Saïdia known as the “Blue Pearl”, is a coastal town in northeastern Morocco. It is located in the Berkane Province, lying in the adjacent metropolitan area of Berkane itself, along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and Moroccan-Algerian border to the east. Its 14 km coastline is one of the longest beaches of Morocco and is characterized by its golden sand and Mediterranean climate, making it a popular international tourist destination. It hosts numerous resorts and attractions, including private beach resorts, shopping malls, golf courses, and other sports centers. After Morocco became a French protectorate in 1913, Saïdia proved popular with French settlers and became a resort. After Moroccan independence, Saïdia continued to attract visitors and has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

We however were focused on the border between Morocco and Algeria, there is no crossing point here but are a number of POI’s. This was the first of 4 visits we would make to MA/DZ border. I visited this point as part of the IBRG MOMEX-24 expedition.

Saïdia beach (Point A)

 Saïdia is the easternmost beach in Morocco. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea just near the Algerian border, no chance of accidently strolling across the border though, as the Wadi Kiss which we also observed at the Ahfir – Boukanoun border crossing enters the Mediterranean at this point. The beach immediately adjacent to the border is a military zone.

This area was very pleasant, and it was easy to think this was any beach, we did not encroach on the restricted zone, mindful that 2 French tourists had recently been killed when they crossed the border accidently on Jet Ski’s. The question why shot and not arrest was one we did not wish to test.

Further South (Point B).

Travelling a short distance south it was possible to get closer to the border.

Further south again (Point C)

Driving further south we reached 2 further POI’s. The first is where 2 parking areas both marked by national flags face one another across the border. When we were there, people waved to each other and the atmosphere was friendly.

Last POI (Point D)

Almost by chance, well not really, I walked around the corner and found more Algerian flags and an Algerian Army base. The view of the border was clearer here too.