Halfway between the provinces of Sidi Bennour, El Jadida, Safi, and Essaouira, Oualidia offers you a seaside resort unique of its kind. It is a 12-kilometre-long lagoon on the Atlantic coast.
In Oualidia, land and ocean have confronted and mingled for millennia, creating an oval lagoon framed by cliffs. At each tide, the waves, which make the wildest surfers dream, cross the two passes, fill the lagoon, and then leave it. Its historical remains, its caves, its fishermen who nest in its rocks form a singular setting in this natural wonder... every moment is singular in this place unique in the world. You will discover cliffs, points, and reefs constantly battered by the wind... It was El Oualid, the last Sultan of the Saadian dynasty, who gave his name to this seaside resort. One of the best protected on the north Atlantic side.
In the upper part of the city, one can still see some remains of its Kasbah, built in 1634. On the edge of this lagoon stands majestically an old palace of the late H.M. Mohammed V. For fans of spider crab, the city's great speciality, and oysters, among the best in the world that European and Japanese restaurants fight over and which are enjoyed with abalone, clams, and crabs... In the seaside district, there are some very good fish and seafood restaurants. Oualidia is the preferred destination for Moroccan and foreign swimming enthusiasts, a true haven of peace that charms visitors and makes them want to return. This large beach, preserved from the wind and protected from the tumultuous ocean by a barrier of islets, is recommended for those who want to swim in complete safety; it is the ideal place for those looking to decompress and relax. The climate in Oualidia is very fresh since the temperature remains mild all year round. Oualidia offers a pleasant site, curiously spared by luxury tourist complexes; there are a few hotels or one can stay with locals. The city is also equipped with a campsite as well as a large number of bungalows. It is also a privileged site for jet-ski and windsurfing enthusiasts. There is also a private surf and windsurfing school club, intended for holidaymakers wishing to practice their hobbies. And then, of course, the beach, idleness, and walks, with guaranteed sun and blue sky.
Large investments are being made to beautify the Oualidia seaside resort at the end of the summer season. Currently, work is accelerating to extend and increase the capacity of the beach and its lagoon. Similarly, new spaces are being developed to accommodate sports infrastructure. Furthermore, new promenade areas are being laid out. The capacity of the car parks will also be reinforced. With the new extensions, the Oualidia lagoon will reach a total length of 6 km for an investment of around 5 million DH, totally financed by the province. The city's current beach was awarded the "Blue Flag" label for the fifth time during the last summer season; the labelled part, which does not exceed 800 m in length, experienced high occupancy. As for the car parks, they were permanently saturated. And it is to remedy this situation that the development of a new corniche, in the southern extension of the one that is labelled, has been planned by the local authorities.
This part of the beach constitutes a strategic junction point between the seaside resort and Oualidia, areas with strong tourist potential, it is indicated. Thus, the development planned in this part of the beach will be carried out over an area of several hectares, financed by the provincial budget. It will include 4 car parks, one of 15,310 m² and the other of 10,485 m². Spaces reserved for water sports clubs are also on the programme as well as green spaces and promenades with decorative lighting. In parallel with this work, in 2008 the Regional Council contributed 2.2 million DH to the renovation of the lighting at the entrance to the Oualidia commune.
