Located a stone’s throw from Morocco’s border with Algeria, Saïdia is a popular beach town in the country’s far north-east. It’s been nicknamed the “Blue Pearl” and is home to one of the longest beaches in the country, as well as numerous golf courses, shopping malls and a sprawling marina.
Things to do in Saïdia
Spend your days relaxing on the Plage de Saïdia, which stretches for 14 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s backed by several cafes and restaurants where you can dine throughout the day and connects to the town’s 740-berth marina. On the other side of the Marina de Saïdia is Melia Beach and the Al Halg Nature Reserve while nestled behind the beach is the Nicolas Joakimides-designed Golf de Saïdia.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the Aquaparc Alpamare Saïdia where you’ll find thrilling water slides and a wave pool. Young kids can play at the Aquahouse or on the Pirate Boat before enjoying a leisurely tube ride down the Mini Melouia. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can dine on pancakes, pizzas and burgers at one of the water park’s two restaurants.
On the western edge of Saïdia lies the Réserve Naturelle de l'Embouchure Moulouya, which protects the estuary and floodplain of Morocco’s most significant Mediterranean river. Its coastal dunes and wetlands provide important habitat for migratory bird species, including marbled teals, Audouin’s gull and Moussier’s redstart. Several endemic and rare fish have also been discovered within the reserve, as have juvenile eels.
Getting around Saïdia
Oujda - Angads Airport is just under an hour’s drive from Saïdia and has flights to destinations across North Africa and Europe. Daily buses connect from Oujda and Nador to Saïdia and taxis are readily available for getting around the town. The beachfront area of Saïdia can be explored on foot.