Discover Oriental

When looking for a hotel in Oriental, you can choose your destination based on the themes you want your trip to focus on: the coast, nature, urban culture or historical heritage. The region’s towns and landscapes offer different points of reference for your choice.

Coast, nature and landscapes

Saïdia Beach stretches for 14 kilometres from the mouth of the Moulouya to the mouth of the Kiss. Various plant species grow at the Moulouya estuary, where many birds also gather. The Moulouya Ramsar site is one of eleven sites of biological and ecological importance in Oriental. The long stretch of beach and the plant and bird life at the estuary therefore represent different aspects of the natural environment.

The Beni-Snassen Massif is recommended for excursions, hiking, climbing and hunting. At the Zegzel Gorges, trails run along the gorge and its various banks. The landscape there includes terraced orchards with fig, pomegranate, orange and medlar trees, as well as wild roses and oleanders. If you choose your destination based on trails and scenery, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here for planning your trip.

Another landscape highlight is the Figuig palm grove: it contains more than 100,000 date palms and around a dozen varieties, including the well-known Aziza variety. The palm grove thus adds a distinctive feature to the natural and cultural landscapes described in Oriental.

Medinas and historical heritage

The medina of Oujda has two main gates: Bab Al Gharbi lies to the west and Bab Sidi Abdelouahab to the east. The medina is also home to a Quranic school, a 14th-century Marinid madrasa. Dar Sebti Palace is dedicated to Arab-Andalusian music, known as Gharnati. Together, these places showcase different aspects of Oujda’s cultural heritage: city gates, a historic place of learning and a tribute to a musical tradition.

Figuig also has notable historical landmarks. Figuig and its surrounding area include seven ksour; the characteristic historic buildings are classified as national cultural heritage. A mosque in Figuig dates back to the fifth century of the Hijra.

Sidi Maafa offers walking trails and panoramic views of Oujda and its surroundings. If you’re more interested in urban culture and historic buildings when planning your trip, the medina and Dar Sebti Palace in Oujda, along with Figuig’s historical landmarks, can help guide your choice. Walking trails and viewpoints offer a different focus.

Crafts and cuisine

Crafts in Oriental include pottery, woollen blankets, carpets and djellabas made from camel or goat hair. Weaving is widespread on the high plateaus of Figuig and Taourirt, as well as in the Beni Snassen mountains.

Dishes from Morocco’s eastern region include makrouts filled with dates and kaaks flavoured with anise, cardamom and sesame seeds.

Then tailor your search for hotels in Oriental to your chosen destination and travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Oujda, Nador, Berkane, Afra, Zeghanghane, Nador, Figuig, Oulad Driss, Ain Bni Mathar, Naima, Taourirt, Taghzoute, El Hemmal, Selouane.

For the broader travel overview: Morocco.