Oujda-Saïdia-Nador Road Trip: a Moroccan adventure

Embark on a seven-day road trip through the diverse landscapes of northeastern Morocco, where the coast meets the mountains, and vibrant cities blend with peaceful villages. From the bustling streets of Oujda to the serene shores of Saïdia, and the natural beauty of Marchica to the hidden gems of Nador, this journey offers a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, quiet beaches, or a taste of authentic Moroccan life, this road trip promises an unforgettable experience. Buckle up — your adventure starts now.

Day 1: Oujda, the gateway to the East

Welcome to Oujda, a city that feels just the right size. It’s lively, but without the stress. The moment you pick up your rental car and leave the airport behind, you can already sense the shift in rhythm. Things move more slowly here, more calmly, with none of the blaring horns or hectic crowds you might expect elsewhere.

Start easy. Take a stroll through the medina and along the ancient city walls. Let the scent of spices guide you, admire the old doors with their timeworn details, and settle into a rooftop café with a mint tea in hand. You can also make your way to the Cathédrale Saint-Louis d'Anjou, a quiet and unexpected landmark that offers a different glimpse into the city’s layered past. If you’re travelling with kids, a scoop of ice cream or a fresh pastry goes a long way to keep the mood just right.

Don’t miss the Lalla Aïcha Park. This large public garden is a local favourite, with shaded paths, play areas for children, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after the flight and get your bearings before the journey continues.

Day 2: On the road to Saïdia, with a stop in Beni Drar

This morning, it’s time to head for the sea. Set off towards Saïdia, but plan a short stop in Beni Drar. This small and bustling town is known for its colourful market, woven baskets, handmade rugs, and open sacks of spices. You’ll pass locals going about their day, exchange a few smiles, and maybe spot a few goats wandering by the roadside. It’s also a great excuse to grab a coffee or, if you’re lucky, spot a stall selling hot msemen straight from the griddle.

Then it’s onwards to the coast. As soon as you reach Saïdia, the atmosphere shifts. Palm trees line the roads, the sound of waves rolls in, and that unmistakable coastal breeze welcomes you to Morocco’s Mediterranean side. This is a beach town in full swing, with a wide sandy shore, a long pedestrian promenade, and cafés that seem to stretch on forever.

Find a spot for sunset. A handful of grilled corn, your feet in the sand, and the golden light reflecting off the water, it doesn’t get much simpler, or better, than that.

Day 3: A day of relaxation on the shores of Saïdia

Now it’s time to slow things down. Saïdia welcomes you with a postcard-perfect stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Known as the Blue Pearl of the northeast, this beach resort blends Moroccan warmth with a European holiday feel. The sand here is soft, the water inviting, and the promenade stretches on for kilometres. You can fill the day however you like: rent a paddleboard, sip mint tea under a straw parasol, or simply lay back and let the hours melt away.

Compared to the more polished resorts along Spain’s Costa del Sol, Saïdia feels more honest, more grounded, and definitely less crowded. There’s room to breathe, space to think, and a view worth remembering.

Day 4: From Saïdia to Marchica, with a scenic detour through Cap de l’Eau

Leave the gentle rhythm of Saïdia behind and head out for a change of scenery. The drive towards Marchica becomes a real highlight once you take the scenic route through Cap de l’Eau. This coastal road gradually reveals a more dramatic Morocco. The cliffs begin to rise, the curves become sharper, and the sea stretches out beside you in deep blue.

Cap de l’Eau, or Ras El Ma, offers that kind of untouched beauty you rarely find along the Mediterranean. The silence is striking. You won’t find beach bars or big resorts here, just the wind brushing against low shrubs and the occasional fishing boat sliding across the water. Stop for a moment. Take it in. Let your eyes follow the coastline as it disappears into the horizon.

Once you’ve had your fill of sea air, continue inland. The landscape softens again as you approach the Marchica lagoon. This vast body of calm water sits just outside the city of Nador and feels worlds away from urban life. The atmosphere becomes quieter. The light changes. You’ve arrived somewhere special.

Day 5: Immersed in nature around the Marchica lagoon

Morning comes softly at Marchica. Light filters through the curtains, and the sound of birds replaces any need for an alarm. The lagoon stretches out before you, still and shimmering, surrounded by low hills and wide skies.

You’re not here to chase a checklist. You’re here to breathe, to pause, and to let nature set the pace. Rent a kayak and glide along the water’s edge, or choose a bike and follow the path that traces the lagoon’s shore. You’ll pass through stretches of reeds, see herons lift into the air, and catch glimpses of the Rif Mountains in the distance.

Even doing nothing feels like something here. Sitting on a bench by the water, watching the ripples move, becomes an activity in itself. There’s no pressure to fill the day. Just let it unfold as it wants to.

Day 6: Nador, where the mountains meet the sea

Leave Marchica behind and head toward Nador, a city perfectly positioned between the Mediterranean and the hills of the Rif. As the coastline stretches beside you and the land begins to rise, you will feel the shift. The scenery becomes more textured and the horizon more layered.

Nador is not a city that begs for attention, and that is precisely its charm. On one side, sunlit beaches invite you to slow down and listen to the waves. On the other, the nearby hills offer just enough elevation to tempt you into a short hike or a scenic drive. The balance between mountain and sea is effortless here, and the pace is refreshingly unhurried.

Stroll along the waterfront, grab a coffee where locals gather, and take a detour to the vibrant souk. This local market is where the true pulse of the city can be felt. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handwoven textiles, all mingling with the sounds and smells of daily life. It’s a perfect spot to witness the authenticity of Nador. The town doesn’t overwhelm; it welcomes, and the souk is a great way to experience that warmth firsthand.

Day 7: Return Trip or one last coastal stop

The final day. You’ve made your way across the region, but maybe you’re not quite ready to leave. If you’ve got time, squeeze in one last stop along the coast. Relax on a quiet beach, or wander through a small village for one final taste of Morocco. Or, you can start heading back, but there’s no rush. After all, you’ve experienced a lot in just seven days, and as with all good trips, the memories will last longer than the journey itself.

As your journey comes to an end, you’ll realize that this seven-day road trip from Oujda to Nador has given you a perfect snapshot of Morocco’s diverse beauty. From the quiet charm of Oujda to the serene shores of Saïdia, the rugged landscapes of Cap de l’Eau, and the peaceful lagoons of Marchica, each destination has its own rhythm. Nador, with its blend of mountains and sea, feels like a hidden gem, a place to experience the real Morocco without the crowds. This road trip isn’t just about the places you visit; it’s about the moments you create, the sights that take your breath away, and the experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left. So, take your time, soak it all in, and let this part of Morocco leave its mark on you.