Casablanca-Settat
El Jadida
Portuguese ramparts on the Atlantic.
El Jadida at a glance
- Region
- Casablanca-Settat
- Province or prefecture
- El Jadida (province)
- Status
- Province capital
- Population
- 194,934 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 20 m
- Coordinates
- 33.232, -8.501
- Postal code
- 24000
- Phone area code
- +212 523
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- El Jadida (French) · الجديدة (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About El Jadida
El Jadida is known for the Portuguese city of Mazagan, with its fortress walls and underground cistern, and for family beaches such as Sidi Bouzid.
History
The Portuguese built the fortress of Mazagan in 1514. They left in 1769, after which the town was renamed El Jadida, meaning "the new one".
Things to see in El Jadida
- Portuguese Cistern
- Mazagan ramparts
- Sidi Bouzid beach
- Oualidia lagoon (about 80 km south)
UNESCO World Heritage: Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) (2004).
Climate and best time to visit
Atlantic temperate. Mild, humid Atlantic climate with warm summers tempered by sea breezes and rain concentrated between October and April.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to El Jadida
- By air
- Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) is about 90 km away.
- By train
- El Jadida station on the line to Casablanca.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Agriculture, fishing, tourism and the industrial Jorf Lasfar complex nearby.
Food and drink
Seafood and Doukkala region dishes.
Festivals and events
The Moussem of Moulay Abdallah Amghar is a regional pilgrimage and horse show; check dates.
Where to stay
Options are mostly mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses. In peak season and holidays it is wise to reserve in advance.