Mohammedia is a small port city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast, near the Ould Mellah River, 30 km from Casablanca. This city with a population of about 190 thousand people is a major seaport for the transshipment of oil cargoes and tankers. The city also has a bus terminal and a railway station. The main source of income for the locals is the largest oil refinery complex in Morocco with a length of 20 kilometers, located along the Atlantic coast between Mohammedia and Casablanca.
The close proximity to Casablanca makes Mohammedia one of the popular tourist centers of Morocco. Mohammedia is quite an ancient city which used to be called Fedala. As early as the 14th century it was a center of trade between Moroccans and European traders. By the beginning of the twentieth century the city was only a fortress, but in the 30s of last century everything changed. The port began to receive oil tankers and the economy of the region and the country grew.
In June 1960, the city was renamed Mohammedia in honor of the Moroccan King Mohamed V. The occasion was the laying of the first stone of Samir, the largest oil refining center.
Mohammedia is not only an industrial center for oil refining, but also a major tourist destination. There may not be as many attractions as in other popular Moroccan cities, but despite this, it is a great pleasure to walk through the green streets of the city. The streets here are just drowned in a riot of green palm trees, which hides the proximity of the location of the oil refinery complex, turning Mohammedia in a real paradise.
The main attractions of the city are the old Medina and the central city park, created by design and with funds allocated by the local oil refinery. The old part of the city (Medina) is quite small (about 250 meters across). The real decoration of the center of Medina is the Great Mosque, surrounded by a maze of narrow streets with bright colorful houses. Almost all the balconies of these small houses are decorated with a variety of flowers.
Also, while walking around Mohammedia, it is recommended to visit the local fortress (kasbah) and the wonderful fish market. Enjoy a walk along the Mohammedia promenade. The curious tourists are recommended to climb the cliffs, which offer a magnificent panorama of the entire city and the sea coast.
Overview of Moroccan resorts: Where and when to go on vacation
The main question of the tourist who goes on a beach holiday in the Kingdom – Where is the best place to rest in Morocco? Here arises a reasonable question not only of the most beautiful locations, but also the most suitable places that will satisfy your ideas about the right beach hotel or resort.
The beaches in Morocco stretch from the southernmost point in the Western Sahara to the north-western tip of the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca and Rabat. The northern part of Morocco is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and few people know, but here you can also organize a beach tour at a luxury resort, and in some ways it may be even better than a vacation in the famous Moroccan resort of Agadir.
Features vacation at sea in Morocco have their own specificity – it is important to know the location not only the most beautiful beaches, but also to know the seasons – when the sea or the ocean is warmest, when there are no strong piercing winds from the Atlantic, or, for example, whether the hotel has a heated pool for the winter holidays. Some beach hotels are ideal for surfers and others for couples or families with children. Some beaches are suitable only for sunbathing and walking, others for swimming.
Let’s try to make our own rating of the best resorts in the country, the best beach hotels in Morocco, and focus on the specifics of each place depending on bathing conditions and the beauty of the beach.
Holidays with children in Mohammedia: is it worth the trip?
This magic word is Morocco. How much it says, in any case – to a woman’s heart. And somehow we even forget that this country is actually in Africa, we take it as a brilliant oriental fairy tale. And how can you not introduce a child to a fairy tale? The idea is good. But before embarking on a family trip, it is necessary to explore the foreign country from all sides. In fact, Morocco – despite the rather large distance from Europe – has long been one of the most popular destinations. We are used to snowmen and snowstorms, very impressed by its mild and hot climate at the same time, not in the northern luxurious flora and grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean. Choosing the Moroccan resorts, most often go to the capital – Rabat, aristocratic Casablanca, the ancient Fez, the local “Switzerland” – Ifrane, colorful Marrakech. However, those tourists who like to find in every state something inconspicuous at first glance, but in fact worthy of sincere sympathy choose resorts with less “big” names. One of these is Mohammedia.
The main attractions of the city are the old Medina and the central city park, created by design and with funds allocated by the local oil refinery. The old part of the city (Medina) is quite small (about 250 meters across). The real decoration of the center of Medina is the Great Mosque, surrounded by a maze of narrow streets with bright colorful houses. Almost all the balconies of these small houses are decorated with a variety of flowers.
Also, while walking around Mohammedia, it is recommended to visit the local fortress (kasbah) and the wonderful fish market. Enjoy a walk along the Mohammedia promenade. The curious tourists are recommended to climb the cliffs, which offer a magnificent panorama of the entire city and the sea coast.
As for accommodation for a family trip – in such a small town you should not expect a wide choice. However, there are several European 2-3 stars hotels and a couple of luxury hotels, which are much cheaper than in Casablanca. With the child, of course, it is better to give preference to the “luxury” option, especially since it is not a skyscraper here: a neat three-storey building Amphitrite Beach Hotel with about 160 rooms, its swimming pool, business center, high-quality spa services, Turkish bath and other hotel amenities. For family tourists is very convenient service “booking excursions (tickets)”, you can arrange for a fee babysitting for the kids, Wi-Fi, breakfast and fresh newspapers in the lobby – completely free. Location of this very young (just over four years since opening) hotel is also very convenient – in the heart of the city, and nearby, literally in walking distance is the Golf Club “Mohammedia Royal”. Choosing Mohammedia as the destination of your trip, you will, of course, learn about the large oil refinery located here, which, incidentally, gives jobs to local residents and invests in urban development (the central park was created just on this money). But if you find this neighborhood unacceptable, then take the advice of experienced travelers: the abundance of rich vegetation not only perfectly masks the modern production, but also carefully cleanses the air. In addition, the local authorities will not neglect the good name of the resort, an ancient city, and take all necessary steps to protect the environment.
With all the obvious advantages of a Moroccan holiday have to keep in mind the minuses, especially if you go with a child. In general, health care in the country is quite well developed, but for quality medical care, you have to count on, rather, in large cities, for example, neighboring Mohammedia Casablanca. Emergency medical care for both children and adults is free, but only in extreme cases. The general trend is to pay for medical services. It is accepted not only for foreign visitors, but also for our own citizens. Certainly it is better to avoid extremes: to drink bottled water only, to eat at respectable restaurants and cafes, to avoid refreshments from strangers’ hands etc. Actually, these tips are valid for parents-tourists in any hot country. It is better for children to eat familiar European dishes rather than the national dishes which the Moroccans love to season with fresh herbs and spicy or spicy spices.
Going on vacation with children
This magic word – Morocco. How much it says, in any case – to a woman’s heart. And somehow we even forget that this country is actually in Africa, we take it as a brilliant oriental fairy tale. And how can you not introduce a child to a fairy tale? The idea is good. But before embarking on a family trip, it is necessary to explore the foreign country from all sides. In fact, Morocco – despite the rather large distance from Europe – has long been one of the most popular destinations. We are used to snowmen and snowstorms, very impressed by its mild and hot climate at the same time, not in the northern luxurious flora and grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean. Choosing the Moroccan resorts, most often go to the capital – Rabat, aristocratic Casablanca, the ancient Fez, the local “Switzerland” – Ifrane, colorful Marrakech. However, those tourists who like to find in every state something inconspicuous at first glance, but in fact worthy of sincere sympathy choose resorts with less “big” names. One of these was Mohammedia.
Port town, not striking by its size, but very old age does not have ultramodern water parks, grand oceanariums and amusement parks, but it is so nice to walk with children – an abundance of tropical greenery, preserved their archaic appearance of houses of local residents, where the windows and balconies are decorated with flowering plants, fresh ocean breeze, reaching everyone.
Morocco travel guide
For many years, Morocco has been in great demand among tourists from different countries. Relatively recently, this destination has become popular among Russian tourists, thanks to the carriers who have launched direct charter flights. Morocco really deserves to be here to rest – there is the highest level of service, comfortable hotels, ready to satisfy any whim of the most capricious and demanding guests. Many hotels provide spa services, thalassotherapy, which has particular success with the beautiful half.
It is also worth mentioning the national cuisine: couscous, roast meat of young lamb, marshmallow, marinated beef in sauce and much more. Not a single dish will leave you indifferent.