The Mediterranean perle AL HOCEIMA-MAROKKO

Al Hoceima is a Riffian city in the north of Morocco, on the northern edge of the Rif Mountains and on the Mediterranean coast. It is the capital city of the Al Hoceima Province. It is situated in the territory of the Ait Ouriaghel and Ibeqquyen tribes of the Rif region, who speak a Riffian variety of the Berber language locally called Tmaziɣt (Tmazight). The city is a known tourists’ destination despite its small size. It has a population of about 100,000 to 250,000.

Al Hoceima is cited among the cleanest and safest Moroccan cities. It is characterized by its shining sandy beaches like Cala Iris, Bades, Torres, Quemado and Tala Yussef, and its mountainous rocky areas. Parts of Al Hoceima are currently being integrated into the municipality through the construction of new roads to ease transportation.

AL HOCEIMA, A DREAM MEDITERANEAN DESTINATION

Blue waters of the Mediterranean, its gentle, light waves and the coastline that outlines the contours of one of Morocco’s most beautiful bays, welcome to the wonderful Al Hoceima ! The place looks like an earthly paradise. On one of its many beaches, you can relax on a deckchair, enjoy the sun during a farniente stay.Al Hoceima is not only a simple seaside town. Its surroundings has a a lots of treasures that adventure lovers come in droves to explore. Outside the town, near the fishing village of Torres de Alcala, are the ruins of five watchtowers. The Portuguese had built them during their colony. Today, the site offers pleasant walks for all lovers of old stones !Inside of the city, the port is not to be overlooked. Its edges are animated by the activity of fishermen and it is lovely to stroll there. A little far away, the Moro Viejo cornice offers a magnificent sight, and its bay gives a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

THE MUST-SEE PLACES IN AND AROUND AL HOCEIMA

Hike and thrill at al hoceima Endless array of adventures

Al Hoceima National Park

Al Hoceima is a bay, a splendid hinterland with magnificent landscapes in the middle of which is enjoyable to relax, and to challenge your limits. The Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding national park offer many leisure activities, which are popular playgrounds for adventurers.The beach of Tala Youssef is particularly famous. The «Fun Med» nautical base provides visitors with equipment for the most exhilarating activities. You can either rent jet skis for a thrilling moment, or a roaring quads to enjoy all the sensations of speed.The hinterland offers a never-ending array of hiking opportunities. Al Hoceima National Park has a trail ideal for hikers. Marked out with lodges, it allows you to explore the nature reserve for several days. The most adventurous can also take up caving. With more than 200, the region is teeming with caves, allowing you to venture into the bowels of the earth and discover spectacular rocky landscapes.In Al Hoceima, your passion is made possible !
Al hoceima, land of adventure

Green spaces away from the bustling city

Al Hoceima is famous for its bay and idyllic beaches. Apart from its popular striking coastline, it’s a city that must be visited to be believed. Mountains standing behind the sea add a faboulous dimension of beauty to the city.Bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean, the natural park of Al Hoceima, cut by high cliffs, presents an outstanding relief that draws the massif of Bokkoyas. The landscapes are wonderful : green in spring, more sparse during the summer, they bathe in the clear light of the Moroccan sun. A footpath crosses them which allows you to discover the interior of the park by walk. It is lined with gites and, for several days, you can venture out to discover the local fauna and flora. In the Moroccan Rif, the Taghzout valley is another amazing spot. Being a hundred kilometres away from Al Hoceima, the magnetic site will invite to stay longer.Back on the coast, discover the Island of Baden. This special small piece of rock, linked to the African continent by a narrow strip of sand, stands out against the background of the Mediterranean Sea, and forms an enormous reef on which the waves come to break.The endless opportunities of the region match every taste. Experience the nature that the region has fought to preserve !
Wild beaches, nature and aquamarine waters

Come and enjoy a relaxing vacation with your feet in the water on one of the many dream beaches of Al Hoceima and its region : from Asfiha, to Espalmadero, to Quemado, to Cala-Bonita to many othe exciting havens.For you, holidays rhyme with relaxation on paradisiacal beaches ? Al Hoceima, nicknamed « the Mediterranean pearl » thanks to the variety and beauty of its bays, is the ideal place for you. In this city, considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, You’ll be able to bask in the sun on its many wild beaches, while admiring the beauty of the natural sites around you. Admire the mountainous landscapes of the Tala Youssef beach, jump into the turquoise water of the Bades beach or lie down on the fine sand of the Armoud beach.Fill up on authentic souvenirs with the many typical objects from this little corner of the Rif ; the stalls and the shops around the city and the surrounding villages await for you !

Ultimate relaxation on the beaches of al hoceima

THE ESSENTIALS OF AL HOCEIMA

Activities and sightseeing in Al Hoceima

Al Hoceima is located on the northern edge of the Rif mountains, facing the Mediterranean Sea. This means it perfectly combines sea and mountain activities.

Apart from the sandy beaches and impressive mountain ranges, much of what makes Al Hoceima popular is its local lifestyle. Don’t miss out on the local markets, busy downtown squares and street food stalls!

Here’s what to see and do in Al Hoceima:

Go hiking in the Rif mountains
Visit the Towers of Alcala
Explore the seabed of Al Hoceima at Plage Isri
Walk around the Al Hoceima National Park
Go shopping at the squares and local markets
Try water sports at Tharra Youssef
Enjoy the panoramic sea views from Morro Viejo

Moroccan Diving Center

Moroccan Diving Center is a scuba diving center in Al Hoceïma in Morocco. Ideal for first dives.Al Hoceima is one of the largest resorts in North Africa. It is located off many islands, such as the islands of Sabadia, and is surrounded by many small rocky islets that will delight the most adventurous.Moroccan Diving Center in partnership with SAFARIF, expert of the National Park of Al Hoceima, offers themed excursions to discover the heritage of the region. Moroccan Diving Center has an infrastructure and logistics adapted to satisfy beginners as well as experienced divers or lovers of specific dives and snorkeling.

Port of Al Hoceima

Great place to enjoy fresh fish lumch or dinner. You pick freshly fish from the market and have it cooked at one of the restaurants inside the port

Enjoy the beaches

The city’s beaches are mostly sandy and get quite busy during the summer months. The beaches in the outskirts of the city center are usually less crowded and are perfect for peace and quiet.

Most beaches have few visitor amenities, but they are close to restaurants and some of the top hotels in Al Hoceima.

Here are the top 10 beaches in Al Hoceima:

Plage Quemado: this is the most popular beach in Al Hoceima. It is a sandy cove located in the city center, right below the famous Hôtel Mercure Quemado Resort. It has sand and offers great views.
Plage Rmod: the sandy beach is a 10-minute drive from Al Hoceima. It is a small, secluded cove with no visitor amenities except for a parking lot and some umbrellas during the summer. It’s worth staying at the beach until sunset.
Plage Sfiha: this is a long, sandy beach a few minutes by car from the city center. There are cafes, restaurants, hotels and a small parking lot. The view to the 3 small islets off the coast is captivating!
Plage Thara Youssef: Thara Youssef (also known as Tala Youssef) is a 20-minute drive from Al Hoceima. It is normally more relaxed and suitable for kids. There are sun loungers and umbrellas during the summer.
Plage Matadero: this is a small and lively rocky inlet with a sandy coast. It is great for all-day fun and it is popular with people staying at the nearby hotel. It has clean waters and a small rock perfect for diving!
Plage Isri: this is a pebble beach on the outskirts of the city, where you can sunbathe, dine or enjoy your coffee. There is a parking lot and a diving center which organizes diving tours.
Plage Calabonita: Plage Calabonita is in the city center. The beach is covered with sand and pebbles, and it gets quite crowded during peak season. It is wind-protected and features a nice park and two restaurants.
Plage Maktoâa: this is an untamed beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. There are no visitor facilities and it’s ideal for isolation.
Plage de Torrès: you can get to Plage de Torrès in 1 hour by car from Al Hoceima. It is great for a day trip, as you can have drinks and snacks on the beach. It is also close to the quaint town of Torrès de Alcala with its beautiful towers.
Cala Iris: Cala Iris is 60km west of Al Hoceima. It is a sandy beach with amazing shallow waters. It’s popular with families with kids and you can find a couple of local restaurants nearby.