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Kénitra

Kénitra — Atlantic Beaches and Gardens North of Rabat

Where the Sebou River meets the Atlantic, Kénitra is a modern, workaday Moroccan city that rarely makes the standard tourist circuit — which is exactly its appeal for travelers looking for wide, uncrowded beaches and green space rather than another medina. Founded in the French protectorate era as a river port, it's grown into one of the country's larger cities while keeping a relaxed, unhurried pace along its waterfront.

Why Kénitra?

Mehdia Beach, a long stretch of Atlantic sand at the mouth of the Sebou, popular with surfers since American servicemen introduced surfboards here in the 1960s
The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel (Jardins Exotiques), a lush botanical garden of themed landscapes just outside the city, among the most unusual gardens in Morocco
The Kasbah of Mehdia, a 17th-century fort overlooking the river mouth
Sidi Boughaba, a Ramsar-listed freshwater lake and bird sanctuary popular with migratory flamingos
Quick access south to Rabat and Salé for medina sightseeing

Kénitra's hotels are listed together with the Rabat area — see hotels in Rabat-Kénitra for places to stay.