Nador Morocco
Nador, in Morocco, is a city in the Rif region, the capital of the province of the same name, located about 15 km south of the Spanish city of Melilla, on the edge of the so-called “Mar Chico”. It is also 165 km from Al Hoceima and 140 km from Ujda. It is a city of about 180,000 inhabitants. Not of great tourist interest, the region is much more interesting than the town itself. Its importance lies in the nearby lead and iron mines.
Nador has a checkerboard street layout that contrasts with the traditional one. It is a modern city, the capital of a developing agricultural and industrial region. Its port, Nador-Beni-Enzar, is a natural gateway to eastern Morocco.
What to see in Nador
Despite the lack of tourist interest, Nador has become popular for its natural beauty and scenic views. The beaches and the sea conquer all the senses of travelers from the first impression. Nador has an international airport, Monte Arruite, located just 20 km from the city. It is regularly served by Ryanair, Royal Air Maroc, Iberia, and other airlines. The airport is in very good condition, it is a very dynamic city and also the second financial center of Morocco. The inhabitants of the city are mainly engaged in domestic and foreign trade. There is also a large amount of smuggling. Agriculture and fishing are also practiced. The industry is growing and developing.
Nador is also connected to Almeria by a ferry service through the port of Beni Anzar. Ferry services are provided by Transmediterranea, Ferrymaroc, Comarit, and Comanav.
City Centre
Its main boulevard, Mohammed V, is a pleasant promenade with palm trees and lampposts leading to the Bou Areg lagoon, and here, in its natural setting, Nador is authentically rich and beautiful. The gold district is also interesting as there are several shops working this material in all its forms. Also worthy of note are its clothing souks, pottery crafts and fishermen’s market. All sorts of fossils and roses brought from the Sahara desert end up here too, at a fairly cheap price.
What to see in Nador province
The surroundings of Nador offer much more possibilities than the city itself, as the most remarkable are the landscapes and the richness of the environment, so if you don’t have time and are wondering what to see in Nador, it is more interesting for tourists to get to know the surroundings than the city itself.
Sebkha de Bou Areg
Separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a strip of land, this is an impressive lagoon where fresh and salt water mix. The lagoon, marshes and dunes form a highly valuable preserved ecological environment, extending eastwards to the mouth of the Moulouya. The flora and fauna here are native species of great originality, and the great variety of birds that find refuge here is admirable, from gulls of all kinds to the marvellous pink flamingos, hoopoes and plovers.
Kariet-Akmane (23 km)
Access -on foot only- to the coast of the virtually uninhabited Bou Areg lagoon. You can walk along the beach and admire the fantastic birdlife of the lagoon, including flamingos. On the route between Kariet Akmane and Ras el Ma (Cap de léau), in front of the Chafarinas islands, you will find the old Spanish watchtower of Moulay Ali Cherif, as well as beautiful landscapes and rich fauna. On the beach of Kariat Arkmane, there is a campsite, which to get to you need to take a Grand Taxi as there is no bus connection.
The Trois Fourches cape (26km)
This is one of the most beautiful enclaves in Morocco. It offers a magnificent view of the coast.
Ras Kebdana and Cabo del Agua lighthouse (40km)
Coastal road and magnificent views.
70km: The gorges of Zegzel
The road to Oujda crosses the fertile Moulouya plain and skirts the Beni-Snassen massif. The Zegzel gorges are worth a detour.
The Arruit mountain (20 km)
On Saturdays, there is a big souk where all kinds of craftsmen and sellers of all sorts of things come together.
Getting to Nador
Most of the accommodation is concentrated around Ibn Tachfine avenue. The cheapest is around the bus station.