Temara – a Charming Seaside Getaway
Located on the Atlantic coast directly south of Rabat, Temara is a popular beach resort for the residents of Rabat, with the wealthier among them having splendid holiday villas along the beachfront. Visitors to Morocco are discovering that Temara, while not at the top of the conventional list of places to visit, has quite a few pleasant surprises.
Approaching Temara from Rabat, visitors will first come upon the beautiful El Harhoura beach, with its microclimate and neighboring forest supporting diverse flora and fauna. Also to be found at El Harhoura beach is a fascinating cave opening out to the ocean from a cliff dropping into the sea. Known as Cave El Harhoura II, it forms part of a series of caves along the coast between Casablanca and Rabat. Researchers have found evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic occupation, as well as human bones, in these caves. Other beaches near Temara include La Falaise, Guy Ville, Contrebandiers, Sables D’or, Val d’or and Petit Val D’or. A variety of water sports are available at most of the beaches in summer.
The Mohammed Kacimi outdoor cultural area just off the beachfront of El Harhoura was built in honor of Mohammed Kacima, one of Morocco’s well-known painters who lived in Temara. The cultural area provides seating and a platform for concert and music performances. The main beach at Temara features a number of pubs and discos providing nightlife to visitors staying in the nearby hotels, as well as partygoers who travel from Rabat for a bit of entertainment.
The Port of Sables d’Or is worth a visit, as is the majestic old Kasbah in the city center. Situated outside Temara is the Royal School of Cavalry, with its magnificent three arched entranceway, has stabling capacity for 300 horses as well as comprehensive training facilities for both horse and rider.
The settlement of Temara, complete with mosque, was established in the mid-twelfth century by the Almohad Sultan Abd-al-Mumin. The settlement grew and changes were made to the original mosque by subsequent generations, until Moulay Abdul Aziz (1894-1908) completed the Kasbah, incorporating the mosque, which remains to this day.
Visitors to charming Temara will soon discover why many holiday-makers choose this lovely stretch of Morocco’s coast as their getaway destination.
