Saidia

Visit Saidia: Discover Morocco's Hidden Mediterranean Gem

Visit Saidia Morocco's blue pearl! Discover pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, hidden coves & authentic Rifian charm on the Mediterranean coast.

Nestled along Morocco's northeastern Mediterranean coast, Saidia beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and authentic Rifian charm. 

If you're planning to visit Saïdia, prepare yourself for an enchanting blend of natural beauty, thrilling water sports, and culinary delights that make this coastal paradise one of Morocco's best-kept secrets.

Location: Where East Meets the Mediterranean

Saidia sits strategically in Morocco's Oriental region, just 60 kilometers from Oujda and a stone's throw from the Algerian border. 

This prime location has earned it the affectionate nickname "the blue pearl of Morocco." 

The town's accessibility is one of its greatest advantages—served by three airports (Oujda, Nador, and Melilla), Saidia welcomes visitors from across the globe while maintaining its typical Rifian character that makes it so special.

How to Get There

Reaching Saidia is remarkably convenient thanks to its excellent connections:

By Air: Choose from three nearby airports—Oujda-Angads Airport (60 km), Nador International Airport (90 km), or Melilla Airport across the Spanish border. 

From any of these gateways, rental cars and taxis make the journey to Saidia straightforward and scenic.

By Train: 

Morocco's efficient ONCF railway network connects major cities to Oujda. 

From Casablanca, you can take a comfortable train journey (approximately 8-9 hours) to Oujda's main station. 

High-speed Al Boraq trains run from Casablanca to Kenitra, where you can transfer to conventional trains heading east. 

From Oujda station, Saidia is just 60 kilometers away—accessible by taxi (around 45 minutes) or local bus services that run regularly throughout the day. 

The train journey offers a scenic way to experience Morocco's diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coast through the Middle Atlas region.

By Bus: 

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate Morocco's extensive bus network. 

CTM and Supratours operate regular services from Casablanca to Oujda (approximately 9-10 hours), with comfortable coaches featuring air conditioning and reclining seats. 

Several other companies also run routes to the Oriental region. 

From Oujda's bus station (gare routière), you can catch local buses or shared grand taxis directly to Saidia. 

Additionally, some bus companies offer direct seasonal routes to Saidia during the summer months when the resort is at its busiest. 

Bus travel is an excellent way to meet locals and experience authentic Moroccan travel culture.

By Road: 

If you're traveling by car from Casablanca, via Rabat, the journey takes approximately 7 hours along well-maintained highways, offering you the freedom to explore the region at your leisure. 

And trust me, you'll want that trunk space for bringing back local treasures!

Thrilling Water Activities: Adventure Awaits

For adrenaline seekers, Saïdia's crystal-clear waters offer an incredible playground. 

Here are the top water sports you shouldn't miss:

1. Jetboat: Experience the thrill of high-speed maneuvers across the Mediterranean's waves, with expert pilots showing you the coast from an exhilarating perspective.

2. Sea Fishing: Join local fishermen for an authentic experience, casting your line in waters teeming with Mediterranean species.

3. Underwater Diving: Explore the underwater world of Morocco's Mediterranean coast, discovering colorful marine life and fascinating seascapes beneath the surface.

4. Flyboarding: Defy gravity as water jets propel you above the sea—a surreal experience that combines athleticism with pure fun.

5. Tubing: Hold on tight as you're pulled behind a speedboat on an inflatable tube, bouncing across the waves with friends and family.

6. Jetski: Rent a jetski and explore the coastline at your own pace, feeling the spray of the sea and the freedom of the open water.

7. Parasailing: Soar high above Saidia's stunning coastline, taking in bird's-eye views of the beaches, marina, and the sparkling Mediterranean below.

Culinary Delights: Taste the Oriental Region

In addition to famous Moroccan dishes such as couscous, tagine, pastilla, and others, Saidia offers unique regional specialties that showcase the Oriental region's distinctive culinary identity.

While Saidia is renowned for its fried fish and grilled sardines—fresh from the day's catch and simply prepared to perfection—the region offers culinary treasures that reflect its unique character.

Karan (Karantika): This chickpea flour flan, spread on fresh bread, sprinkled with cumin, and served like a sandwich, is the perfect culinary specialty for a quick meal. 

Its name, shortened from "Karantika," is said to be derived from the Spanish word "Calentica"—a delicious reminder of the region's cross-cultural heritage.

Kaaks: The region is famous for these crispy ring-shaped biscuits made with anise and sesame, perfect with mint tea or as a portable snack during your explorations.

Fresh Produce: Local produce abounds in this agricultural paradise, which is home to 80% of the national clementine production and is certified organic. 

The region's citrus fruits, including the famous oranges and clementines of Berkane, are legendary. 

If you're traveling by car, be sure to leave some room in your trunk to bring back a few bags full of these sweet goodies.

Main Attractions: More Than Just a Beach Destination

When you visit Saidia, you'll discover that this coastal gem has transformed dramatically in recent years. 

In just a short time, the "blue pearl" has acquired one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean, a world-class water park, and an impressive 18-hole golf course. 

Everything has been designed to ensure you a true escape for leisure and relaxation.

Red Beach: A Hidden Paradise

The Saidia region abounds with unspoiled beaches, the locations of which will be gladly shared with you by the locals. 

Red Beach stands as one of these hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Located past Cap de l'Eau on the road to Nador, this secluded cove is easily accessible by boat. 

Once there, Red Beach and its turquoise waters reveal a stunningly beautiful landscape, surrounded by imposing ochre cliffs that have made it famous. 

The contrast between the red-orange rocks and the crystalline Mediterranean creates a photographer's dream.

Sidi El Bachir Beach: A Clifftop Wonder

Head south of the Marchica Lagoon, about 30 kilometers from Cap de l'Eau, to discover the unique Sidi El Bachir beach. 

This cove, sheltered by high cliffs, offers two beautiful stretches of fine sand. 

From the cliffs above, it's the perfect spot to capture your stay in the Oriental region, with panoramic views that will leave you breathless.

Moulouya Nature Reserve: A Birdwatcher's Paradise

If you love wide open spaces and appreciate birds, the Moulouya Nature Reserve is an absolute must when you visit Saidia. 

Spanning 2,700 hectares, this remarkable ornithological site boasts 270 recorded species: great egrets, purple herons, herring gulls, sand martins, flamingos, and more. 

Classified as a "Site of Biological and Ecological Interest" (SIBE) in 2005, the reserve showcases the region's ecological diversity.

The Moulouya River originates between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains in the Midelt region, stretching for 600 kilometers across the country before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea at Ras El Ma, near Saidia. 

To observe these magnificent birds more closely, take a guided tour through this still pristine ecosystem. 

You can even get up close to the different species by canoe or kayak, gliding silently through the wetlands.

Final Thoughts

To visit Saidia is to discover a Morocco that many travelers overlook—a place where Rifian traditions meet Mediterranean sophistication, where adventure and relaxation coexist in perfect harmony. 

Whether you're parasailing above turquoise waters, savoring karan on a beach bench, watching flamingos in the Moulouya wetlands, or simply feeling the fine sand between your toes, Saidia offers an authentic Moroccan coastal experience unlike any other.

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The blue pearl continues to modernize while retaining its soul, making it the ideal destination for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity. 

Pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Morocco's Mediterranean treasure.

Your adventure in Saïdia awaits—where will the blue pearl take you?