El Jadida
الجديدة“The Portuguese cistern and Atlantic beaches — history meets leisure.”
Recommended stay
1–2 days
Daily budget
$30 – $200
Best months
May, June
Effort level
Low
Overview
El Jadida (formerly Mazagan) contains one of the best-preserved examples of Portuguese colonial architecture in the world — a UNESCO World Heritage fortified city with a breathtaking underground cistern. Combined with excellent Atlantic beaches and proximity to Casablanca (100km), it's an underrated gem on Morocco's coast.
History
The Portuguese built Mazagan in 1513 as one of their earliest outposts on the Atlantic coast. The underground cistern, built in 1514, was used to store water and ammunition. The Portuguese were expelled in 1769 by Sultan Mohammed III, who blew up much of the city — the cistern survived. The city was resettled by Moroccan Jews, Christians, and Muslims under the name El Jadida ('The New').
Culture & Traditions
El Jadida has a significant Jewish history — the mellah (Jewish quarter) and the Lazama synagogue remain. The city is a popular summer destination for Casablanca residents — a genuine Moroccan beach town rather than an international resort.
Must-See Sights
Portuguese Cistern
The extraordinary 16th-century underground cistern — flooded with shallow water reflecting the Gothic arches.
Portuguese City (Cité Portugaise)
UNESCO-listed fortified city with intact bastions and walls.
El Jadida beach
Long Atlantic beach — popular with local families, excellent surfing.
Mazagan citadel walls
Walk the top of the Portuguese ramparts overlooking the ocean.
Food & Drink
Eel tagine
Freshwater eels from the Oum er-Rbia river — a local specialty unique to the region.
Briouats au fromage de chèvre
Goat cheese pastries — a local café staple.
Insider Tips
- ✓The cistern is best visited midday when light shafts through the single opening.
- ✓Only 100km from Casablanca — easy day trip or overnight.
- ✓The beach stretches for miles north — walk away from the city for more space.
Neighborhoods
Cité Portugaise
UNESCO walled city — historic, compact, beautiful.
Beach quarter
Atlantic coast, local resort atmosphere.
Getting There
CTM buses from Casablanca (1.5h), Marrakech (4h), Essaouira (3h). No train.
Photos
El JadidaLocation
El Jadida, Casablanca-Settat
33.2316°N, 8.5007°W
Budget Guide / Day
Best Time to Visit