Heatwave draws record crowds to Mehdia beach

Holidaymakers crowd Mehdia Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Y. Mannan/Le360)

VideoWith temperatures reaching nearly 38°C on Saturday, August 1, Mehdia Beach was packed as thousands of holidaymakers headed to the popular seaside resort to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.

On 02/08/2026 at 11h00

Mehdia Beach, near Kénitra, experienced exceptionally large crowds on Saturday as a heatwave swept across several regions of the Kingdom. With temperatures approaching 38°C, tens of thousands of visitors flocked to the coast to escape the heat and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

Known for its long stretch of fine sand and its landscaped Corniche, the seaside resort, located about 30 kilometers north of Rabat, welcomed visitors from Kénitra, the northern Gharb region, Rabat-Salé, and even Meknès.

With its cafés, restaurants, and local shops, the Corniche remains one of the main gathering spots in the resort. Visitors also praised the area’s cleanliness, made possible through regular maintenance.

However, several beachgoers complained about the occupation of part of the public beachfront by people renting umbrellas and beach chairs. They argued that this practice significantly reduces the space available for other visitors and called on local authorities to regulate the activity more effectively to ensure fairer access to the beach.

The site also includes several paid parking areas designed to accommodate the heavy flow of vehicles during the summer season.

By Mohamed Chakir Alaoui and Yassine Mannan
On 02/08/2026 at 11h00