El Hank Lighthouse, known in French as the Phare d'El Hank, stands on a rocky headland along the western Boulevard de la Corniche in Casablanca, Morocco. Built in 1916, the tall white tower is among the highest lighthouses in Africa and still guides ships along the Atlantic coast. The interior is not open to visitors, so the main experience is the shore itself: a rocky coastline where waves crash against dark rocks, with fishermen casting lines, local families walking at the water's edge and a wide view across the ocean toward the Hassan II Mosque in the distance. A public path follows the shoreline and is free to walk at any hour, though the best time to go is at sunset when the tower catches the last light and the sea turns gold. A visit takes about 45 minutes, enough to walk the shoreline, take photographs and enjoy the breeze. Good photo angles include the lighthouse from the rocks below, the waves breaking on the headland and the silhouettes of fishermen against the sunset. Crowds are small on weekdays and swell on weekend evenings when families come to watch the sun go down. The rocks can be slippery and waves occasionally surge higher than expected, so visitors should stay back from the edge in rough weather and wear shoes with good grip. A petit taxi from downtown takes around 15 minutes. The spot sits near the start of the Ain Diab corniche, so it combines naturally with a walk along the promenade and a seafood meal nearby. Visitors should keep valuables out of sight and avoid the area after dark.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior only; shore walk open all day |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | Sunset |
| Getting there | Petit taxi from downtown, 15 minutes |
| Address | Boulevard de la Corniche, near Phare d'El Hank, Casablanca 20180 |
Location
Boulevard de la Corniche, near Phare d'El Hank, Casablanca 20180
33.6040, -7.6770 View on map
Highlights
- White lighthouse built in 1916 on a rocky headland
- Waves crashing on dark rocks
- Sunset views across the Atlantic
- Local fishermen at work
- Distant view of the Hassan II Mosque
Tips for visiting
- Go at sunset for the best light
- Wear shoes with good grip, as rocks are slippery
- Stay back from the edge in rough seas
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Avoid the area after dark
- Combine with a walk along the Ain Diab corniche
When to visit
Sunset is best for light and atmosphere. Weekday mornings are calm, and rough winter seas can make the rocks hazardous.
Accessibility
The shoreline path has uneven rock and few barriers, so it is not suited to wheelchairs. The roadside viewpoint is easier to reach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes is enough for the shoreline walk and photographs.
Can visitors climb the lighthouse?
No. The lighthouse is viewed from outside only.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography of the lighthouse and the sea is fine for personal use.