Oualidia Essaouira

Oualidia in Essaouira is the prime oyster center of Morocco. Pronounced Walidia, this is a quaint little coastal village situated between El Jadida and Safi. To its south, a range of small sandy coves and rocky cliffs offer privacy and romantic walks.

Oualidia in Essaouira is located in the heart of one of the richest birdlife habitats in Morocco and an important resting area for migrating birds in spring and autumn season. The coastal wetlands, sands and saltpans, the rocky reefs and the lagoons of Oualidia houses a plethora of species - pink flamingoes, avocets, stilts, godwits, storks, waders, terns, egrets, warblers and many others.

Oualidia in Essaouira is spread around the southern shores of an 11 km inland lagoon that is flanked by a kasbah built in 1634 AD by Sultan El Oualid. The lagoon is filled by the sea which enters through two beaches in the coastal rock wall. Watching the coastal views from a terrace is like observing the ebbing tides on a river estuary. The sunny beaches with white sand offer safe bathing, surfing, windsurfing, and small fishing boat expeditions.

Some interesting places to visit in close proximity to Oualidia are El Jadida, Safi and Sidi Moussa.