Ain Diab Corniche

What makes it special

Ain Diab is the city's beach quarter, west of the centre, and the city has been rebuilding its promenade, with play areas for children set along the new walkway. On the beach below are pitches for beach volleyball and beach football, and surf schools work the same sand. In summer, swimmers also use the natural rock pools along the shore.

Past the Hotel Suisse, the mausoleum of Sidi Abderrahmane sits on a rock islet just off the shore, above the waves. The shrine carries a mystical reputation, but the islet itself is a small maze of tiny houses, narrow passages and cats. The islet is known for its sunsets over the open Atlantic.

Visiting

Two stretches of seafront make up the walk, with a ride between them. The first runs from the new Marina by the port down to the Hassan II Mosque, then west along the coast to El Hank Lighthouse, about 1.5 km on.

From the lighthouse, take a taxi out to the Hotel Suisse at Ain Diab and set off on foot again there. This second stretch runs past Sidi Abderrahmane all the way to Morocco Mall.

Ain Diab lies west of the city centre, so the second stretch also makes an outing of its own, starting from the Hotel Suisse and ending at the mall.

Tips

Bring a warm layer and hold onto your hat, because the wind off the ocean can be strong on the promenade.

The islet closes at 18:00, so for most of the year, cross earlier in the afternoon and watch the sunset from the shore. Outside the swimming months, the seafront is still worth the walk, with the open Atlantic beside you the whole way.