Casablanca's Atlantic seafront runs along the Ain Diab district, where the Corniche promenade links beach clubs, pools, seafood terraces and open sands. Anchored by the Hassan II Mosque at the water's edge and the Morocco Mall at its far end, here is how to spend time on the city's coast.
The best of Casablanca
The Ain Diab Corniche
Coast. Casablanca's main seafront promenade stretches through the Ain Diab district along the Atlantic. Lined with cafes, restaurants, pools and beach clubs, it is the city's favourite place for an evening stroll, with sea breezes and wide ocean views.
Ain Diab Beach
Beach. The main city beach lies along the Ain Diab seafront below the Corniche. Its sands and Atlantic waves draw locals for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, with beach clubs and seaside cafes close at hand.
Hassan II Mosque at the Water's Edge
Landmark. Completed in 1993 on a promontory partly over the Atlantic, the Hassan II Mosque marks the eastern end of the seafront, its 200-metre minaret visible along the coast. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, by guided tour outside prayer times, and its ocean-edge esplanade is free to walk.
Beach Clubs & Seaside Pools
Coast. Ain Diab is known for its day-use beach clubs, where seafront pools, loungers and terraces line the shore. They offer a calmer swim than the open Atlantic surf and a relaxed base for a full day by the sea, typically for an entrance fee.
Sunset on the Corniche
Coast. Facing west over the Atlantic, the Ain Diab Corniche is one of the best places in the city to watch the sun set. Crowds gather on the promenade and terrace cafes as the light drops over the ocean and the mosque's minaret catches the last sun.
Seafood on the Seafront
Food. The Corniche and nearby port make fresh Atlantic seafood a Casablanca strength. Seafront restaurants and terraces along Ain Diab serve grilled fish, prawns and tagines with an ocean view, a natural way to round off a day on the coast.
Morocco Mall & Musical Fountain
Family. At the western end of the Corniche sits Morocco Mall, one of Africa's largest shopping centres, with a giant aquarium and an indoor souk. After dark, its seafront musical fountain stages free shows of water, light and music on the plaza facing the ocean.
Surfing at Ain Diab
Activity. The Atlantic breaks along the Ain Diab coast give Casablanca a local surf scene, with several beach breaks within the city. Conditions vary with the swell and season; beginners can find lessons and board hire near the beaches.
Coastal Walk to the Mosque
Outdoors. A walk along the seafront links the Ain Diab Corniche with the Hassan II Mosque esplanade further east, following the line of the Atlantic. It is a flat, breezy route that strings together the beaches, the promenade and the city's great landmark.