Morocco, situated in the west of North African countries, is renowned for its rich culture, profound customs, divine cuisine, and a blend of Arab, European, and African ethos. Known as "Maghreb," meaning "Arab west," its geographical location has shaped its history. This Muslim country, independent for most of its history, boasts a diverse topography ranging from coastlines to rugged mountains.
Cities Near Casablanca
If you plan to spend a few days in the region, exploring the towns and cities near Casablanca can be an enriching experience. Here are some notable cities:
- El Jadida: Located about 60 miles south of Casablanca, El Jadida surprises with its remarkable Portuguese legacy. Visit the fortress of Mazagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll around the medina to see European-style houses.
- Azemmour: Just 10 miles from El Jadida, Azemmour exudes the country’s essence. Its walled medina and the blue and white painted houses along the river are must-sees. The street murals are a major tourist attraction.
- Moulay Abdellah: Not far from Azemmour, Moulay Abdellah is a prominent pilgrimage site with traditional architecture. Visit the ruins of its ancient mosque and the minaret of the Almohad period.
- Oualidia: Located around 125 miles from Casablanca, Oualidia is known for its oysters and tranquil environment. The lagoon is a protected area perfect for water sports.
- Ben Slimane: Less than 40 miles from Casablanca, Ben Slimane is surrounded by eucalyptus and pine forests, ideal for hiking. It is also a major wine-producing region with several wineries.
- Settat: Located 60 miles from Casablanca, Settat offers a quiet, agricultural atmosphere. The Bab el-Mrissa square features markets with local products and craftsmanship.
Marrakesh: The Closest Major Urban Center to the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains in North Africa stretch across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Their rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks have fascinated many. Among the cities dotting the region, Marrakesh stands out as the nearest significant urban center. Marrakesh, often called the “Red City,” is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history, boasting a mix of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern amenities.
Founded in 1062, the proximity of Marrakesh to the Atlas Mountains makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Within a short drive, travelers can find themselves in the dramatic terrain of the High Atlas. One of the most popular destinations is Imlil, a small village about 60 kilometers (around 37 miles) from Marrakesh. Imlil serves as a starting point for treks to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
Other Cities Near the Atlas Mountains
Beyond Marrakesh, other cities in Morocco are also relatively close to the Atlas Mountains:
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- Agadir: Located along the Atlantic coast, Agadir is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) away from the High Atlas.
- Ouarzazate: Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” Ouarzazate lies about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the mountains.
Tangier: Gateway to Africa
Morocco is conveniently located a short ferry ride away from Europe (8 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar), making it a perfect addition to a trip through southern Spain. For most people crossing the Strait of Gilbraltar, Tangier is the first stop. You can easily spend a day in the city and get back to Spain in time for dinner! If you want to spend a night or two in Tangier consider staying at Hotel Continental, located within walking distance of the port and the main attractions.
Visiting Tangier with a guided group is a good option, but traveling solo, with a partner, or small group is also safe. Drink mint tea (Moroccan Tea) at Cafe Hafa - frequented by Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Jimi Hendrix. You can take a taxi from Tangier to Asilah for about 40€ for the hour drive (for 5 people).
Here's a quick comparison of distances from Casablanca to other cities in Morocco:
| City | Distance from Casablanca (km) |
|---|---|
| Rabat | 86.43 |
| El Jadida | 90.48 |
| Marrakech | 221.12 |
| Meknès | 194.48 |
| Fès | 246.99 |
| Tangier | 294 |
| Agadir | 399.09 |
CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO | BEST Things To Do In & Around The Blue City Of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen: The Blue City
Chaouen, an iconic Moroccan town known for its bright blue buildings, is a 2-hour drive from Tangier. During a visit, you can drink tea at a charming teahouse, shop for hand-woven blankets, and admire handmade silver jewelry. Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City of Morocco, has become a hugely popular destination. Its quasi-remote location means that you’re going to need a taxi, bus, or rental car for at least part of your journey.
According to some locals, Chefchaouen’s walls are painted in all shades of blue to represent the color of the Mediterranean Sea. Starting in Fez, Marrakech, or even Casablanca just wastes so much time for what is popularly seen as a day trip. Chefchaouen, namely the blue part, is such a small part of the city (the medina (old town)) that you don’t need to spend much time there in order to see it all. A start from Tangier allows you to better hit the ground running.
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Tangier has the closest airport to Chefchaouen, and there are some really cheap flights if you’re coming from Europe. Getting around Chefchaouen is easy with petit taxis. They’ll know where you want to go, but the unofficial main taxi drop-off point inside the walls of the Blue City is near Hotel Parador. Or, you can also do what I did, which is pop your hotel name into your GPS and walk. Chefchaufen is considered to be very safe.
I stayed in Hotel Molino Garden. It was okay, but nothing special. One thing to check before booking is the use of bathrooms. I found that some places in Morocco like to list rooms as having a private bathroom when they really don’t. The definition they use of a “private bathroom” is that the bathroom has a door for privacy. Aka: It’s a shared bathroom that only one person can use at a time.
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