See Morocco, One Of The World’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations In 2 Weeks 7/2023 (Stop 7 – Casablanca)

30 June – 1 July 2023 After more than a week’s European holiday in Cyprus, I flew to Casablanca, Morocco, a city that became well-known for a classic war and romantic movie of the same name.

I happened to arrive in Casablanca when the country was celebrating a long religious public holiday. So staying in the city center felt forlorn and unloved.

The city streets were broad and spacious, deservedly a big city. The architectural style looked modern yet Moorish. Cafes are seen at every corner, where coffee is drunk like an elixir, the coffee addicts killing time just staring at the streets. French could be heard everywhere. Minus some disrepair, potholes, and litter, it looked quite impressive. Despite being emptied out in the center, I was surprised by how characteristically Moroccan and French this city is. It should be interesting to see how chaotic it becomes once the crowd returns.

I walked for kilometers along the long coastline. The Hassan Mosque sits on the beach in the city center, white waves crashing against its walls. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, its minaret one of the tallest, truly commanding respect. 

The seafront was long and rocky. The waves were white and kept coming in waves. It was a long walk but full of festivities. The people all came out to greet the sea and celebrate. The broad promenade provided a panoramic view of the sea that came ashore below. Then a tall lighthouse appeared on a cliff, followed by a wide beach crowded with people. The boys and men were in their shorts and topless, playing football, and frolicking in the water, while the girls and women were babysitting on the beach. Why did the boys have all the fun? Further along, big shopping malls next to the sea were a great way to rest and refuel after a long and fun walk.  

Casablanca looks Moroccan, African, Arabic, and Islamic, yet with some European air and flair. The people know how to chill. It is a rough diamond, but it does not need much more polishing to sparkle.

Click here to see all the stops on this trip