Oualidia is a well known beach resort among Moroccans but is less known outside the country. On an otherwise barren stretch of coast south of Casablanca and north of Essaouira, the estuary and lagoon provide an oasis for fishing boats, wildlife and tourists. The lagoon waters are warmer and calmer than the open sea and there are plenty of water based activities. The town itself is a little disappointing compared to Essaouira with no medina but there are some great seafood restaurants (Oualidia is the shellfish centre of Morocco) and many people just go to stay at La Sultana – undoubtedly the most beautiful coastal hotel in Morocco.