Did you know that Casablanca is a great starting point for exploring the diversity of Morocco? A 1-hour drive away, the capital Rabat reveals its imperial monuments. 3 hours away, Marrakech or Fez will immerse you in their thousand-year-old heritage. Halfway there, peaceful beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and timeless coastal towns await you. We’ve explored all these destinations, and we’re convinced that every one of them is worth a visit. Here’s our selection of the 10 best excursions from Casablanca, with our photos and tips for putting together your ideal getaway.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Casablanca
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each destination, here are our 3 favorites:
- Rabat, capital of the Kingdom and a UNESCO-listed imperial city, 1 hour’s drive away – see prices, photos and availability.
- El Jadida, famous for its classified Portuguese city and its beaches, 1h15min away – See prices, photos and availability
- Tangier, a cosmopolitan city with a thousand-year-old cultural and historical heritage, gateway between Africa and Europe, 2h15min by TGV – See prices, photos and availability
1. Marvel at Rabat, capital and imperial city
Why do we recommend this tour?
In our opinion, Rabat is THE destination for a first excursion from Casablanca: close by, rich in heritage and pleasant to explore on foot or by public transport. Morocco’s administrative capital since the 20th century, this thousand-year-old imperial city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were charmed by its blend of history and modernity, with its authentic medina, kasbah facing the Atlantic, remarkable historic sites and fascinating museums. We appreciated the more relaxed atmosphere than in the big tourist metropolises, which made the visit particularly pleasant.
What you will see
- First of all, the Kasbah des Oudayas is the historic heart of Rabat. Founded by the Almoravids and fortified by the Almohads in the 12th century, you’ll stroll through its white and blue alleyways, its Hispano-Moorish-inspired garden with fountains and lush vegetation, and its ramparts with a magnificent view of the Atlantic.
- Your visit then continues to the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum , the capital’s most emblematic monumental ensemble. Did you know that this tower is an unfinished 12th-century minaret that was to be the tallest in the Muslim world?
- To add an archaeological dimension to your day, you can visit Chellah, the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, now a Merinid necropolis. Inside: lush gardens populated by storks, the remains of a forum, a triumphal arch and ancient thermal baths will tell you all about the history of this sublime city.
Then on to the Rabat medinaless frenetic than those of Marrakech or Fez. Here, you’ll stroll through ornate doorways and artisan stores. Finally, round off your tour with a stroll along the Bouregreg, offering a beautiful view of both banks, with the Kasbah on one side and the Salé medina on the other – particularly beautiful at sunset.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to visit the city’s main sites at your own pace. Rabat is 1 hour by road or 1 hour by train from Casablanca via the ONCF network. Visit the official website for more info here. If you prefer not to drive and enjoy the scenery along the way, a guided tour with transfer from Casablanca is an excellent option.
Book your guided tour of Rabat from Casablanca!
2. Be surprised by El Jadida and its Portuguese city
Why do we recommend this tour?
Do you know El Jadida? Morocco’s little-known treasure, El Jadida is one of those destinations that will surprise you with its uniqueness. This coastal city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast is home to a Portuguese architectural heritage that is unique in North Africa. You’ll discover its citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which bears witness to a time when the great navigators of the 15th century established their counters on the Moroccan coast. We recommend this excursion to anyone wishing to get away from the usual itineraries: El Jadida is accessible, unfrequented by mass tourism and offers unexpected architectural discoveries.
What you will see
- The heart of the visit is the Portuguese city, whose well-preserved ramparts encircle an inner city of quiet alleyways still bearing the imprint of the 16th-century Lusitanian occupation.
- The Portuguese Cistern is the highlight of the visit: this ancient vaulted underground water reservoir, whose columns are reflected in just a few centimetres of water, creates a striking visual effect. The bastions of the citadel offer stunning ocean views.
- Beyond the ramparts, the beaches of Sidi Bouzid, with their fine sand, offer a pleasant way to extend the day. Be careful if you swim there, as the waves and currents can be quite strong.
How much time should I allow?
A full day is all you need to explore the Portuguese city and enjoy the beach. El Jadida is a 1h15min drive from Casablanca. The town can also be reached by train. Visit the official website for more info here. Please note, however, that the most practical way to reach this destination is by car. For a guided tour, see the available options.
Book your private excursion to El Jadida from Casablanca!
3. Discover Tangier, a cultural crossroads between two continents
Why do we recommend this tour?
Tangier is a city apart in the Moroccan landscape. As the gateway between Europe and Africa, we were seduced by this cosmopolitan city of Phoenician origin. The city of Tangiers has crossed centuries and civilizations to become a cultural crossroads where Mediterranean and Moroccan influences can be seen in every district, every museum and every alleyway. We were truly transported by its special atmosphere – intense, contrasting, steeped in international history. It’s a trip that requires an early start from Casablanca, but it offers a wealth of culture that’s hard to find elsewhere.
What you will see
Whether you opt for a guided tour or explore on your own, all of these places are equally beautiful in Tangier. The order may vary according to your time and interest:
- If you start inland, the Kasbah, founded by the Merinid dynasty in the 13th century, is the preserved historic heart of Tangier. Its cobbled streets wind between traditional residences overlooking the sea, the Spanish coast and the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Among Tangier’s many museums, our favorite is theEspace d’Exposition Ibn Battouta, opening in 2021: it retraces the 29-year journey of the Moroccan explorer born in the city in 1304, through 38 countries, thanks to interactive devices accessible to all.
- The Museum of the American Legation, housed in a historic building dating back to 1821, and the Place du 9 Avril complete this richly varied tour of the city center. Note that it will be difficult to visit several museums in one day if you also wish to explore the surrounding area.
- A 30-minute drive away, the Grottes d’Hercule (Hercules Caves ) open up spectacularly onto the Atlantic – legend has it that the mythological hero rested here after separating Africa from Europe.
- A little further on, stop off at the Cap Spartel lighthouse. It marks a unique geographical location: the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Just a short drive away, the Forêt de Perdicaris, whose plantations date back to 1918, stretches across the mountain overlooking the sea before Cap Spartel. Unique landscapes not to be missed!
How much time should I allow?
Tangier is a 3h30 drive from Casablanca, or about 2 hours by Al-Boraq TGV. A well-organized day trip will allow you to see most of the city, but an overnight stay will give you more time to explore the surrounding area. For train connections, consult the ONCF network. Visit the official website for more info here. The most practical option is a guided excursion from Casablanca by TGV, subject to availability.
Book your guided excursion to Tangier by TGV from Casablanca!
4. Lounging on the beaches of Bouznika and Skhirat
Why do we recommend this tour?
For a lazy day on the Atlantic coast without going too far afield, the beaches of Bouznika and Skhirat are two good options. Located between Casablanca and Rabat on the Atlantic coast, they offer a very different setting from Casablanca’s urban beaches: more spacious, quieter and with quality water. We particularly recommend them to families and those looking for a simple waterside break without the tourist frills.
What you will see
Our favorite is Plage de Bouznika, which stretches over almost 5km of fine golden sand. Regularly singled out for the purity of its crystal-clear waters, it’s a great place to relax offshore, even in high season. Showers are available, and a seafood restaurant is nearby. Just beyond Bouznika, the Plage de Skhirat, a 45-minute drive away, seduces with its fine golden sand and more intimate residential setting. In summer, it hosts a variety of events, including musical workshops, sand sculptures and educational activities. Please note that catering options are limited – we advise you to bring a picnic and your own parasol. Showers and toilets are available on site. In our opinion, these are some of the most beautiful beaches in and around Rabat.
How much time should I allow?
Bouznika is about 45 minutes’ drive from Casablanca, Skhirat just under 1 hour. Half a day is enough for a beach break, but a full day is ideal if you want to do both. The car is the most practical way to get there. For more information on the region’s beaches, visit the official website here.
These beaches are also accessible by train. Consult the ONCF network. Visit the official website for more info here.
5. Stroll through Marrakech, the unmissable red city
Why do we recommend this tour?
Marrakech, the “Red City” that needs no introduction, is one of Morocco’s most intense destinations. We loved the vibrant atmosphere of this imperial city, where age-old traditions rub shoulders with a resolutely assertive modernity. It’s a full-day trip from Casablanca, but it offers a density of cultural, architectural and gastronomic discoveries hard to match elsewhere.
What you will see
This tour is extremely rich. To get the most out of it, we recommend that you opt for a guided tour to make the most of your day:
- Start with Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed Medina, which can be explored in several hours: narrow streets lined with traditional riads, Arabo-Andalusian architecture, carved fountains and finely crafted cedar wood doors. You’ll love it!
- Continue to Place Jemaa El-Fna, an open-air theater since the 11th century, which transforms throughout the day: in the morning, orange juice and snake trainers; in the evening, a huge culinary market animated by storytellers, Gnaoua musicians and charmers.
- Still in the Medina, the Palais de la Bahia (late 19th century) will impress you with its 1,500m² courtyard of honor paved with Carrara marble.
- The Saadian Tombs (16th century), rediscovered in 1917 after being walled up for centuries, boast extraordinarily fine stuccowork.
- The Medersa Ben Youssef, founded in the 14th century and famous for its white marble patio reflecting the ornate facades
- Finally, the souks organized by guild – dyers, spices, babouches – reveal the ancestral logic of Moroccan craftsmanship.
- To discover another facet of the city, head for the Jardin Majorelle, created by the eponymous painter in the 1920s. We were charmed by its intense cobalt blue and plant species from five continents. It also houses the Musée des Arts Berbères and the adjoining Musée Yves Saint-Laurent.
How much time should I allow?
Marrakech is a 3-hour drive or 3 hours by train from Casablanca. A full day is essential – leave early. For train routes, consult the ONCF network. Visit the official website for more info here. The national airline CTM also serves Marrakech from Casablanca. Visit the official website for more info here. For a private tour with transfers, see available options.
Book your private excursion to Marrakech from Casablanca!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
6. Enjoy a dip in the lagoon at Oualidia
Why do we recommend this tour?
Oualidia is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, and the nickname is well deserved. This charming seaside resort, untouched by mass tourism, will fascinate you with its crystal-clear lagoon, unspoilt natural surroundings and oysters renowned throughout Morocco. We recommend it to those seeking a day of relaxation and gastronomy away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, in a very serene natural setting.
What you will see
- The Oualidia lagoon is the centerpiece of the visit: a body of water protected from the Atlantic waves by a natural barrier, with calm, translucent waters. Ideal for family bathing, kayaking or a simple stroll along the water’s edge, it offers a setting found nowhere else on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
- The oyster beds are part of Oualidia’s gastronomic reputation – you can enjoy freshly-caught oysters right on the edge of the lagoon, at one of the tables facing the water.
- The region’s unspoilt natural setting, with its dunes, salt marshes and wild beaches, invites you to take a stroll away from the dense tourist infrastructure. What more could you ask for?
How much time should I allow?
Oualidia is a 2h15min drive from Casablanca. A full day is recommended to enjoy the lagoon, have lunch on site and explore the surrounding area. A car is essential for this destination. For an organized excursion from Casablanca, see availability.
Book your guided tour to Oualidia from Casablanca!
7. Visit Fez and its thousand-year-old medina
Why do we recommend this tour?
Fez was one of our favorite places in Morocco. This former imperial capital is home to the world’s oldest and largest medina, a labyrinth of 14,000 UNESCO-listed buildings, where history can be seen around every corner. Incredible! We were captivated by the cultural intensity of this thousand-year-old city, its gastronomy considered to be the most sophisticated in the country, and the durability of craftsmanship that has remained unchanged for centuries. A day in Fez is a unique journey through time.
What you will see
There are so many places to see. Here too, a guided tour will enable you to get the most out of this surprising city:
- First, the Medina of Fès el-Bali can be explored from the emblematic Bab Boujloud gateway, whose blue zelliges on the outside and green on the inside herald the medieval world that opens up behind its arches.
- Along the cobbled streets, you’ll catch a glimpse ofAl-Quaraouiyine University – founded in the 9th century by Fatima Al-Fihri and considered the world’s first active university. The building is distinguished by its white minaret and green tiles, visible from the adjacent alleyways.
- Nearby, the Chouara Tanneries are a spectacular experience in the medina: from the terraces of the leather goods stores, you can observe the colorful basins where more than 250 families perpetuate a natural tanning process unchanged for centuries, with pigments of indigo, saffron, poppy and henna.
- The Médersa Attarine (14th century) impresses with its chiselled stucco, geometrically patterned zellige and carved cedar woodwork.
- We also really enjoyed our visit to the Merinid Tombs, perched on the hill overlooking the city. The view of the medina and surrounding mountains is breathtaking.
- Finally, stroll through the Jnan Sbil Gardens, nicknamed the “lovers’ garden”, to discover this beautiful 19th-century botanical park with 3,000 plants, opposite the Royal Palace.
How much time should I allow?
Fès is a 3h15min drive from Casablanca. The medina and its many treasures deserve at least a full day – ideally two if you have the time. In 1 day, you can explore the main attractions. For a day trip, leave early. We strongly recommend a local guide, so you don’t get lost in the labyrinth and understand the richness of the heritage. For train journeys, consult the ONCF network. Visit the official website for more info here. An organized excursion from Casablanca with lunch included is interesting if you don’t want to drive and enjoy an already planned program, see availability.
Book your guided tour to Fez from Casablanca with lunch included!
8. Stroll through Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of the Moroccan Rif
Why do we recommend this tour?
Chefchaouen is undoubtedly Morocco’s most photogenic town. Perched in the Rif mountains, this small town of blue and white streets exudes a soothing atmosphere found nowhere else in the country. We were won over by the beauty of the medina, the waterfalls in the middle of town and the serenity of the Rif mountains. It’s an excursion that involves a substantial journey from Casablanca – around 5 hours – and lends itself ideally to an overnight stay on site to enjoy it after the day-trippers have left. The tour can be done in one day, however, if you opt for the guided tour to simplify organization.
What you will see
- Enter the medina of blue alleyways, the soul of Chefchaouen. Every alley, every flower-filled staircase and every colorful doorway forms a harmonious decor. Did you know that painting the walls blue was historically used to keep insects away and protect homes from the heat of the mountains?
- Go to Place El Haouta, the heart of the city, where cafés and restaurants cluster around a large tree, with the Kasbah and the Great Mosque in the background.
- From here, you can visit the Kasbah. Dating from the 15th century, it houses an ethnographic museum dedicated to Rifa culture, an Andalusian garden and a view of the medina from its ramparts.
- From the square, you can make out the hexagonal minaret, unique in Morocco, of the Rif Al-Andalucia Mosque, built in the 16th century by Andalusian refugees.
- Further up town, the Ras El Ma spring astonished us with its natural waterfall right in the middle of the city.
- The small waterfalls below, enlivened by traditional mills and washhouses, offer a permanent natural spectacle, with minarets and mountains in the background.
How much time should I allow?
Chefchaouen is a 5-hour drive from Casablanca. A guided tour is a must if you only have a day’s visit. An overnight stay is highly recommended to enjoy the town in its most authentic atmosphere, once the day-trippers have left. Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions. Organized excursions from Casablanca are available, often combined with Tangier to optimize the trip. See availability.
Book your guided tour of Chefchaouen from Casablanca!
9. Getting lost in the walls of Asilah
Why do we recommend this tour?
Asilah is a small coastal town in northern Morocco that completely charmed us. A former fishing port turned artists’ town, it exudes a soothing, bohemian atmosphere not found in the big imperial cities. Its medina, with its white walls adorned with colorful frescoes, renewed every summer during the International Cultural Moussem Festival, makes it an open-air museum on a human scale. It’s a place where we felt a sense of calm, between the chirping of seagulls and the marine scent of iodine. We recommend it to anyone looking for a change of scenery and culture away from the busiest tourist routes, often in combination with Tangier, 45 minutes further north.
What you will see
- Bring good shoes and a raincoat as you cruise through Asilah’s white medina and colorful gates! At the heart of the tour, you’ll see beautiful whitewashed alleyways, blue, green and yellow doors, and artists’ frescoes at every turn.
- The 15th-century ramparts, built to protect the medina, encircle the old town and offer beautiful views of the Atlantic from Borj al-Bahr, especially at sunset.
- A few steps from the entrance, the Al Kamra Tower, built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, bears witness to the city’s colonial past with its reddish stone silhouette overlooking the northern entrance to the medina.
- Walk up to the Caraquia viewpoint, at the western end of the ramparts. It’s the only place in the medina where you can take in both the fortifications and the immensity of the ocean – a moment suspended in time!
- On the way back, you’ll see the marine cemetery, whose colorful mosaic-covered tombs face the Atlantic.
- Other highlights within the ramparts include the Great Mosque, with its octagonal minaret typical of northern Morocco, and the Centre Hassan II des Rencontres Internationales, housed in a former bastion. The latter hosts exhibitions, debates and concerts throughout the year.
- The main beach, directly accessible from the medina, invites you to extend your day at the water’s edge.
How much time should I allow?
Assilah is a 3-hour drive from Casablanca, often combined with Tangier (45min further north) for a two-day excursion. For a single day, plan an early departure from Casablanca. The medina is easily explored on foot in half a day, leaving plenty of time for the beach or a terrace lunch. Visit the official website for more info here.
10. A creative and seaside getaway in Essaouira
Why do we recommend this tour?
Do you know Essaouira? This ancient fortified city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast attracts artists, fishermen and sports enthusiasts alike. We were seduced by its relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the country’s big cities. Its UNESCO-listed medina, ocean-facing ramparts, bustling fishing port and trade-wind-beaten beaches make it a destination in its own right. It’s one of the longest excursions from Casablanca in our selection, but well worth the trip for those seeking a creative, seafaring and authentic interlude.
What you will see
A guided tour is a must for this one-day visit. :
- Start with the medina of Essaouira, founded in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah to plans by French architect Théodore Cornut. It is the only UNESCO-listed Moroccan medina designed on a regular plan. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed facades and blue gates form an unmistakable decor.
- The fishing port is one of the city’s liveliest scenes: the blue boats huddled at the foot of the imposing Sqala du Port, the fishermen returning in the morning, the fish market where sea bream and octopus are displayed under the cries of the gulls…
- The Kasbah ramparts and Sqala, built in the 18th century, with their ancient cannons lined up facing the Atlantic.
- The souk on Avenue de l’Istiqlal reveals the wealth of local crafts: ceramics, cedar wood, chased silver jewelry and textiles.
- The Bayt Dakira Museum, a free museum retracing the coexistence of the Jewish and Muslim communities that have shaped Essaouira’s history.
- For thrill-seekers, Essaouira is an internationally renowned surf and kite-surfing spot, with regular wind conditions all year round (more info here).
How much time should I allow?
Essaouira is a 4h30 drive from Casablanca. An overnight stay is highly recommended to enjoy the city and its surroundings at your own pace. CTM and Supratours operate flights to Essaouira from Casablanca. Visit the official website for more info here.
Book your guided tour of Essaouira from Casablanca!
Other excursions from Casablanca
Our main selection does not cover all of Casablanca. Here are a few additional destinations that deserve your attention depending on your desires and the time available:
Meknes
Less popular than Fès or Marrakech, Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Its UNESCO-listed medina, 40km of ramparts pierced by nine monumental gates, including the majestic Bab Mansour (completed in 1732), the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl and the gigantic Royal Stables – which could hold 12,000 horses – are well worth a visit. The Dar Jamaï Museum, a 19th-century palace turned National Music Museum, is one of Morocco’s finest museums. It’s a real favorite. Meknes is about a 3-hour drive from Casablanca, often combined with Fez and the archaeological site of Volubilis. For an organized excursion, see available options.
Mohammedia
Mohammedia is the closest seaside town to Casablanca, around 30min by road or 20min by train. Known for its beaches, lively waterfront and gastronomy – especially its seafood and fish restaurants – it makes a charming half-day getaway. Visit the official ONCF website for more train info here.
Dar Bouazza and Tamaris
These two seaside resorts, about a 40-minute drive south of Casablanca, offer beaches less crowded than Casablanca’s Corniche, in a quieter setting. In the same area, the Tamaris Bowling and Aquaparc complex is a great family option. Visit the official website for more info here.
Bouskoura Forest
On the road to Mohammed V airport, this wooded area of almost 3,000 hectares invites you to stroll along nature trails and enjoy a picnic lunch, just a 30-minute drive from Casablanca. Visit the official website for more info here.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best excursion from Casablanca?
Our answer: it depends on what you want to do. For culture and history in an accessible day, Rabat is our top recommendation: a 1h drive away, rich in listed monuments and pleasant to explore. For an immersion in Moroccan craftsmanship and gastronomy, Fès is a must despite the 3h15min drive. For a quiet nature getaway, Oualidia and its lagoon offer a tasty day out at 2h15min. Tangier is also a great option if you choose the TGV excursion to get to the city quickly and directly. If you had to choose just one, we’d recommend Rabat for its diversity, proximity and the quality and variety of its historic sites.
How do I get around for excursions from Casablanca?
There are several options depending on your destination:
- By car: Morocco’s well-developed motorway network provides easy access to most destinations. You can rent a car from Casablanca for greater freedom.
- By train: the ONCF network provides efficient services to Rabat (1h), Tangier (about 2h by TGV Al-Boraq), Fez and Meknes.
- Organized excursions: for distant destinations such as Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Chefchaouen or Essaouira, guided tours with transfers included allow you to enjoy the trip without logistical constraints.
- By bus: the national company CTM serves all major cities from Casablanca.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
