Located where the Oum Er-Rbia meets the Atlantic Ocean, Azemmour is a charming riverside city to the north of El Jadida. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Casablanca but remains a largely undiscovered destination amongst international visitors. Aside from its gorgeous beach, which lures surfers throughout the year, Azemmour boasts an art-adorned medina where you can shop for regional handicrafts.
Prior to the 15th century, when it was conquered by the Portuguese, Azemmour was a dependency of the King of Fes. Involved in the Battle of Azemmour was the famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth. João III’s reign was short-lived, however, and due to economic difficulties, he abandoned the city in 1541. Remnants of Portuguese rule still scatter the city today, with impressive walls and towers to discover.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Azemmour, discover what makes the city a worthwhile day trip from Casablanca or El Jadida and options for staying the night.
Want to visit Azemmour on a guided tour? This day trip to El Jadida from Casablanca includes a stop in Azemmour, with a knowledgeable local guide at the helm. For accommodation inspiration, I've created a list featuring 9 of the Best Hotels in Casablanca, with something for all budgets.
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Things to do in Azemmour
Wander through the medina
Simply wandering through the medina is the best way to discover Azemmour and soak up its rich history. Along the way, you’ll encounter the remnants of Portuguese-built walls and fortifications, as well as a 16th-century kasbah complete with six towers and its original cannons. The most impressive structure is the tower of Dar El Baroud - all that survives of the ancient gunpowder storage.
Also dotting the medina are active mosques, colourful market stalls and bustling eateries where you can enjoy the local comings and goings. The people watching here is wonderful!
Discover Azemmour's incredible street art
In 2013, Azemmour hosted a street art festival that drew some of the world’s best mural artists to the city. The theme of the festival was the legend of Estevanico, a 16th-century African man who was sold into slavery by the Portuguese and went on to make the first recorded crossing of North America. While some of the artworks created during the festival are starting to fade, they are still worth exploring and many newer murals have been added since.
Explore the Jewish Mellah
During the Portuguese control of Azemmour, many Portuguese Jews sought refuge in the city and a community flourished. While most ended up moving to Fes, Asilah or El Jadida (or abroad), there are reminders of Azemmour’s religious heritage dotted around the Jewish Mellah. Keep an eye out for the 16th-century synagogue and the shrine to Rabbi Abraham Moul-Ness where several miracles are said to have occurred.
If you're particularly interested in Morocco's Jewish heritage, this 14-day Jewish cultural legacy guided tour explores the country through a religious lens. It takes in many of Morocco's most iconic cities and spectacular landscapes, beginning and ending in Casablanca.
You can learn more about Morocco's Jewish cultural heritage in this detailed article.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride
Stretching for 555 kilometres, the Oum Er-Rbia is one of the longest rivers in Morocco, originating in the Middle Atlas Mountains before meeting the Atlantic Ocean at Azemmour. It’s a big part of life here and soaking up the city sights from the water is a wonderful experience. At the riverside port, you can negotiate a short cruise with one of the boat owners or ask at your riad if they can organise a trip for you.
Relax on Plage El Haouzia
If you drive directly to the coast from Azemmour, you’ll arrive at Plage El Haouzia, a two-kilometre-long beach where you can swim and sunbathe in the warmer months. There are umbrellas and sun loungers to rent during the busy summer season, as well as several places where you can buy food and drinks. Both Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine are available at Restaurant Le Surf and Le Lagon Bleu. The sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean at Plage El Haouzia are particularly impressive!
Make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Moulay Bouchaïb Erredad
A few kilometres from Azemmour is a shrine to this revered saint who ruled during the Almoravid dynasty (1062–1150) and is said to be the original patron of Azemmour. He shared a spiritual connection with Lalla Aicha Bahria, a woman from Baghdad who had a supernatural ability to unite men and women in marriage. Legend says that she drowned at the mouth of the Oum Er-Rbia before ever meeting Moulay Bouchaïb Erredad or discovering the city of Azzemour. She is also honoured nearby.
Things to do in Azemmour
How to get to Azemmour
By train
Daily trains depart Casablanca’s Gare Oasis for Azemmour and the journey takes just 52 minutes. This is the most convenient and affordable way to reach the coastal city if you’re not self-driving.
By car
Azemmour is around 90 kilometres from Casablanca, with the journey taking just over an hour. From Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, it’s around 1.5 hours.
By grand taxi
Grand taxis frequently travel between Casablanca and Azemmour and depart once full.
Travel guide to Azemmour
Best places to stay in Azemmour
Considered one of Morocco’s best luxury hotels, the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is located just a few kilometres south of Azemmour en route to El Jadida. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to splurge or don’t want to be in the heart of the medina, as well as being a destination in itself for non-guests due to its golf course and high-end restaurants. Fronted by a pristine sweep of sand, the contemporary rooms at this luxury Azemmour hotel are beautifully appointed and stays include an exceptional buffet breakfast.
"It is the best hotel in Morocco with fantastic facilities and restaurants.” - Saud (read more reviews here)
Located in the heart of the medina, L’Oum Errebia is one of the best riads in Azemmour for its river views alone. From the rooftop terrace and many of the rooms, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas across the Oum Er-Rbia. Contemporary artworks are hung throughout this modern riad, making it ideal for art lovers, and there’s a hammam for rejuvenating after a busy day of sightseeing.
“What a lovely place. The view from the terrace is terrific!” - Jacky (read more reviews here)
Riad 7 $
Occupying an 18th-century residence, this affordable riad in Azemmour is perfectly located in the medina. Each of its five comfortable rooms is decorated in an authentic Moroccan style while being equipped with modern conveniences like TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. At the onsite restaurant, you can dine on delicious tagines and the spa offers massages with local argan oil.
"Azemmour is well worth a stopover and Riad 7 is an excellent choice.” - Nicholas (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Azemmour
Best time to visit Azemmour
Generally speaking, Azemmour’s weather is pleasant year-round, with mild temperatures that are comfortable for sightseeing no matter the season. Spring (March to May) is an ideal time due to its warm weather (around 16°C (60°F)), as is early autumn (September/October). In summer, locals flock to the beaches around Azemmour, with July and August the busiest months. While the winter months (December to February) aren’t ideal for lying on the sand, the cool temps are still comfortable for exploring the medina.
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