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Souira Qdima

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Souira Qdima (Morocco)
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Practical info — Souira Qdima

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The 16th-century Portuguese fortress is best photographed in the warm, late afternoon light.
  • The beach can be quite windy, making it great for surfing, but consider renting a windbreak for sunbathing.
  • Local buses connect to Safi, but they operate on a very relaxed, informal schedule.
  • For a great deal, buy fresh seafood directly from the small blue fishing boats as they arrive on the beach.
  • Bring enough cash from a larger city like Safi, as local ATMs might be unreliable or non-existent.

🍽 Food

🍽
Safi Pottery Tagine

Enjoy rich local stews cooked and served in the famous, colorful Safi pottery at nearby coastal cafes.

🍽
Fried Calamari

Grab a quick, delicious portion of freshly fried calamari from the casual beachside food vendors.

🍽
Moroccan Pancakes

Order Msemen or Baghrir drizzled with honey for a first-rate breakfast at the village cafes.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Safi Ceramics

Look for the distinctive, brightly colored local pottery, often sold in small artisan shops in the village.

🛍
Argan Oil

Buy authentic cosmetic or culinary argan oil from local women's cooperatives in the region.

🧘
Fortress Ruins

Wander around the weathered walls of the 16th-century Castelo do Aguz for a quiet historical experience.

🧘
Oued Tensift Estuary

Visit the serene spot where the river meets the ocean, excellent for peaceful bird watching.

Souira Qdima, translating to "Old Essaouira," is a serene coastal village situated halfway between Safi and Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic coast. The centerpiece of this quiet town is the ruins of the Kasbah Hamidouch, a 16th-century fortress built by the Portuguese, which stands as a silent sentinel at the mouth of the Tensift River. This historical backdrop gives the village a unique atmosphere, far removed from the bustling tourist hubs. The coastline here is beloved by locals for its wide, windswept sandy expanses and excellent fishing spots. Among the designated bathing areas, souiria 2 éme plage is a fantastic stretch of sand first-rate for relaxing, walking, and observing the powerful Atlantic waves. During the summer months, the beaches come alive with domestic tourists enjoying the sun, while the off-season gives profound tranquility and untouched natural beauty. Gastronomy in Souira Qdima is deeply tied to the ocean, with fresh fish tagines and grilled sardines being local staples served in modest seaside cafes. The village is easily reachable by car via the scenic coastal route from Safi, making it a well-suited stopover for travelers exploring the rugged Moroccan shoreline and seeking authentic coastal life.

Geography

Coordinates
32.03937, -9.33877

Facts

  • Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco
  • Situated between Safi and Essaouira
  • Home to a 16th-century Portuguese fortress
  • Located at the mouth of the Tensift River
  • Features the souiria 2 éme plage
  • Known for excellent coastal fishing
  • Historically called Old Essaouira
  • A popular spot for domestic summer tourism

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Souira Qdima (4)

chaaba🎡 recreation

chaaba is a local beach located in Souira Qdima.

saouiria 1 ere plage🎡 recreation

saouiria 1 ere plage is a main beach situated in Souira Qdima.

souiria 2 éme plage🎡 recreation

souiria 2 éme plage is an additional beach located in Souira Qdima.

kasba🏰 castle

The kasba is a historical castle located in Souira Qdima.

Frequently asked questions

What is Souira Qdima?
A quiet coastal town south of Safi, known for its old Portuguese ruins.
What are the surfing conditions like?
In winter there are often good waves, which are very popular with surfers.
How many days should be planned?
1-2 days are perfectly enough to see the ruins and relax on the beach.
Is there good infrastructure there?
The choice of hotels is limited, Safi has more options as a starting point.
Is the place suitable for families?
Yes, the beach is relatively protected in summer by an estuary and is quieter.
Souira Qdima: where is it located?
Souira Qdima is located in Morocco.
Souira Qdima: what is there to see?
Highlights include chaaba, saouiria 1 ere plage, souiria 2 éme plage.
Souira Qdima: why is it worth visiting?
Souira Qdima, translating to "Old Essaouira," is a serene coastal village situated halfway between Safi and Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic coast.
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