Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city. It’s a busy place, known for its wide boulevards, modern buildings, and constant movement. The streets are packed with cars, trams, and people rushing to work or meetings. You’ll see business centers, shopping malls, and the famous Hassan II Mosque right by the ocean.
But once you leave the city, everything slows down. Just a short drive away, you’ll find quiet beaches, small towns, and peaceful landscapes. Renting a car makes it easy to reach these places without relying on bus schedules or tour groups. Let’s look at the best places to visit near Casablanca.
Many nearby attractions from Casablanca are hard to reach by train or bus. Some towns have no direct routes, and public transport can take a lot of time. Short trips from Casablanca let you see more in less time. For example, you can leave the city in the morning, visit a beach town, and be back by dinner. You do not need to carry heavy bags or wait in long lines. This is good for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to go at their own pace.
If you're renting a car in Casablanca, you can choose from compact cars or SUVs. A compact car is better for city roads and parking. An SUV offers better comfort if you plan to drive to forest parks or off the main road. Check if the car has an automatic transmission, especially if you are not used to manual gears.
You’ll need your home country's driver’s license if you're not from Morocco. Some rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), so check before your trip. The rental office will also need your passport and credit card for security. You must be at least 21 years old.
Most rental offices are at Casablanca Airport or near big hotels in the city. You can also book online before arrival. That way, your car is ready when you land. Look for services that offer English-speaking support so that you can understand the terms. Fuel is not included, so return the car with a full tank or you will be charged extra. Roads are usually in good condition, but traffic in Casablanca is heavy, so start early.
If you want a change of pace from city traffic, El Jadida is an easy and rewarding day trip. Located just 106 kilometers from Casablanca, it takes 1 hour and 26 minutes to drive there using the A1 highway.
El Jadida is a small town by the sea, once a 16th-century Portuguese fortress. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction is the Portuguese City, where you can walk along high stone walls and look over the Atlantic. Inside the old town, you’ll find the Citerne Portugaise, a former water cistern with dramatic lighting and stone arches.
The beaches are another big reason to come. El Jadida Beach is wide, clean, and easy to access. It’s great for swimming or just sitting on the sand. Nearby spots like Haouzia and Sidi Bouzid are famous for their calm water and soft waves. You’ll also find seaside cafés and restaurants nearby. Try La Grillardière for grilled seafood or head to Café Portugaise for a quiet coffee with a view of the sea wall.
If you plan to stay overnight, you have several good choices. For full luxury, book a room at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a five-star hotel with free breakfast, large pools, and friendly staff. It’s about 10 kilometers outside the town center. Another popular option is Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa, which offers golf access and an outdoor pool, just off the main road. For something closer to town, Mia Mazagan Bay offers a good breakfast and a clean swimming pool. Rooms come with sea views and easy access to the beach and the old town.
El Jadida is also known for its cultural spots. You can visit the El Jadida Municipal Theater or explore the Porte de la Mer, a sea gate with great photo views. The town’s quiet streets, old architecture, and sea air make it feel like a different world from Casablanca. Unsurprisingly, some call it the “Hamptons of Morocco”.
Just 93.8 kilometers from Casablanca, Azemmour is an excellent choice if you want to slow down. The drive takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes using the A1 highway. Once you get there, you’ll find a peaceful town with whitewashed walls, friendly locals, and a medina.
Azemmour sits beside the Oum Er-Rbia River, one of the longest rivers in Morocco. The old medina is smaller than El Jadida’s but feels more local and personal. You can walk along the riverbank, see street art on stone walls, and pass by small shops that sell crafts, paintings, and handmade goods. The Maison d'Artisanat is worth a visit. It used to be a school but now holds art shows and workshops. It has a rooftop with a wide view of the river and town.
You can stay the night in Riad 7. It’s close to the medina and has Moroccan design touches. If you want to see more, drive to Plage El Haouzia, a two-kilometer beach near the coast. It has clean sand, chairs, and umbrellas for rent and places like Le Surf and Le Lagon Bleu where you can eat seafood and enjoy the ocean breeze. You can also visit the Shrine of Moulay Bouchaïb Erredad, a few kilometers outside town. This sacred site honors a saint who is part of Azemmour’s spiritual past. Sunsets here are beautiful, especially if you’re near the beach.
Benslimane is only 56.3 kilometers from Casablanca, but it feels much farther. The drive takes about 1 hour via R313 or R404 highway. The town sits between Casablanca and Rabat, and is surrounded by forests, hills, and farms.
This area is known for its cork oak and Aleppo pine forests and fields of wheat, citrus fruits, and grapes. You won’t find big crowds or tourist shops here. You will find green parks, clean roads, and a calm feeling all around. Walk through Jnane Amazvine Park, or visit the quiet Gourrama Forest. You can also see Lac Waihil, a small lake good for photography and quiet stops. People often hike, bike, or have picnics under the trees.
Food here is simple and local. Try Restaurant Chaâbi Grillade for grilled meat and fresh bread served outdoors. If you want to stay the night, Hotel Benslimane offers basic rooms and a quiet garden. You’re close to vineyards and family farms where you can taste fresh produce or buy olives and citrus. This is a peaceful place, perfect for birdwatching, short hikes, and resting from the city noise.
Benslimane also has a local culture. Visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Aziz, or walk through areas built during the French Protectorate. Today, the city still honors its roots, with weekly markets and wide open spaces. It’s not a busy tourist town, but that’s its beauty.
Settat is around 75 kilometers from Casablanca, and the drive takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes along the Casablanca–Agadir Motorway (A7). Settat sits on a wide plateau and is surrounded by low hills and green fields. Settat is the largest market center in the Chaouia coastal plain, known for its wheat and cattle trade.
One of the main sights here is the Kasbah of Settat, built in the 17th century by Moulay Ismail, a former Moroccan ruler. The stone walls and towers still stand today, and a horse statue at the center of town marks its historical importance. This area was once home to a strong Jewish community, and nearby you’ll find the old Mellah district, where many families settled in the 19th century.
There are also relaxing spots outside the city. Visit Lalla Takarkoust Lake, a calm reservoir just outside town, good for birdwatching or a quiet picnic. Or go to Oulad Saïd, a nearby village where you can see live Fantasia shows—traditional horseback riding events that show off Morocco’s equestrian roots. The Royal Golf Club and the ASEM outdoor group offer green space and nature tours if you want something active. Settat has small cafés and local restaurants. For a meal, go to Restaurant Zayna, which serves chicken tajines and grilled meats.
Mohammedia is only 25 kilometers from Casablanca, and it takes just 42 minutes by car along the N1 coastal road. It’s the closest beach town to the city and one of the easiest day trips.
The town sits along the Atlantic Ocean, known for its clean beaches and relaxed vibe. You can visit Miramar Beach in the city center or head to Sablette Beach, a favorite for swimmers and surfers. Monica Beach is another wide stretch of sand with room to walk, play, or take photos. Each beach has its own charm, and you’ll find surf schools, places to rent umbrellas, and cafés nearby. The seafront promenade, or La Corniche, is perfect for a slow walk by the ocean.
Mohammedia is also called the City of Flowers because of its green parks and clean streets. Visit the Parc des Villes Jumelées, where families gather, or explore the old medina and the Kasbah, which dates back to 1773. If you enjoy older buildings, look out for Saint-Jacques Church and the White Mosque, both from the 18th century.
The town also has a marina, sailing clubs, and a few golf and tennis spots for visitors who want something active. You can relax at Café Venezia Ice, a local favorite for coffee and sweets. If you plan to stay longer, book a room at Avanti Mohammedia Hotel, a four-star hotel with a pool and direct beach access.
When you’re in Casablanca, it’s easy to forget how close everything else is. But just outside the city, you’ll find open roads, quiet beaches, fresh air, and slower rhythms. From the calm waters of El Jadida to the pine forests of Benslimane, the best places to see around Casablanca offer real variety without the hassle of extended travel.
Final Rentals is a car rental platform that helps travelers get around Morocco with ease. From compact cars to SUVs, our booking system is simple, and you can pick up your vehicle straight from Casablanca Airport.
