Morocco's Atlantic Coast is a hidden gem, with white sand beaches, gorgeous villages, and lovely souks and marketplaces. In addition, the coast is flanked by small fishing settlements, agriculture, and dry-tolerant Moroccan gardens. The bulk of Morocco's seaside communities are yet to be found. A
trip to Morocco's secret coast will take you off the beaten track and provide you with a calm but interesting cultural experience. The towns are remarkable as
Moroccan cities and provide a look into the Kingdom's close seaside life. Sidi Ifni, Imsouane, and Ksar Massa are three of Morocco's secret beach communities that are ideal for a quick retreat. Each of these seaside villages would be ideal for a
Moroccan road trip or as part of a private, guided Morocco tour.
Three Moroccan Coastal Towns to Visit
Discover Morocco's Hidden Treasures Sunsets are spectacular in coastal locations. Paragliding over the Atlantic, hiking nature reserves, birdwatching in a lagoon, and horseback riding along the coast are all options. Other activities include going on a fishing trip and surfing some of the greatest waves in the world.
#1. Sidi Ifni, Art Deco Enclave & Coastal Town
Sidi Ifni is situated in southern Morocco's Souss-Massa region. It is a popular destination for surfers, beachgoers, and history aficionados who enjoy the town's rich history and Art Deco architecture. Sidi Ifni has ties to the indigenous Shilha and Ait Baamrane tribes since it was originally a slave trafficking port. It is also known for its long-standing ties to Spain during the period of Spanish colonialism. Spain overcame Moroccan soldiers and gained control of the enclave in the mid-nineteenth century. By 1934, Sidi Ifni had become totally Spanish, and the age of Art Deco architectural structures and places had begun. Sidi Infi is now considered Moroccan territory, yet it maintains an Iberian flavor. Spain maintained control of the coastal town until 1969. Travelers wandering through Sidi Ifni's white and blue-painted streets may often hear Spanish phrases like "hello" and "paella" from the inhabitants, the majority of whom are avid Spanish football fans.
The town of Sidi Ifni has a population of 20,000 inhabitants. The town's economy is based on fishing, with exports coming from the Spanish mainland. Sidi Ifni is located around seven hours south of Marrakech. Merlift and its neighboring districts are recognized for their stunning beaches and seafood eating alternatives. Because the temperature is pleasant to warm all year, it is a great getaway during any of Morocco's four seasons.
Swimming Locations:
Sidi Ifni Beach is a short walk from cafés, restaurants, hotels, and the town center. Cycling, horseback riding, surfing, and guided fishing expeditions are all recommended daily activities. Tiznit, a Berber village with a vast jewelry souk and some of the greatest silver in Morocco, is just an hour away for shopping.
Legzira Beach is conveniently located 20 minutes north of Sidi Ifni and is regarded as one of the world's top beaches for sunbathing and surfing. Travelers have characterized Legzira as a real-life picture. The geological rocky beach links the Anti Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean in a unique way. The biological cave formations of Legzira are interesting and well-liked by nature lovers. Sunset at Legzira provides breathtaking vistas of rock formations surrounded by burned orange cliffs. A shot of Legzira during high tide, when the ocean curtain is peeled back and exposed, is wonderful.
Places to Stay:
The Logis de Marine guest house, built in 1934, is widely renowned for its seaside terrace views. In the 1930s, the property was home to Spanish Naval commanders. The house's design is inspired by the town's Art Deco buildings and has a marine motif. Views of the Canary Islands are visible from the balcony. This beautiful Bed and Breakfast also has a solarium, a bar, a dining room, and a small garden. Seasonal fruit juices and Moroccan traditional bread are served for breakfast. In the evening, the day's catch is lovingly cooked to your liking. The Logis de Marine is located 60 kilometers from Guelmim Airport.
What to Eat:
Nomad Restaurant is located on a side street in the town center, only steps from from Sidi Ifni Beach. Moroccan, Mediterranean, European, and seafood cuisine vary in price from mid-range to expensive. The Pariada of the Sea, a plate of grilled octopus, calamari, and local seafood prepared to order, is a restaurant favorite. A 360-degree ocean vista and the Western Blues will enhance your dining experience. Abdellah, the proprietor of Nomad Restaurant, enjoys country music.
Chez Sofia is a small family-run restaurant in town. It serves shrimp couscous, chicken pastilla, and a variety of vegetarian frittatas. Lunch is offered with a Spanish-style cuisine of the day. A appetizer, main course, and dessert are all available for 100 MAD ($11).
Gran Canaria is another Sidi Ifni local restaurant situated within walking distance of the Sidi Ifni Cinema and the seashore. Gran Canaria boasts a relaxed atmosphere with an international food. The huge servings are ideal for families with children. Homemade brick oven style Italian pizza is also available on-site. Traditional Spanish paella, Moroccan tagine meals, vegetarian soups, and pasta alternatives are all available on this beach town menu, which has moderate rates and good ingredient quality.
Imsouane is a fishing and surfing village.
Imsouane is a modest Berber fishing community known for its peace and natural beauty. It is situated in a Moroccan bay between Essaouira and Agadir. During the winters and summers, surfers flock to Imsouane's "magic bay," which they believe has some of the greatest waves in the world.
During the summer, Imsouane draws Moroccan families who come for the cheap seafood and pleasant beach scene. It is simple to rent an apartment or a villa for a few weeks. Imsouane, ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the world's 27 most beautiful beaches, is something of a paradise resort due to its underdevelopment and lack of commercialization. Imsouane is separated into two districts: Tasblast, which has typical Moroccan dwellings, and Amadel, which has villas and inns. Imsouane has a population of less than 10,000 people and a fishing-based economy.
Imsouane Shore is set in a bay region with a massive bluff overlooking the beach. Some believe it's one of the greatest sites on the Moroccan coast to see the sunset. Cafes, seafood restaurants, and apartment buildings are all within walking distance of Imsouane Beach. Imsouane is an Amazigh term that meaning "mouth (imi) and sea water" (isouane). Imsouane has two primary surf spots: the Bay, for skilled surfers who can drive larger waves and longer rides, and the Cathedral, for smaller waves and shortboard practice.
Places to Stay:
Dar Zitoun (Olo Surf & Nature) - You don't have to be a surfer or yogi to stay at the stylishly constructed Dar Zitoun. This whitewashed modern property features an outdoor pool and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The hotel is renowned for its warmth, position with breathtaking cliff-top views, sustainable business approach, and meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect is studied, from the well-reviewed meals to the relaxed but opulent decor.
What to Eat:
Chez Jolo is a quaint open-air restaurant near the mouth of Imsouane Bay. It has some of the greatest grilled seafood and sunsets in Africa. The design is simple, yet Chez Jolo's open-air terrace is within walking distance of the seaside and provides an outstanding eating experience. Ask for the catch of the day or try their signature dish, Sea Bream. Chez Jolo opens early and is ideal for a cup of coffee in the morning.
Fisherman's Port is only steps away from Chez Jolo. Visitors may choose a fresh catch and bring it to a restaurant of their choice to barbecue on the spot. Chez Jolo and Auberge Tawala are two popular spots to barbecue seafood from the Fisherman's Port.
#3: Sidi Rbat - Ksar Massa
Sidi Rbat is located south of Agadir in the Souss Massa Natural Park and Massa region. Sidi Rabat attracts visitors from all over the globe due to its tranquil setting and 60 kilometers of coastline. Photography aficionados and bird watchers go to see these uncommon birds. Sidi Rbat is well-known for its hundreds of caverns, some of which are natural and others which were cut out by local fisherman. On Tuesdays, the Massa neighborhood has a big souk offering fresh fruits and vegetables, baskets, and reed carpets.
Places to Stay:
Ksar Massa is a boutique lodge and spa on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Morocco. It is a refuge of tranquility hidden on a dunes rampart, where time seems to be paused. Ksar Massa is an ochre-colored home that looks like a Mexican hacienda. The Massa Lagoon, a protected nature area where you may see gazelles, ostriches, terrapins, tortoises, and migrating birds, is within walking distance of the property. Ksar Massa features 11 rooms and 7 private apartments, as well as two outdoor swimming pools and two restaurants on-site. The "El Menzah" restaurant provides breakfast and salads with grilled fish for lunch. The Erryad restaurant serves freshly cooked gourmet Moroccan meals influenced by Fassis and Marrakech cuisine in the evening.
Sidi Rbat Beach is lovely, off the main road, poorly recognized, and unpopular with visitors. Some seaside activities to consider are fishing expeditions and bike visits to neighbouring settlements not far from the beach.
Souss-Massa National Park is located to the south of Sidi Ifni and to the north of Agadir. The park's reserve is 33,800 hectares in size. The national park is home to undulating sand dunes, beaches, and wetlands due to its location between the Souss Massa river and the Atlantic Ocean. Since 1991, the Moroccan Kingdom has protected Souss-Massa National Park. It is home to seven different Berber tribes, as well as overhanging cliffs and distinctive vegetation. The Bald Hermit, certain Ibis, flamingos, and the black-headed Tchagra are among species to keep an eye out for.
What to Eat:
Oued Massa Paradis Restaurant Berber is located on the western bank of the Oued River, just outside of Sidi Ifni. The restaurant provides authentic Moroccan ceramic cuisine cooked over a wood fire. In a tiny courtyard, Berber tagines of vegetables, kefta, preserved lemon, chicken and fish are served.
Les Grottes (Village of Trog Caverns), where hundreds of caves border the Atlantic coast, is within walking distance of the Ksar Massa property. Many of these caverns are home to fishermen who have constructed cement shanties with outdoor kitchens. The cliffs at Aglou, an hour south of the Massa region, have been likened to the area.
