Mehdia Beach is a wide, sandy Atlantic beach on Morocco's northwest coast, in the village of Mehdia near Kenitra, roughly 240 km west of Fes. The sand is fairly fine and the beach is long and open, facing straight onto the ocean rather than sheltered in a cove. Atlantic water here is cool even in summer and tends to look grey-green rather than turquoise. Swell and rip currents can be strong, so swimming calls for care and attention to the lifeguards and flags, which operate seasonally.
The beach has a distinctly local, family-oriented feel. In summer, Moroccan families from Kenitra, Rabat and Sale fill the sand on weekends, and the area around the beach has a lively but unpretentious character rather than a party-resort one. Behind the beach stands the old kasbah of Mehdia, a fortified hilltop site overlooking the ocean and the mouth of the Sebou river, which adds a historic backdrop and good viewpoints for photographs, particularly towards sunset.
Amenities are basic. Seaside cafes and small restaurants serve grilled fish and simple Moroccan dishes, and seasonal lifeguards patrol during the main summer months, although exact hours vary and should not be assumed. Umbrellas and chairs are typically available to rent from local operators in season, and toilets exist but are of simple standard. Outside June to September, services thin out considerably and the beach becomes quiet and windy.
Getting there from Fes takes planning. The ONCF train from Fes to Kenitra takes about 2.5 hours and costs roughly 70–130 MAD, after which a local taxi covers the 20 minutes or so to Mehdia for around 80–150 MAD. Because of the total travel time, most visitors treat it as an overnight stay rather than a day trip. By car, the beach is about 240 km from Fes. Parking near the beach and kasbah is informal and fills up on summer weekends, so arriving in the morning is wise.
The combination of open ocean, a historic kasbah and inexpensive grilled fish makes Mehdia a straightforward coastal escape for visitors who want a lived-in Moroccan beach rather than a resort.
| Distance | Roughly 240 km west of Fes by road |
|---|---|
| Getting there | ONCF train Fes to Kenitra about 2.5 hours (70–130 MAD (~$7.53–$13.98)), then local taxi about 20 minutes (80–150 MAD (~$8.60–$16.13)); plan an overnight stay |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | June–September; Atlantic water stays cool and currents can be strong |
| Address | Plage de Mehdia, Mehdia, near Kenitra |
Amenities
- wide sandy Atlantic beach
- kasbah of Mehdia
- seaside cafes and grilled fish
- seasonal lifeguards
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, sunbathers, beachcombers
Location
Plage de Mehdia, Mehdia, near Kenitra
34.2569, -6.6803 View on map
Highlights
- Wide, open Atlantic sand beach near Kenitra
- Kasbah of Mehdia on the headland above the beach
- Grilled fish at simple seaside cafes
- Sunset views over the ocean and Sebou river mouth
Tips for visiting
- Swim only where lifeguards are present and heed flags; Atlantic currents here can be strong.
- Arrive before late morning on summer weekends to find parking near the beach.
- Treat the trip as an overnight stay, since the train and taxi journey from Fes is long.
- Agree the taxi fare from Kenitra before departing, typically around 80–150 MAD.
- Bring sun protection and a windbreaker, as breezes off the ocean are common.
When to visit
June to September, ideally on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Late afternoon suits sunset photography at the kasbah.
Accessibility
Access is across soft sand, which is difficult for wheelchairs. Beach wheelchairs and adapted ramps are not known to be available.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Fes to Mehdia Beach?
Take the ONCF train from Fes to Kenitra, about 2.5 hours and 70–130 MAD, then a local taxi of about 20 minutes. Driving covers roughly 240 km.
Is Mehdia Beach safe for swimming?
Swimming is possible in summer, but Atlantic currents can be strong and the water is cool. Visitors should swim near seasonal lifeguards and follow posted flags.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September offers the warmest weather and fullest services. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when local families crowd the sand.
What else is there to see besides the beach?
The Kasbah of Mehdia sits on the headland above the beach and offers views over the ocean and river mouth. Seaside cafes serve grilled fish.