El-Jadida lies approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Casablanca along the Atlantic coast. The town of El-Jadida was held under Portuguese rule for 250 years starting from the 16th century. At this time the town was known as “Mazagan”. When the Portuguese left the town they burned it down. The town was then reconstructed by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and renamed El-Jadida meaning “The New”. Traces of the Portuguese remain to this day and the most notable of these is the cistern which can be found in the centre of the town’s ancient medina. This amazing setting was used by Orson Wells in his version of Othello. Eerie shafts of sunlight and the few inches of water at the bottom of the cistern all add to the amazing reflections.
Another example of Portuguese architecture is the rambling lanes and impressive ramparts that run through the extensive fortress. El-Jadida has golden, sandy beaches stretching 16km. The promenade runs alongside the beach which eventually turns to sand dunes and leads into a forested nature area.

Golf lovers should head to the bay of El-Jadida to the El-Jadida Royal Golf Course. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, this par 72, 18-hole course covers some 120 hectares and is 6,864 yards long. The practice area has 25 synthetic turf positions, 10 natural turf positions and a 1500 m2 putting green. A handicap of 28 is required or, for Europeans, a green card.
This really is an exceptional course with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The scent of the pines and eucalyptus are carried on the sea breeze towards golfers as they tee off.
Green fee (18 hole) is just £22 pp and a caddy is £6
The future Plan Azur development of Mazagan (El Haouzia), being spearheaded by Kerzner group (Sun City – South Africa, Atlantis Beach – Bahamas) is located near El Jadida, This site includes three miles of beachfront along Morocco's Atlantic coast. Approximately an hour's drive from Casablanca, the site provides for easy access to-and-from Casablanca International Airport, which currently receives daily flights from 22 European cities. Access to the area is supported by a rail network as well.
The cost of this neighbouring project is estimated at $230 million and is expected to consist of a 600-room hotel, two 18-hole golf course, convention space, restaurants and a casino. The site will be surrounded by eucalyptus trees and will cover an area of around 500 hectares.Various water sports will be available along with general entertainment and a sports academy.

The project is expected to have an accommodation capacity of 7600 beds, including 3700 hotel beds.

The project is being developed by Kerzner and its local partners, Societe Maroc Emirates Arabs Unis de Developpement ("SOMED") and Caisse de Depot et de Gestion ("CDG"), they have collectively entered into an agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco (the "Government") for the development of a destination resort casino. In addition, the Company, SOMED and CDG have entered into an agreement in principle with respect to the ownership, development and management of this resort.