Around Rabat

A city shaped by centuries of history

On the right bank of the Bouregreg, Salé grew as a centre of trade and learning. Its fourteenth-century madrasa reflects the Marinid period. Bab el-Mrissa, a thirteenth-century maritime gate once linked to the river by a canal, recalls the city’s former port activity.

What to look for

Inside the madrasa, slow down to examine the zellige tiles, carved plaster and cedar woodwork. The medina is also a living neighbourhood: souks, workshops and everyday streets are part of the discovery. This itinerary does not depend on access to places of worship.

Our half-day in Salé

1. Begin with a walk through the medina and its souks, without trying to cover every lane.
2. Continue to the madrasa for an interior visit if it is open.
3. Add Bab el-Mrissa, then a break by the Bouregreg or marina if you have the energy. With children, shorten this final stage.

Getting there from Rabat

The Rabat–Salé tram crosses the river. Use the operator’s map to choose a station, then check the walk to the medina. If taking a taxi, specify a gate or clear drop-off point, as not every lane is accessible by car. Plan the return using our transport guide.

Opening, budget and comfort

Visit Rabat lists the madrasa as open daily, 09:30–16:30; confirm before travelling. It does not state an admission price, so ask on arrival. Budget separately for transport, any entry charge and meals. Wear comfortable shoes, allow time for breaks and ask before photographing people.

Information checked on 17 October 2026. Programme and duration are editorial suggestions, excluding travel.

A garden created in 1951

Horticulturist Marcel François created the Exotic Gardens in 1951; they opened to the public in 1961. Following rehabilitation begun in 2002, they reopened in 2005. The project combines botanical discovery, designed landscapes and environmental education.

What to discover

The atmosphere changes between settings inspired by tropical regions and Japanese, Chinese or Andalusian gardens. Rather than rushing through every space, notice the foliage, shade and the way passages shape the walk. Ask reception which areas, museum and vivarium are accessible on the day.

Our programme, in 2–3 hours

1. Choose a few gardens and explore at your own pace, stopping to observe the plants.
2. With children, look for three leaf shapes or different textures without picking anything.
3. Allow time for the educational route and a break, depending on which areas are open. Set aside half a day when including travel.

Getting there from Rabat

The gardens lie north of Salé on the road towards Kénitra. Use the entrance point shown on the map. If travelling by car or taxi, arrange the return as well. With public transport, check the current service and the final stretch to the entrance; our transport guide helps you plan connections.

Published hours and prices

October–March: tickets 09:30–17:30, gates close 18:00; April–September: 09:00–18:30, closing 19:00. Mondays open at 10:00. The gardens, vivarium and museum package is 20 DH per adult or 60 DH for a family (parents and two children). Check child conditions and holiday closures on the official website.

Families and accessibility

Take care with young children on bridges and narrow passages. For a pushchair or wheelchair, contact reception to choose a suitable route. Bring water, steady footwear and protection against rain or sun according to the season.

Information checked on 17 October 2026. Programme and duration are editorial suggestions, excluding travel.

A coast with a much older history

The Témara coast contains prehistoric sites studied by archaeologists. Research at El Harhoura 2 documents ancient human occupations and environmental changes. This heritage long predates the present seaside resort. Public access to the cave has not been confirmed, so it is not included in our visitor itinerary.

Why make this outing?

South of Rabat, the scenery combines beaches, rocks and wooded areas close to the coast. The appeal is taking time to watch the Atlantic: a walk, photographs and a break can be enough. Choose a specific beach and meeting point rather than relying on the name “Harhoura”.

Our programme, from 2 hours to half a day

1. Start with a stretch of seafront whose access and walking surface suit your group.
2. Take a short out-and-back walk, stopping to enjoy the scenery. Avoid wet rocks and areas exposed to breaking waves.
3. Add a café stop or meal if you wish, after checking opening and prices. Keep the return straightforward, especially around dusk.

Getting there from Rabat

By car, identify the beach access and permitted parking without blocking residents. By taxi, agree on the drop-off and return point. If taking a bus, check the current route and final walk before leaving; see our transport guide. Journey times vary with your starting point and traffic.

Budget and preparation

Budget separately for transport, any parking and food: there is no single cost for every outing. With children, choose a short route and keep them close. Bring water, sun protection and a layer against the wind. Check weather, tides and local instructions; for swimming, follow beach flags and lifeguard guidance.

Information checked on 17 October 2026. Programme and duration are editorial suggestions, excluding travel.

History & context

Skhirat forms part of the coastal belt south of the capital. Distinguish the town centre from the beach area: that difference matters when planning your journey and arrival point.

Our suggested programme

Plan an out-and-back walk by the beach, a shaded break and lunch only after checking which venues are available. For a relaxed outing, keep the afternoon flexible instead of setting several tight appointments.

Getting there

By car or taxi, specify Skhirat beach. If considering the train, first check services and the return journey in ONCF’s planner, then arrange the local connection between the station and the coast. The station is not a beach arrival point.

Before you go

Choose the outing around the weather and sea conditions. Check access, parking and prices before ordering or renting equipment. Lifeguarding and other services can vary with the season.

History & context

Mehdia’s kasbah is separate from the beach and overlooks the Sebou estuary. Its position reflects the estuary’s strategic importance. Plan it as a separate stop if you want to add heritage to the coastal outing.

Our suggested programme

Start at the beach, then choose between a longer break, the kasbah surroundings or Sidi Boughaba. Avoid combining all three without allowing for local transfers and access conditions.

Getting there

By car, choose a precise arrival point in Mehdia. Without a car, look into a train to Kénitra followed by a local connection to the beach. Check ONCF times and arrange the journey back from Mehdia before setting off.

Before you go

Surfing and other activities depend on conditions and the operators present. Ask about prices, supervision and equipment before booking. For a simple walk, choose an accessible area and follow beach instructions.

History & context

Merja Sidi Boughaba has been listed as a Ramsar site since 1980. This coastal wetland matters for waterbirds. Its value lies in the ecosystem rather than a range of leisure facilities around a developed lake.

Our suggested programme

Choose a short walk along permitted paths. Stop at a distance to observe birds, using binoculars if available. A quiet visit is better than a long route that disturbs wildlife.

Getting there

Identify the permitted reserve access and plan the return towards Rabat or Kénitra. The map point locates the lake; it does not guarantee an open entrance or an accessible path from every road. Check access before travelling.

Before you go

Stay on permitted paths, do not feed wildlife and take your rubbish away. Check local instructions on opening and activities. Bring water and suitable shoes. Seeing a particular bird species can never be guaranteed.