Saidia Beach is a long, sandy Mediterranean beach in northeastern Morocco, in the resort town of Saidia in Berkane Province near the Algerian border, roughly 350 km east-northeast of Fes. The sand is fine and golden, and the Mediterranean water here is generally calmer and warmer than on Morocco's Atlantic coast, with shallow, gently sloping entry that suits children and casual swimmers. Surf is minimal compared with the Atlantic, and the open shoreline stretches for kilometres, so even in peak season there is room to spread out away from the busiest sections.
Saidia is one of Morocco's best-known family beach destinations. The town has a developed resort infrastructure, including hotels, apartment complexes and a marina, and the beach is backed by promenades, beach cafes and restaurants. In July and August it fills with Moroccan holidaymakers, including many Moroccans living abroad, giving it a busy, festive but family-friendly atmosphere. Outside summer it becomes much quieter, and many seasonal businesses reduce hours or close.
Amenities are among the better ones on the Moroccan coast: sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented in season, cafes and restaurants line the beachfront, and seasonal lifeguards operate in the main swimming areas, though exact hours vary and should be checked locally. Public toilets and showers are available in the more developed stretches, with standards varying by operator.
Getting to Saidia from Fes requires a long journey. Visitors can take a CTM coach or ONCF train to Oujda or Berkane, then continue by grand taxi to Saidia, which takes roughly 5–7 hours in total, so the trip is best treated as a multi-day excursion. By car it is about 350 km. Once in Saidia, the beach is easy to reach on foot from most hotels and the town centre, and public parking is available along the seafront, though it fills up in peak summer weekends.
Visitors seeking a calm Mediterranean swim, shallow water for children and a resort-style setting will find Saidia a good fit, while those wanting wild or secluded coastline may prefer to walk further along the shore, away from the central promenade.
| Distance | Roughly 350 km east-northeast of Fes by road |
|---|---|
| Getting there | CTM coach or ONCF train to Oujda or Berkane, then grand taxi to Saidia; roughly 5–7 hours, best as a multi-day trip |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June–September for swimming |
| Address | Plage de Saidia, Saidia, Berkane Province |
Amenities
- long sandy Mediterranean beach
- resort hotels and marina
- beach cafes and restaurants
- family-friendly shallow water
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples
Location
Plage de Saidia, Saidia, Berkane Province
35.0875, -2.2275 View on map
Highlights
- Long golden Mediterranean beach with gentle, shallow water
- Resort promenade, marina and beachfront restaurants
- Calm sea suited to children and casual swimmers
- Quieter stretches reachable by walking along the shore
Tips for visiting
- Visit in June or September to enjoy warm water with fewer crowds than July and August.
- Book accommodation well ahead for July and August, when Saidia is at its busiest.
- Walk away from the central promenade for more space on the sand.
- Plan a multi-day trip from Fes; the journey takes roughly 5–7 hours each way.
- Check lifeguard coverage locally and swim in supervised areas.
When to visit
June to September for swimming, with June and September offering fewer crowds. Mornings are calmer than afternoons in peak season.
Accessibility
The promenade and developed seafront sections are relatively level, while the beach itself is soft sand. Beach wheelchairs and adapted ramps are not known to be provided.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Fes to Saidia?
Take a CTM coach or ONCF train to Oujda or Berkane, then a grand taxi to Saidia. The trip takes roughly 5–7 hours, so a multi-day stay is best.
Is Saidia Beach good for families?
Yes, the water is shallow and generally calm, and the town has hotels, cafes and a marina. It is a popular family holiday destination in summer.
When is the best time to swim at Saidia?
June to September is best for swimming. July and August are the busiest, while June and September are calmer.
Are sun loungers and food available on the beach?
Sun loungers and umbrellas are usually rented in season, and beachfront cafes and restaurants serve food. Services reduce outside the summer months.