Area Information
 Morocco has been a popular tourist destination for many years, and the new “King’s Resort” of Saidia, with its stunning blend of new and historical architecture is set to make Morocco one of the top tourist destinations on the Mediterranean. Saidia is the key resort in King Mohammed VI’s Azure plan to increase tourist numbers to 10 million by 2010.
Sadia, on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, features beautiful new residential properties which incorporate the historical architectural features typical to this region of North Africa to create beautiful modern easy living.
Travel to Old Town Saidia and take time to enjoy the lifestyle of Morocco on the Mediterranean. The fabulous stretches of natural, undeveloped golden beaches have the convenience of attractive beach bars and cafes.
ABOUT THE AREA
Old Town Saidia is an attractive and very pleasant resort town 75km east of the Spanish city of Melillia. Saida has lots of history including the 17th century fortress and 19th century Kasbah.
 With over 315 days of sunshine a year, it is little wonder that many of the North Europeans choose Saidia for a warm sunny vacation.
For a sophisticated yet relaxed environment visit any one of the brand new Hotels situated on the beach at the new Resort Saidia. The five star Hotel Barceló, opens its doors in June 2009 offering the finest cuisine to suit every taste and palate. The Hotel features a luxury spa and Thalassia centre for residents and visitors who wish to make some time for themselves and unwind and relax in a tranquil atmosphere.
The busy bustling markets of old Saidia, Oujda and Nadoor are well worth exploring - the daily markets are fascinating and the best place to find the freshest locally produced fruit and vegetables. One of the best markets is held within the Medina. Here you will find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to leather goods, terracotta and local crafts typical of the region.
Golf
 After all that shopping, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine, find time to try out some of the sporting activities on offer. The new Resort Saidia features three championship golf courses just 100 metres away from the beach. The first 18 hole course opened in April 2009 along with the stunning new state of the art Golf Clubhouse.
The brand new 850 berth marina attracts boat and yacht owners to the shores of Sadia, and offers a range of water sports such as wind surfing, kite surfing and jet ski hire.
With over 320 days of sunshine a year, Sadia has warm sunny days all year round and it is blessed with cooling Mediterranean breezes which help to keep the Summer temperatures pleasantly hot. Mild winters with an average temperature of 21°C provide the perfect climate for all out door activities.
Away from the coast, there are many attractions and activities. There are nature conservation areas with a wide range of bird life, with Resort Saida itself sitting alongside a protected wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy outdoor sports such as cycling, walking, climbing and trekking in the Tafoughalt Mountains, or the rural delights of local villages and archaeology. Take a visit to the beautiful waterfalls at Zegzel Camel or Pidgeon Caves, famous for its very early prehistory human settlement.
Oujda
Oujda, the largest town in eastern Morocco, is a modern, affluent and cosmopolitan city. Oujda has long been an important site as it lies on the main axis connecting Morocco with North Africa. As well as being part of the Roman empire, it is a historically significant site fought over by many empires.
The town was originally founded by the Mehraoua tribe in the 10th century until it was overrun by the Almohads a century later. Later, Algerian rulers took the town and then in the 17th century it fell to the Ottoman Empire.
Moulay Ismail put an end to this in 1687, and Oujda remained in Moroccan hands until 1907 when French forces in Algeria crossed the frontier and occupied the town. The French expanded Oujda, as the provincial capital and the main gateway for trade with Algeria.
What to do and see around Oujda
  Oujda’s Medina (left) is definitely worth a visit for its hustle and bustle as well as its history.
The eastern gate has the most gruesome local history – its local nickname is - the “Gate of Heads” – originates from the local pashas custom of hanging the heads of criminals and renegades here (fortunately this is no longer the case!).
Further into the centre you will find the historic and fascinating Grande Mosque, (right) built in the 14th century by the Merenids.
Oujda is only 45 minutes by car from Saidia.
Melilla
Melilla (below), a former Spanish town, is a smaller and more laid back version of its Spanish sister, Ceuta. The town centre is very appealing, with an abundance of palm trees, well tended gardens and restored Spanish facades.
The port of Melilla has a long and fascinating history as part of the ancient world. Originally known as Russadir, it was part of both the Phoenician and Roman empires. After the departure of the Romans, the city fell into obscurity until it was captured by Abd al–Rahman III of Cordoba in 1496. Although it has remained in Spanish hands ever since, Abd al-Krim’s rebels came close to taking the town during the Rif War in 1921.
Most significantly, it was from Melilla that Franco launched the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
 Melilla’s beautifully preserved medieval fortress gives the city a lingering fascination. Right up until the end of the 19th century virtually all of Melilla was contained within defensive walls. It is a prime example of the fortress strongholds built by both the Spanish and the Portuguese along the Moroccan coastline during the 16th & 17th centuries. Much of the fortress has been painstakingly restored in recent years. The main entrance to the fortress, Puerta de la Marina, is fronted by a statue of Franco.
Las Cuevas del Conventico are well worth a visit, and there are guided tours on the history of the caves and tunnels that lead to the cliff face and they are meticulously maintained and well lit. The tunnels were first excavated by the Phoenicians. Later occupiers enlarged the caves and tunnels in turn so that they now extend over three levels. It’s a fascinating visit, and the ´One Price Entry´covers the convent and the water cisterns.
Directly opposite the entrance to the caves is the Museao Militar perched high over the Mediterranean. Its two small rooms are stuffed full of Spanish military exhibits including regimental flags, maps, medals as well as a bust of Franco, plus a collection of old and modern weapons.
To visit Melilla, you need to take your passport as it is a Spanish territory.
PLAN AZUR 2010
 In 2001, King Mohamed VI launched a new tourism policy for Morocco. The King recognized that Morocco, with its unbeatable combination of climate, culture and stunning natural scenery could be at the forefront of world travel destinations.
 The King announced a new sustainable tourism policy to boost visitor numbers from 2 million to 10 million a year, including 7 million international visitors. To achieve this, six "Plan Azur" (left and right) areas were identified and given special status. The areas chosen are along stretches of the coastline recognised for their outstanding natural beauty and untapped tourist potential.
Properties in these six areas – which includes Resort Saidia - benefit from a number of tax advantages making it very attractive to overseas purchasers. Purchasers benefit from a tax exemption on rental income for five years; no inheritance tax and no capital gains if the property is sold after 10 years.
The benefits of a massive investment in marketing initiatives worth 9 million euros, together with major improvements additional infrastructure, such as new motorways and the expansion of the airport, have made the Moroccan resorts both very attractive and very accessible to international visitors.
The respected London agency Superbrands identified Morocco as the second most desirable destination in the Overseas Travel Market. |
