Oujda to Saïdia: How to Plan the Perfect Beach Day with Your Car
You’re in Oujda, a city alive with the sounds of the medina and the scent of authentic Moroccan cuisine. But just 60 kilometers away, the call of the Mediterranean is impossible to ignore. We’re talking about Saïdia, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, boasting a 14-kilometer stretch of the finest golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
A day trip to Saïdia is not just recommended—it’s essential. And while you could take a bus or a grand taxi, the single best way to do it is with the freedom and comfort of your own rental car.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning the perfect, stress-free beach day.
1. The Drive: Getting from Oujda to Saïdia
The best part about this trip is how easy it is.
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour
- Distance: Approx. 60 km
- The Route: Head out of Oujda on the well-maintained N2 before connecting to the motorway or the N16 straight to the coast. Roads are modern, clearly signposted, and a pleasure to drive.
Why a Car Is Better: Forget rigid bus schedules or negotiating taxi fares. With your own car, you leave when you want, control the A/C (a must in summer!), play your music, and stop at local shops for snacks and cold drinks on the way.
2. Arriving in Saïdia: The Parking Advantage
This is where your rental car truly shines. Saïdia is a long, spread-out resort.
- Along the main corniche (Boulevard Moulay Rachid) for direct beach access
- Large car parks near the Saïdia Marina
- Designated street parking by cafés and restaurants
A bus or taxi will drop you at one central point. With your car, you can cruise the entire beachfront and park exactly where you want—right in the action or at a quieter, more secluded spot.
3. Your Car: The “Perfect Beach Base”
Think of your rental car as your personal beach locker and mobile base—this is the secret to a low-stress day.
- Store valuables: Lock wallets and electronics out of sight in the trunk while you swim.
- Pack a cooler: Keep cold water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on hand—no kiosk markups.
- Bring the gear: Chairs, parasol, kids’ inflatables—just load the trunk.
- Quick change: Swap out of wet swimsuits before dinner at the marina.
4. What to Do: An Itinerary Made Possible by Car
- 10:00 AM – Arrive & Park: Cruise the corniche, pick your perfect spot, and park with ease.
- 10:30 AM – Beach Time: Hit the main beach; calm, shallow waters are ideal for families.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at the Marina: Drive 5 minutes to Saïdia Marina for everything from casual pizza to fresh seafood.
- 3:00 PM – Explore the “Wild” Beach: Drive east past the resort toward Oued Kiss (the river at the Algerian border). Wider, quieter, and more untouched—reachable only by car.
- 5:00 PM – Sunset & Ice Cream: Return to the corniche, grab an ice cream or mint tea, and watch the Mediterranean sunset.
Make It a Highlight of Your Trip
A day trip from Oujda to Saïdia is a standout experience in the Oriental region—but to do it right, you need flexibility.
A rental car transforms the journey from simple A-to-B into a personalized day of discovery. It’s the difference between being a tourist stuck in one spot and being an explorer who sees the very best of what the “Blue Pearl” offers.
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