Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

You will be surprised by the straight layout of the city's historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A walk through Rabat's medina could look like this: start your visit at the Bab El Had gate and take Souika Street, the largest and probably busiest street in the medina. You will arrive in the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewellery. You then come to the partially glass-roofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woollen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers low-priced and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, pastillas or tagine.

The church of Santa Maria al Monte is visible from Piazza Vittorio, especially at night, when the space-age blue neon lights illuminate it. This late-Renaissance-style church stands on the right bank of the Po, on the so-called Monte dei Cappuccini, and from its terrace you can enjoy one of the best views of both the city and the Alps.

The stunning Playa Espadilla is located on the grounds of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, and is characterised by its natural rock protecting the warm tide pools and its tropical shore birds. A jungle surrounds Arenas Del Mar and touches the sand, offering natural shade. The beach is 2 km long and connects to the National Park.