Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the afternoons. Grands taxis cost Dh15, and are most frequent on market days (Wednesday and
Sunday).
TOP OF CHAPTER
East of Nador
East of Nador, on the opposite side of the lagoon, the coast is a mix of salt marsh and sand
dunes, which attract a wide variety of birdlife, including the greater flamingo. Two scruffy
towns, Kariat Arekmane and Ras el-Maa OFFLINE MAP , lie on the Rocade (N16) eastwards to
Saïdia, which affords good views of the Islas Chafarinas, the last bit of Spain on the north-
ern coast.
Arekmane has a new corniche but no further development yet. The beach, with its fish-
ing boats, is full of rubbish, and the wetlands inland of the corniche are in danger of disap-
pearing.
Ras el-Maa, also known as Cap de l'Eau, is faring better. The corniche has a few small
restaurants and a beautiful beach.
The wetlands around the Moulouya river mouth west of Ras el-Maa are Ramsar-protec-
ted, making them a prime birdwatching area. Migrant birds from Europe include Moussi-
er's Redstart ( Phoenicurus moussieri ), the Marbled Teal ( Marmaronetta angustirostris )
and Audouin's Gull ( Larus audouinii ). Some endemic and rare fish are also found in the
wetlands here.
From the eastern side of the Moulouya River estuary, the much-vaunted Station Balnéaire
(seaside resort) runs for 5km to Saïdia along a truly magnificent beach. There are hun-
dreds upon hundreds of blocks of apartments, mostly completed. They are largely only oc-
cupied during the high season (July and August), which gives the entire development a
ghostly air. The development is mostly aimed at Moroccan holidaymakers (and Moroc-
cans returning from abroad for their holidays).
The best area of beach along this 5km stretch is at Mediterreanéa Saïdia , known as Saïdia
Med, where there are several golf courses, a large shopping centre and a marina with 740
berths. Here you can hire a jet ski (per hr Dh800), a kayak (Dh40) or a motorboat
(Dh1000). There are a couple of resort hotels, including the Iberostar Hotel (
0536 63 00
) , which offers a spa,
10; www.iberostar.com ; Saïdia Med; s/d full board Dh1580/2680;
sporting facilities and several restaurants and bars.
 
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