Things to do · Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco's business hub and a major transport gateway, which makes it a surprisingly good base for day trips along the Atlantic coast and into the interior. Fast trains link it to the capital and the wider rail network, while the highway opens up old Portuguese ports and quiet country towns. Here are ten excursions you can comfortably do and return from in a single day.
10 experiences
Morocco's coastal capital is the easiest day trip of all, around an hour north by frequent train. The Kasbah of the Udayas overlooks the Atlantic, the Hassan Tower stands beside the modern royal mausoleum, and the walled Chellah holds Roman and medieval ruins in a garden setting.
About an hour and a half south on the coast, El Jadida centres on a UNESCO-listed Portuguese fortified town. The star attraction is the cistern, an atmospheric underground chamber whose still water mirrors the vaulted ceiling, famously used as a film location.
Just up the coast toward Rabat, around 30 minutes away, Mohammedia is a relaxed seaside town with a sandy beach, a marina and a low-key promenade. It makes an easy half-day escape from the city for seafood and a walk by the Atlantic.
Near El Jadida on the Oum Er-Rbia river, Azemmour is a quiet walled town of whitewashed lanes, Portuguese ramparts and a growing collection of street murals. Its old medina and riverside setting make it a peaceful pairing with El Jadida.
Roughly an hour inland, Settat is a market town on the Chaouia plains, reachable by train or road. It offers a glimpse of agricultural Morocco away from the coast, with a local kasbah and easy access on the route toward Marrakech.
Reachable by Al Boraq high-speed train, Marrakech is a long but feasible day trip given the rail connection south. It rewards an early start with Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia Palace and the souks, though an overnight stay suits the distance far better.
South of El Jadida on the Atlantic, Oualidia is known for its sheltered lagoon, calm swimming and oyster farms. The drive is around two hours each way, so it works as a longer coastal day out famed for fresh seafood and birdlife.
Halfway between Casablanca and Rabat, Bouznika has one of the cleaner, sandier beaches on this stretch of coast. About 45 minutes away, it is a straightforward seaside day for sunbathing and a walk along the shore.
Linked by the Al Boraq high-speed line, Tangier is a long day trip but possible thanks to the fast train that runs the Tangier to Casablanca corridor. The kasbah, the medina and the Strait of Gibraltar views reward those willing to spend the day on the rails.
South along the coast from Casablanca, Sidi Rahal is a popular local beach resort with a long stretch of sand. Around an hour away, it is a simple summer day trip for swimming and a seaside lunch close to the city.
Rabat is the simplest and most popular, about an hour north by frequent train. With no need for a car, you can spend the day exploring the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the Chellah before an easy ride back in the evening.
El Jadida lies around an hour and a half south on the coast and is reachable by car, train or bus. The headline sight is the UNESCO-listed Portuguese cistern in the old fortified town, easily combined with a walk along the ramparts and harbour.
It is feasible thanks to the Al Boraq high-speed train, but it makes for a very long day. Marrakech is best given an overnight stay if time allows, though a determined early start can fit in the main squares, palaces and souks before returning.
Yes. The Al Boraq high-speed line runs the Tangier to Casablanca corridor, putting Tangier within reach as a long day trip and making fast connections toward Rabat. Other destinations such as Marrakech are served by the wider rail network from Casablanca.
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