The inhabitants of Casablanca only have to travel a few kilometres to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Don't be afraid to follow suit: relax by the sea, go for walks in the beautiful forests or steep yourself in history as you visit the ancient fortified cities... 28 km to the north stretch sandy beaches, with a.. casino, luxury hotels, a racecourse, a yacht-club and an 18 hole golf course beside the sea. This is Mohammedia, the Casablancans' favourite resort which also boasts one of the country' s most active ports- posses~ing a history going back to the XIVth century when it was visited by ships from Pisa, Genoa, Venice and Portugal..
A little further tp the east, Ben Slimane is the place to go if you are interested in more rural pursuits. Hiking or hunting in the magnificent Ziaïdas cork-oak forest or perhaps a round of golf on the endearing nine hole course with its lake populated by splendid carp and flocks of wild duck. ln the plain, to the south, stretch the renowned Boulaouane vineyards which produce the celebrated rosé wine. Don't be surprised if you catch sight of a falcon flying overhead, for Boulao.uane is Dot only ,"fi internationally famous for its wine; it is also one of the greatest centres of falconry. The falconry itself is situated in a spectacular kasbah built in 1710 by Moulay Ismaïl consisting of a rectangular walled area with 7 bastions.On the coast, 100 kilometres to the south, discover the old fortified cities, former Portuguese trading posts.Azemmour is surrounded by ochre ramparts, from which projects a small platform overlooking the reddish waters of the Oum er-Rbia estuary, famous for its delicious al osa, the local culinary speciality.
The medina is superb with its white, squarehouses, livened up by bougainvillaea, rising on terraces among the olive and pomegranate trees.Considered as offering the best shelter on the entire Atlantic coast, El Jadida was the Scelle of bitter fighting with the Portuguese, who finally lost it in 1769. A walkaround the ramparts gives splendid views the surrounding country, while from each of the rive bastions you cao see over the port, the moat and the clustered houses... You must not miss the huge 1100 square metTe underground reservoir in' which the water and tpe light combine to throw the amazing gothic.architecture iota sharp relief; a setting orteil used by film-makers, in particular Ors on Welles for his "Othello".