Salé and excursions from Rabat

Historic Salé, on the north bank of the Bou Regreg Estuary, was once a rival to Rabat in the days of piracy and Andalucían Muslims fleeing the expanding power of Catholic Spain. Today it takes second place to Rabat, although its population, nearly 600,000, may feel closer to the economic and political action once the new tram link connecting the two cities is completed in 2010. The médina of Salé has a fine medersa and a striking early Merinid gate, the Bab Mrisa. For those with enough time, Salé is worth a visit.

Outside the city, cork and eucalyptus forest, gardens and beaches stretch north along the Atlantic coast. Kénitra is an industrial and military port, while further north, Mehdiya attracts surfers to its sandy beach, and other visitors to its overgrown kasbah overlooking the sea. This stretch of coast is rich in birdlife, particularly on the Lac de Sidi Bourhaba and the lagoon of Merdja Zerga. There are isolated Roman remains at Thamusida and Banasa. To the south of Rabat, spring flowers carpet the valleys of the Zaër Forest, an area of gorges and rolling hills.