace. You can visit the old synagogue and the Church of the Assumption, reflecting the town’s multicultural past.
Just minutes before entering El Jadida, Haouzia Beach is the last stop. This beach is wide and clean, with fewer crowds than the city’s main seaside spots. It’s a great place to take a short walk, breathe in the ocean air, or enjoy a simple tea from a local vendor. You’ll often find families here during summer, enjoying the quieter shoreline. Some stands sell snacks like roasted corn or peanuts.
During summer, El Jadida is a quiet and beautiful place to visit. It has old buildings, nice beaches, and tasty food. Here are the best things to do in EL Jadida during summer:
One of the best places to start is the Portuguese Cistern inside the old fortress. This underground chamber dates back to the 1500s and stays cool even on hot days. The shallow water on the floor reflects the stone arches above, creating a peaceful and photo-worthy scene. You only need about 15 minutes to explore it; tickets cost around 10 to 20 MAD per person. Outside, you can walk the fortress walls, where stone paths give you open views of the Atlantic. The breeze here is strong, with waves crashing below.
After your walk, head toward the beach promenade, which runs parallel to the main shore. It’s shaded with palm trees and offers plenty of spots to sit, sip mint tea, or try fresh juice. The area is flat and paved, making it easy to walk even in summer heat. Families and couples gather here in the evenings, and small stalls begin selling snacks like roasted corn or grilled fish skewers. Just behind the promenade lies the medina, a small maze of narrow streets that are easy to explore. You’ll find vendors selling woven bags, colorful scarves, and local sweets like chebakia.
One of the top things to do in El Jadida is to enjoy its seafood. Restaurants near the coast serve dishes like grilled sardines, calamari, or seafood tagine, often with views of the water. Prices are affordable. Expect to pay around 60 to 100 MAD for a full plate. Many places also offer simple indoor seating to escape the heat. Service is friendly, and dishes come with fresh bread, olives, and Moroccan salads.
Kasbah Boulaouane is a fortress on a hill about an hour from El Jadida. Built in the 18th century, it gives you wide views of the Oum Er-Rbia River and the countryside. The road there is paved most of the way, but the last part is rough, so drive carefully. There are no signs, so bring a map or ask locals. You'll find old towers, thick stone walls, and open courtyards inside the kasbah. It’s a great place for photos; you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
The central market is an old covered market from the French era, located near the city center. It has a lively and colorful atmosphere, especially in the morning. One of the best things to do here is to choose fresh fish from the stalls and take it to a small restaurant nearby. They will grill or fry your selection and serve it with salads, bread, and sometimes soup. Fish lovers will enjoy choices like sardines, sole, squid, shrimp, and even Oualidia oysters. Prices are fair and based on weight and species. The market’s layout feels old and crowded, but the experience is worth it. You’ll see colorful flowers from Marrakech, green plants, and rare products not found in regular stores.
Start your drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Summer temperatures in Morocco can rise above 35°C, especially inland. By driving during cooler hours, you’ll stay comfortable and avoid heat-related issues, especially if you plan to stop along the way for food or photos.
Bring small bills in Moroccan dirhams, as some toll booths and local shops don’t accept cards. While the main gas stations along the N1 usually accept cards, it’s better to be sure. You may also use cash when buying snacks, using paid parking, or tipping attendants who guide you in busy areas.
Don’t forget to download offline maps before your trip. While mobile coverage is good along the coast, some rural spots or side roads may not have a strong signal. Save your route offline to stay on track, even without internet. Pack water, sunglasses, and a power bank to keep your phone charged. These small things make a big difference on a summer road trip in Morocco.
This trip from Casablanca to El Jadida is about slow mornings at coastal cafés, quiet beaches, and simple moments that feel just right. You’re not rushing through a checklist. You’re taking your time, making worthwhile stops, and enjoying the freedom of the road on your terms. And with the right car, route, and pace, your journey becomes less about checking boxes and more about feeling present.
Final Rentals is a reliable car rental service that helps make your Moroccan road trip easy from the start. You can book online, choose from various vehicles, and pick up your car directly from Casablanca Airport. Whether you want a small car for the city or a bigger one for longer drives, you’ll find good options that match your plans and budget.
