Peace be upon you, my friends! I never expected to find so much charm in the city of Kenitra Morocco. As someone who has traveled across this beautiful country, I can honestly say that Kenitra surprised me in the best possible way. Today, I want to share with you why this underrated Moroccan city deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Welcome to Morocco's Seventh Largest City
Kenitra, located in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, has quietly grown into Morocco's seventh largest city. Just a few years ago, in 2014, it was ranked as the ninth largest city in the country. But with ongoing development and improvements, Kenitra Morocco has climbed the ranks and is positioning itself to become one of Morocco's top five cities in the coming years.
What makes this city special isn't just its size—it's the perfect blend of history, nature, and modern development that creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I've visited in Morocco.
The Historic Heart: Kasbah Moulay Ismail
My journey in Kenitra Morocco began at a place called the Kasbah—specifically, Kasbah Moulay Ismail. This historic fortress sits in a strategic location that overlooks both the Atlantic Ocean near Mehdia and the mighty Sebou River. The name itself tells a story of Morocco's rich past, honoring Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of Morocco's most powerful rulers.
Walking through this area, I was struck by how the ancient walls seemed to whisper stories of centuries past. The kasbah's position isn't accidental—it was built here because of its strategic importance, controlling access to both the river and the sea. From here, you can understand why Kenitra became such an important city in Morocco's history.
The architecture here reflects the classic Moroccan fortress design, with thick walls that kept the interior cool during hot summers. As someone who worked in construction back home, I appreciate how these old Moroccan buildings were designed to work with the climate, not against it.
The Magnificent Sebou River
One of the most breathtaking discoveries in Kenitra Morocco is the Sebou River. This isn't just any river—it's one of Morocco's longest waterways, stretching over 450 kilometers from the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
I spent hours walking along what locals call the "corniche" of the Sebou River. The riverside promenade offers stunning views and a peaceful escape from city life. The water flows gently, reflecting the sky and creating a scene that feels almost magical, especially in the evening when families come to stroll and children play nearby.
What fascinated me most were the traditional boats, called "feloukas," that you can hire for river tours. For a small fee, these boat operators will take you on a journey through the heart of the river, offering a unique perspective of Kenitra from the water. The experience of floating down the Sebou, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the gentle lapping of water against the boat, is something I'll never forget.
Green Spaces Everywhere: Kenitra's Garden Paradise
One thing that immediately caught my attention in Kenitra Morocco was the abundance of green spaces. Everywhere I walked, I found beautiful gardens and parks. This isn't something you see in every Moroccan city, and it makes Kenitra feel fresh and alive.
The parks here are well-maintained and clearly loved by the local community. I watched families enjoying picnics, children playing soccer, and elderly residents sitting in the shade of trees, sharing stories and mint tea. The gardens create a sense of community that's beautiful to witness.
These green spaces aren't just decorative—they serve an important purpose in the desert climate of Morocco. They provide cool refuges during hot days and gathering places for the community. The city planners of Kenitra clearly understood that quality of life means more than just buildings and roads.
Modern Development and Safety
Something that impressed me greatly about Kenitra Morocco was how safe and secure the city feels. During my visit, I noticed police presence throughout the city—not in an oppressive way, but in a reassuring manner that shows the city takes security seriously.
The train station in Kenitra is absolutely magnificent. I've been to many train stations across Morocco, and I can honestly say this one rivals airports in terms of design and architecture. The building is large, modern, and beautiful, with clean lines and impressive scale. It's become such a landmark that tourists actually come to take photos with it, treating it like a monument to the city.
This modern infrastructure tells the story of Kenitra's growth and ambition. The city is investing in itself, creating facilities that serve both residents and visitors with style and efficiency.
Mehdia: The Coastal Connection
Just a short distance from Kenitra lies Mehdia, a coastal area that feels like a completely different world. The beach here offers wide open spaces and a sense of freedom that's intoxicating. I love Mehdia for its unspoiled beauty and the way it connects Kenitra to the Atlantic Ocean.
The contrast between the river city of Kenitra and the coastal atmosphere of Mehdia creates a unique dynamic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds—the cultural richness of a historic city and the natural beauty of Morocco's Atlantic coast.
Sports and Recreation
Kenitra Morocco takes sports seriously. Throughout the city, I saw people engaged in various athletic activities. The riverside areas are perfect for jogging, and there are proper facilities for tennis and other sports. This active lifestyle contributes to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
The wide spaces along the Sebou River provide perfect areas for outdoor activities. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk, go for a run, or simply sit and watch the world go by, Kenitra offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
The Local Café Culture
The cafés in Kenitra have their own special character. I discovered several beautifully designed coffee shops with unique architectural styles that blend traditional Moroccan elements with modern design. These aren't just places to drink coffee—they're community gathering spaces where locals meet, discuss, and share their daily lives.
The café culture here reflects the city's personality: welcoming, relaxed, and authentic. Each café has its own atmosphere, from traditional Moroccan tea houses to modern coffee bars that wouldn't look out of place in any international city.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kenitra Morocco
Getting There: Kenitra is easily accessible by train from major Moroccan cities. The impressive train station makes arrival a pleasant experience in itself.
Best Time to Visit: Like most of Morocco, spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the riverside areas and historic sites.
Language: While Arabic is the primary language, French is widely spoken, and you'll find English speakers in tourist areas.
Safety: The city feels very safe, with good police presence and well-lit public areas.
Why Kenitra Matters
Kenitra Morocco represents something special in the Moroccan travel landscape. It's not trying to be Marrakech or Casablanca—it's confidently being itself. This authenticity creates an experience that feels genuine and unforced.
The city offers a perfect blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern development. It's a place where you can explore ancient kasbahs in the morning, take a boat ride on the river in the afternoon, and enjoy modern amenities in the evening.
Your Turn to Explore
I honestly fell in love with Kenitra Morocco during my visit. This city has character, charm, and a bright future ahead of it. As Morocco continues to develop and grow, Kenitra is positioned to become one of the country's most important urban centers.
Have you visited Kenitra? What surprised you most about this remarkable city? Or if you're planning a trip to Morocco, does Kenitra sound like somewhere you'd like to explore? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Remember, the best travel experiences often come from the places that surprise us. Kenitra Morocco surprised me, and I have a feeling it might surprise you too.
What hidden gems have you discovered in Morocco? Share your stories and help fellow travelers discover the magic of this incredible country.