Casablanca (Kasablanca) Travel Guide - Activities

Corniche: dubbed the 'Blackpool of Morocco', this is an area that starts from the el-Hank lighthouse and stretches along the boulevard de la Corniche. The coastal area south of Casablanca is popular with the locals who enjoy the sea breezes and a range of entertainment options. It's a pleasant place to take a walk along one of the beaches or to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants.

The Marabutto of Sidi Ard er-Rahman is located on a rocky headland, accessible only at low tide. It contains the graves of people struck by ‘witchcraft’ or by ‘nervous diseases’, and is visited by pilgrims who go there to have a bath. At the back of the corniche is the residential area of Anfa, with its splendid villas and excellent views. It was here in 1943 that Churchill and Roosevelt decided upon the Normandy landings.

Shopping: Casablanca has a good variety of shops selling handicrafts and gifts, and it can be fun wandering around and haggling for items. On the other hand, not everyone enjoys bargaining and being hassled by pushy vendors. Both the old and new medinas have a huge range of items such as earthenware, copper and brass goods, and jewellery.

The local traders are well-known for extracting top prices for their products, so even if you have good negotiating skills, you are still likely to pay more than the normal rate. The Central Market on boulevard Mohamed V stocks similar products to the medinas but caters predominately for the locals. As well as some interesting handicrafts, there are plenty of fresh foods on sale.