Casablanca is a magnificent city to visit. Situated on the ocean with its historic port, it offers surprising architecture, blending Berber traditions and Art Deco, with countless well-known monuments, endless boutiques, and a wide array of activities. But you may find yourself wanting to get some fresh air and venture beyond this metropolis, whether to soak up the sun on the beach or to immerse yourself in history... Here's our top picks for getaways lasting one or two days from Casablanca.

Rabat

Capital of Maroc, Rabat is just an hour from Casablanca and you can even get there by train. You'll be able to admire the royal palace and stroll through the old medina, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city boasts several well-known historic buildings, such as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, plus its magnificent port.

Oualidia

Oualidia is the perfect destination for a day or weekend beach getaway. This little paradise is located just two hours from the sprawling city of Casablanca, and offers well-deserved tranquility. The town is home to a large lagoon, which welcomes numerous species of birds and fish. You can ask a fisherman to take you on a boat tour. Enjoy the town's clean beaches and calm waters for swimming. You'll also be able to savor abundant fresh seafood and fish.

El Jadida

Another destination for travelers seeking peace and sea, El Jadida (formerly Mazagan) is less than an hour from Casablanca. It's among the must-sees when traveling in the Casablanca region, and even locals love heading there in summer! You'll find beautiful beaches to enjoy the ocean, and, most importantly, a fortress and walls inherited from Portuguese colonization. This site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.  

Meknès

If Meknès is so charming today, it's because this city was long the capital of Maroc. Also nicknamed the "Versailles of Maroc", it is home to numerous palaces decorated with gold and mosaics. Its history dates back to the 9th century, when it was founded and fortified by a Berber tribe. The city also houses a major museum of Moroccan art. From Casablanca, allow between two and a half and three hours to reach this historic treasure of Maroc; the journey may seem long, but it's truly worth the detour!

Safi

About two and a half hours' drive from Casablanca lies the charming town of Safi. Rich in history, it served as a port under the Roman Empire, before being occupied by the Portuguese. Its white architecture and waterfront walls make it an ideal place for walks. But Safi is also world-renowned for its ceramic production, so take time to browse the shops!

Volubilis

Volubilis is Maroc's most significant archaeological site. By the sea, this location was established as early as the 3rd century BCE and enjoyed great prominence during the Roman Empire. Today, the site, inscribed on the UNESCO list, houses magnificent, beautifully preserved ruins. From Casablanca, allow approximately three hours to get there.

Marrakech

Perhaps less off-the-beaten-path but absolutely essential, Marrakech is easily visited in a day trip from Casablanca. You won't be able to see the entire city, of course, but it will be enough to explore Marrakech's most beautiful sites and soak in the unparalleled atmosphere of this "jewel of the south."  Discover the city center and Jamaa el Fna square, which never rests. It's the best place to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, watching a storyteller, dancer, or snake charmer at work. Wander through the "red city" to admire its splendid buildings, including the medina and the Koutoubia Mosque. From Casablanca, the journey takes about two and a half hours.