Visiting Rabat? Take a detour to its twin city, Salé, and discover its elegant marina. An idyllic setting to enjoy spectacular views of the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Tour Hassan, while savoring the sea air. The marina has evolved far beyond a simple marina into a lively, green and friendly place to live – a stopover that won us over!
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Marina de Salé
Is the marina worth it? Our opinion:
The Marina de Salé is well worth a visit for those looking for a pleasant stroll along the Bouregreg River. Its soothing surroundings invite you to stroll, while its chic restaurants and hotels offer a dynamic atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet break or simply to enjoy the scenery, the marina boasts breathtaking views over Rabat, with the majestic Hassan Tower in the background.
Why is the Marina de Salé famous?
Inaugurated in 2008, the Salé marina is part of a vast development project aimed at revitalizing this area at the mouth of the Bouregreg river. A marina intended as a stopover on the way to West Africa, the Caribbean or North America, its importance dates back a long way. The area was a strategic point as early as the XIᵉ century and was the heart of the dreaded Bouregreg Privateer Republic in the XVIᵉ and XVIIᵉ centuries. Today, the marina combines heritage and modernity, attracting yachtsmen and strollers alike.
Access: Marina de Salé, Rabat
Where is the Marina de Salé?
- In downtown Salé
- At the mouth of the Bouregreg river
- Across the esplanade from the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
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How to get there?
The easiest way to get there is to rent a car, so you can take in all the sights of Salé, including the Oujla pottery complex, which is a little out of the way.
If you don’t have a car, the Marina de Salé is easily accessible by public transport. The R-Bab Lamrissa tramway station is just 100 meters away.
The journey takes 20 minutes from the Hassan Tower, leaving from Place du 16 novembre.
The journey takes 30 minutes from Rabat train station.
Parking
Several pay parking lots are located close to the site, including the Avenue de Fès parking lot.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Choose a day with good weather to enjoy the panoramic views.
We don’t recommend it in the hot months, as there’s very little shade on the promenade. The Marina regularly hosts special events, such as open-air concerts! To make sure you don’t miss a thing, check out the agenda on their official website here.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 1 hour for a leisurely stroll, more if you wish to stay for lunch. We didn’t encounter any notable difficulties during our visit, apart from increased traffic on weekends.
Most of the Marina’s facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility, including the docks, restaurants and leisure areas. Ramps and elevators are available to facilitate access to the various levels.
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Visiting with children
There are no special facilities for children, but they’ll love roaming freely along the river, and why not take to their bikes or scooters?
Schedules and rates
The site is open daily and access is free. For those wishing to dock by boat, find out more on the official website here.
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Marina de Salé tour: what to see/what to do
Stroll along the banks of the Bouregreg river
The seafront promenade, lined with palm trees, is the ideal setting for a relaxing stroll. You can enjoy the sea air while observing the activity of the port and the comings and goings of the boats. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant at the end of the day, when the sun begins to decline.
Watching the boats in the Marina
What could be more mesmerizing than the ballet of boats in a harbor? We spent some time observing the different types of boats: from simple sailing ships with their clanking masts to imposing yachts and small fishing boats. All the while admiring the play of mirrors in the water and the dance of the clouds in the sky.
Admire the beautiful views over Rabat
If there’s only one reason to visit the Salé marina, it’s for the panoramic views it affords of Rabat. We were particularly impressed by the view of the Hassan Tower, which rises majestically on the horizon. You’ll appreciate the striking contrast between the modern infrastructure in the foreground and the centuries-old tower overlooking the Bouregreg estuary.
You’ll also enjoy the view of the Kasbah des Oudayas and its pretty whitewashed houses on the hillside!
Gourmet break by the river
Why not take advantage of your visit to take a break overlooking the water?
The marina is home to a number of pleasant restaurants, including Restaurant Al Marsa , which serves Andalucia-influenced cuisine on a sunny terrace. You’ll also find a number of cafés and sweet shops to take away!
Crossing the Bouregreg by boat: a must-see experience between Rabat and Salé
There’s nothing like a boat trip to show you the different facets of a city.
You can admire the city from the river and enjoy a fresh perspective on Rabat’s emblematic monuments.
Fancy embarking on a sunset crossing? See more info and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
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