Al Hoceima Travel Guide 2026

1. 1

   Quemado Beach (Plage Quemado)

   The city beach, a crescent bay below the town with calm water, cafés and restaurants behind the sand. Walkable from the centre. Good for families, swimming and the evening promenade.
2. 2

   Cala Iris

   A sheltered cove with a small fishing harbour west of the city, inside the national park. Clear water for snorkelling, cliffs for photographs, and boats that go out to nearby coves. Reach it by car or grand taxi.
3. 3

   Badis (Plage Badis)

   A remote beach below the ruins of Badis, a medieval port. Dark sand, open water and few facilities, so bring what you need. The Spanish-held Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera sits just off the beach.
4. 4

   Souani (Plage Souani)

   A sheltered bay outside the centre, popular with locals and calmer than Quemado, with seafood places and some shade from the pines.
5. 5

   Tala Youssef

   A bay beach with a fishing-village feel, shallow calm water for children and fish restaurants on the front.

Created in 2004, the park covers land and sea west of the city: limestone sea cliffs, pine woods, Posidonia seagrass meadows and a coast of coves reachable only on foot or by boat.

1. 1

   Coastal hiking

   Clifftop paths between Cala Iris and Badis run along limestone cliffs above coves and sea stacks, from short walks to full days through pine woods.
2. 2

   Diving and snorkelling

   The marine section protects Posidonia seagrass, sea caves and rocky reefs with grouper, barracuda, moray eels and octopus. Visibility is best in summer.
3. 3

   Birdwatching

   The coast sits on the migration route between Europe and Africa. Look for Audouin’s gull, Bonelli’s eagle and osprey, and passing raptors in spring and autumn.
4. 4

   Boat trips

   Local fishermen take small groups along the coast to sea caves and beaches you can only reach by water.

Most activities run from June to September, some into May and October.

1. 1

   Kayaking

   Rentals at Quemado and Cala Iris in summer; paddle along the cliffs to caves and coves.
2. 2

   Stand-up paddleboarding

   Calm mornings at Quemado and Souani are the best conditions.
3. 3

   Jet skis and parasailing

   Operators work Quemado beach in July and August.
4. 4

   Fishing trips

   Go out with local fishermen at dawn on traditional boats.

1. 1

   Tarifit language and identity

   Tarifit is the Amazigh language of the Rif. Tamazight became an official language of Morocco in the 2011 constitution. “Azul” (hello) and “tanmirt” (thank you) go a long way.
2. 2

   Yennayer

   The Amazigh New Year, 14 January, has been a paid public holiday in Morocco since 2024, and is marked with family meals.
3. 3

   History

   In the 1920s Abd el-Krim led the Rif War against Spanish and French colonial forces and declared the Republic of the Rif. Under the Spanish protectorate the town was called Villa Sanjurjo, and the Spanish period shows in the older buildings.
4. 4

   Markets

   Weekly rural souks sell local honey, olive oil, herbs and crafts.

A working fishing port, so the fish is the reason to eat here.

1. 1

   Grilled sardines and fish

   Grilled whole over charcoal at the port, with bread and salad.
2. 2

   Seafood tagine with chermoula

   Fish, prawns or squid cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, preserved lemon and olives.
3. 3

   Msemmen and fish fritters

   Flaky flatbread with honey and butter for breakfast; fish fritters sold near the port.

The city is compact, so most places are close to the beaches and restaurants. Book July and August well ahead.

1. 1

   Sea-view hotels

   On the slopes above Quemado bay, with views over the water.
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   Central mid-range hotels

   In the town centre, within walking distance of Quemado beach.
3. 3

   Guesthouses

   Family-run, in town and in the surrounding villages, often with meals.
4. 4

   Holiday apartments

   Near Quemado and Souani in summer, useful for families and longer stays.

By air

Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU), southeast of the city, with flights from Casablanca and more in summer. Taxis run to the centre.

By bus

CTM and Supratours coaches from Nador, Fes, Tangier and Casablanca.

By car

From Fes across the Rif, or along the coast from Nador on the N16. Roads are good but winding.

By grand taxi

Shared grand taxis to Nador and other towns leave when full; mornings are most reliable.

Summer · Jun–Sep

Warmest sea, best for swimming, diving and water sports. The busiest months: book July and August ahead.

Spring and autumn

Mild weather and fewer people. Wildflowers in spring, warm sea into autumn. Best for hiking.

Winter · Nov–Mar

Cool and quiet, with occasional rain. Yennayer falls on 14 January.

1. 1

   Cala Iris and the coast road

   Drive the coast road west with stops at cliff viewpoints, swim at Cala Iris and eat fish by the harbour.
2. 2

   Badis and the Peñón de Vélez

   The ruins of Badis, a medieval port, above a wild beach. Offshore, the Spanish-held Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is joined to the beach by a sand isthmus, making a land border of about 85 metres.
3. 3

   Ketama and the Rif villages

   Mountain roads through cedar forest and Amazigh villages with terraced hillsides. Local markets sell honey and herbs. Around Ketama, people may pressure you to buy cannabis: decline and drive on.

Evenings centre on the Quemado promenade: seafood dinners, which start late, and the walk along the corniche with stops for mint tea, coffee or juice. In summer there are outdoor concerts and events.

1. 1

   Money

   ATMs in the centre. Carry cash for markets, taxis and small places. The currency is the dirham (MAD).
2. 2

   Dress

   Swimwear on the beach, covered up in town. Respect customs during Ramadan.
3. 3

   Connectivity

   Wi-Fi in hotels and cafés. SIM cards from Maroc Telecom, inwi and Orange. Coverage is patchy in remote areas.
4. 4

   Getting around

   The centre is walkable and petit taxis are cheap. Rent a car for beaches and day trips; grand taxis for other towns.
5. 5

   Health and safety

   Public hospital and private clinics in town. Drink bottled water, use sun protection and swim where lifeguards are on duty.