Area Description: There are numerous attractions in and around Saidia, enabling you to discover for yourself the true experience of Morocco, both in the stunning countryside and the historical and cultural cities. Saidia Saidia is one of Morocco's most pleasant and relaxed seaside resorts. It is currently being completely rebuilt as part of the country's drive towards up market tourism, and when finished, will be the jewel in the crown of Morocco. It boasts one of the finest beaches in the Mediteranean, over 10 km long of fine white sand and crystal clear waters. Saidia is still a low key resort, rambling back from the sea behind the still used 19th century Kasbah behind which the Sunday souk takes place - a great place to mingle, buy local fruits and crafts. The town is lively in July and especially in August when it hosts the "Festival du Rai et des Arts Populaires", an opportunity to listen to some indigenous chaabi, rai and ... [Read More]

Area Description: There are numerous attractions in and around Saidia, enabling you to discover for yourself the true experience of Morocco, both in the stunning countryside and the historical and cultural cities. Saidia Saidia is one of Morocco's most pleasant and relaxed seaside resorts. It is currently being completely rebuilt as part of the country's drive towards up market tourism, and when finished, will be the jewel in the crown of Morocco. It boasts one of the finest beaches in the Mediteranean, over 10 km long of fine white sand and crystal clear waters. Saidia is still a low key resort, rambling back from the sea behind the still used 19th century Kasbah behind which the Sunday souk takes place - a great place to mingle, buy local fruits and crafts. The town is lively in July and especially in August when it hosts the "Festival du Rai et des Arts Populaires", an opportunity to listen to some indigenous chaabi, rai and amazigh music and watch laaoui and raggada folk dancing ensembles. Ras El Mar & Cap de l'Eau Facing the three tiny Islas Chafarinas, Ras el Mar and Cap de L'Eau on the sea front is a charming fishing village, with the most wonderful fish restaurants, known in the area as the offering the best sardines in the country (the sardines a la planche really are superb). About 6km from Saidia, it is worth spending a relaxing lunch here (about 5 pounds for two people) overlooking the harbour and beach. Taforalt & Zegzel Gorges The Zegzel Gorge is a spectacular, dark limestone fault in the Beni Snassen mountains - the last outcrops of the Rif. The Gorge Route: The Oued Zegzel is a tributary of the Moulouya, which has carved out a fertile shaft of mountain valleys. The route, although forbiddingly steep, is accessible by car. Virtually all traffic goes anti-clockwise (down) from Berkane to Taforalt, taking the N2 out of town and after 10 km turning south onto the S403, climbing up to Taforalt, 10 km after the turn off. Taforalt (Tafoughalt) is a quiet mountain village, active only for the Wednesday souk. The Grotte du Chameau is 10 km beyond, a cavern of vast stalagtites (of which one is camel like in shape!). The caves are not always open - you may have to find the gardien to open them up- are totally uncommercialised, and you will need to bring a torch! Near the entrance of the cave is a hot stream, used by locals for bathing, and a wonderful picnic area by the car park, from where you can walk along the footpath into the gorge underneath the towering stone buttresses. The Zegzel Gorges begin about 1km beyond the cave. A rough track branches off the main road, only suitable for 4x4 vehicles and always subject to rock avalanches and flash floods. The gorges are cultivated with all kinds of citrus and fruit trees. As the track criss-crosses the riverbed, you eventually emerge 22 km from Taforalt onto the Berkane Plain.