From Oujda to Saïdia: A Day at Morocco's Most Beautiful Beach

Why Saïdia Is Worth the Drive from Oujda

Saïdia is often called Morocco's most beautiful beach, and for good reason. It sits on the Mediterranean coast of the Oriental region, with a 14 km stretch of golden sand that is among the longest and most impressive in the country. The water is clear and warm in summer, the promenade is modern and lively, and the whole town has a relaxed, resort feel that is a world away from the busy medinas further west.

The best part? Saïdia is only about 60 km from Oujda — roughly an hour by road. That makes it the perfect day trip from the city, and one of the easiest ways to combine culture and coast in a single eastern Morocco itinerary.

This guide covers the route from Oujda to Saïdia, the transport options, the stops worth making along the way (including the orange capital of Berkane), and a full day itinerary for the beach.

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The Route: Oujda to Saïdia

The drive from Oujda to Saïdia is straightforward and mostly flat, running through the agricultural plains of the Oriental region before reaching the Mediterranean coast.

• Distance: ~60 km
• Driving time: About 1 hour by car
• Road: A good, well-maintained road for most of the way
• Scenery: Orange groves, farmland, and the Beni Snassen mountains in the distance

The route passes near Berkane, the orange capital of Morocco, which makes a natural stop along the way. From Berkane, the road continues north to the coast at Saïdia.

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Transport Options

By Car (Recommended)

Driving is the most flexible option. The road is good, the drive takes about an hour, and you can stop in Berkane or anywhere else along the way. Parking in Saïdia is available near the beach and promenade, though it can fill up in summer.

By Grand Taxi

Shared grand taxis run between Oujda and Saïdia, especially in summer when the beach is busy. This is a budget-friendly option, though you share the ride with other passengers. Agree on the price before you get in.

By Bus

Buses connect Oujda and Saïdia, though they are less frequent than taxis and slower. This is the cheapest option but the least flexible. Check schedules in advance, especially outside summer.

By Private Transfer

For comfort and convenience, a private transfer or taxi for the day is a good option. It costs more but gives you full flexibility and door-to-door service.

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Stop in Berkane: The Orange Capital

About halfway between Oujda and Saïdia, Berkane is worth a stop. It is the orange capital of Morocco, set against the Beni Snassen mountains, and its markets are full of the region's famous citrus.

• The orange groves: The countryside around Berkane is covered in orange trees, and in season the air is full of their scent
• The market: Berkane's market is a good place to buy fresh oranges, citrus products, and local produce
• Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam: A short drive from the town, this dam and its reservoir offer a pleasant stop with views over the surrounding countryside

A stop in Berkane adds about 30–45 minutes to the journey, but it is well worth it for the market and the scenery.

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Saïdia Beach: A Day Itinerary

Morning: Arrive and Settle In

Arrive in Saïdia in the late morning, find a spot on the beach, and settle in. The sand is soft and golden, the water is clear, and the beach is wide enough that you can usually find space even in summer.

Midday: Lunch by the Sea

Saïdia has a good range of restaurants and cafés along the promenade. Seafood is the obvious choice — fresh from the Mediterranean — alongside Moroccan classics. Expect 50–120 MAD for a main course at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Swim, Walk, and Relax

Spend the afternoon swimming, walking the beach, or relaxing under an umbrella. The water is warm in summer and the beach is safe for families. If you want a break from the sun, the promenade has cafés and shops.

Late Afternoon: The Promenade

As the heat eases, walk the promenade that runs along the beach. It is the social heart of Saïdia, lined with cafés, restaurants, and palm trees, and it comes alive in the late afternoon and evening.

Evening: Return to Oujda

Head back to Oujda in the early evening, arriving in time for dinner in the city. The drive is easy and the roads are quiet outside the summer peak.

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The Saïdia Promenade

The promenade is one of Saïdia's defining features. It runs along the beach, lined with palm trees, cafés, and restaurants, and is the best place to watch the sunset or enjoy an evening stroll. In summer it is lively and busy; outside the peak season it is calm and relaxed.

The promenade is also where you will find most of the town's restaurants and cafés, making it the natural place to stop for lunch or a drink during your day trip.

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What to Eat in Saïdia

Saïdia's food is dominated by the sea, with a good range of restaurants along the promenade.

• Grilled fish and seafood: Fresh from the Mediterranean, the obvious choice
• Sardines and whitebait: Local favorites, grilled or fried
• Moroccan classics: Tagines, couscous, and grilled meats
• Mint tea and pastries: The café culture is strong along the promenade

For a quick, authentic lunch, follow the locals to a small restaurant or food stall near the beach. Expect 50–120 MAD for a main course.

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Practical Tips for the Day Trip

• Start early: To make the most of the day, leave Oujda by mid-morning and arrive in Saïdia before the heat peaks.
• Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential, especially in summer.
• Carry cash: Many beachside stalls and small restaurants do not take cards.
• Check the season: In summer, Saïdia is busy with Moroccan families. Outside the peak season it is much quieter.
• Plan the return: If you are not driving, confirm your return transport before you leave, especially outside summer when services are less frequent.
• Combine with Berkane: A stop in Berkane on the way adds the orange market and the dam to your day.

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When to Go

• Summer (June–August): The peak season. Hot, busy, and lively, with the warmest water. The beach fills with Moroccan families, and the promenade is at its most vibrant.
• Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November): The best balance. Warm enough for the beach, with far fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.
• Winter (December–February): Cool and quiet. Not a beach season, but the coast is atmospheric and the promenade is calm.

For the best day trip, aim for spring or autumn, when the weather is warm and the crowds are manageable.

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Saïdia as Part of an Eastern Morocco Trip

Saïdia fits naturally into an eastern Morocco itinerary:

1. Oujda (1–2 days) — the medina, souks, and food
2. Saïdia (1–2 days) — the beach and promenade
3. Berkane (half day) — the orange capital and the Beni Snassen mountains

This route works well as a 4–6 day eastern Morocco trip. For more ideas, see our Oujda Travel Guide 2026, Saïdia Travel Guide 2026, and Morocco Trip Planner 2026.

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FAQ

How far is Saïdia from Oujda? About 60 km — roughly 1 hour by road. It is the most popular day trip from Oujda and one of the easiest ways to reach the Mediterranean coast.

How do you get from Oujda to Saïdia? By car (about 1 hour), by grand taxi (shared, budget-friendly), by bus (cheapest but least flexible), or by private transfer (most comfortable). Driving is the most flexible option.

Is Saïdia beach worth visiting? Yes. Saïdia has a 14 km stretch of golden sand, clear Mediterranean water, and a modern promenade, making it one of Morocco's most beautiful and popular beaches.

What is there to do in Saïdia? Swimming, sunbathing, walking the beach and promenade, eating fresh seafood, and relaxing in the cafés along the coast. In summer the town is lively and busy.

Is Berkane worth stopping at on the way? Yes. Berkane is the orange capital of Morocco, with orange groves, a good market, and the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam nearby. A stop adds about 30–45 minutes to the journey.

When is the best time to visit Saïdia? Summer (June–August) is the peak season with the warmest water, but it is busy. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds.