Morocco's Atlantic Coast

The first section of this amazing cycling journey begins in Morocco’s largest city, bustling Casablanca. It is known for it unique Mauresque and Art Deco architecture and the Hassan II Mosque, which features the world’s tallest minaret. Spinning north the riders will pass numerous sandy beaches before arriving in Rabat, the country’s capital and the site of the magnificent medieval ruins of Chellah. Continuing along the windswept coast, the cyclists will stop in the small seaside town of Moulay-Bousselham, home to the Merja Zerga wetlands and a mecca for the world’s birdwatchers. The route now leads the riders past the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and on into Tangier, located strategically at the meeting point of Europe and Africa and the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Pedalling out of Tangier, the riders get their first taste of climbing as the route takes them closer and closer to the rugged Rif Mountains. Their first stop is Tetouan, beautifully located at foot of the mountains and home to an ancient, whitewashed medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next day, a challenging ride up and down through the Rif, takes the cyclists to Chefchaouen. This small, relaxed town is gorgeously situated amongst towering mountain peaks and the riders should be sure to visit its blue-washed medina, widely considered to be the most beautiful in all of Morocco. The next two days are likely the most demanding on the entire tour as the route criss-crosses the Rif Mountains, passing through tiny villages along quiet country roads before bringing this spectacular section to a close in Fez.

Highlights

• Hassan II Mosque
• Port of Tangier
• Blue-washed town of Chefchaouen
• Rif Mountains