Morocco's Mediterranean Escape: The Essential Travel Guide to Al Hoceima
- Malika
- May 7, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Positioned where the Rif Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea on Morocco’s north coast, Al Hoceima is a picturesque port and lively resort. With a population of just under 60,000, this modestly sized city punches well above its weight as a tourist destination due to its abundance of beaches and enviable weather.
The Al Hoceima region was originally inhabited by Amazigh people of the Ait Ouriaghel tribe, who organised guerrilla forces against Spanish occupation during the early 20th-century Rif War. Abd el-Krim established the short-lived Republic of the Rif in 1921 before the Spanish general José Sanjurjo retook the territory in 1925 and created the city of Villa Sanjurjo.
After Morocco gained independence in 1955, Villa Sanjurjo was renamed Al Hoceima by the new government. In the post-independence period, many of Al Hoceima’s houses were painted blue and white to represent the sea and sky, with these colours still predominating today. While Tamazight is spoken by locals of Amazigh descent, Spanish remains a second or third tongue for many Al Hoceima residents.
With its laidback seaside charm, fascinating history and wealth of outdoor activities, it's easy to see why Al Hoceima is such an alluring destination for both local and international tourists.
In this Essential Travel Guide to Al Hoceima, discover the top things to see and do in the city, as well as inspiring places to stay and the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best things to do in Al Hoceima
Relax on the beaches
The sun-drenched beaches of Al Hoceima are the main draw for visitors, with miles of stunning coves and golden sands to explore. Many can be reached on foot from the city centre while others require a short drive or bus ride.
Within minutes walk of central Al Hoceima is Plage Quemado, one of the city's most popular and accessible stretches of sand. It lies just south of the Al Hoceima Port, framed by rocky headlands. There are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, as well as the option to hire jet skis.
Just a short drive from the city centre is Plage Rmod, a hidden gem of a cove that tends to be less crowded than Plage Quemado. It's popular with families due to its calm waters and the west-facing position mean the sunsets here are sublime. Further along the coast is Plage Thara Youssef, a pebbly beach where you can rent jet skis and kayaks.
South of Al Hoceima (en route to the airport) is Plage Sfiha, a long stretch of sand backed by a family-friendly water park and several restaurants. For me, its biggest appeal is the captivating views of three small islets dotting the horizon, including the whitewashed Spanish island fortress of El Peñón de Alhucemas.
Explore Al Hoceima National Park
Sprawling to the west of the city are the wild and rugged landscapes of Al-Hoceima National Park, an expansive protected area that boasts some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. It lies where the foothills of the northern Rif Mountains meet the coastline, with the valleys blanketed in fragrant cedar and pine forests.
Along the park’s network of dirt trails, you can discover tiny Amazigh villages where traditional ways of life endure. On the edges of the park, locals herd livestock and cultivate mountain terraces as they have done for generations. If you’re lucky, you may spot Barbary macaques or golden eagles soaring above while endangered Mediterranean monk seals are found in the surrounding waters.
Hiring a rental car is the best way to experience Al Hoceima National Park - a 2WD is fine if you're sticking to the main road but you'll need a 4WD for accessing more remote trails.
Best things to do in Al Hoceima
Pick up fresh seafood at the port
As with all Moroccan ports, Al Hoceima’s is a lively place to people watch and experience the buzz of daily life, particularly when the fishermen arrive with the daily catch. As you approach the harbour on foot, the city’s whitewashed buildings give way to fishing boats bobbing gently in the water and the thrum of port-side activities
Locals and tourists alike come here to purchase their seafood, with the option to have your selection expertly grilled to perfection at one of the nearby restaurants. Aside from its fishery action, Al Hoceima’s port is an arrival/departure point for ferries to Spain and small tour boats heading out to explore the surrounding coastline.
For elevated views across the port and the cliffs in the distance, you can climb the small hill located on its northern side.
How to get to Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima’s Cherif Al Idrissi Airport is the main aviation gateway to the city and is located 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the city centre. This regional airport provides flights to and from major hubs within Morocco like Tangier, Casablanca and Tetouan, making it easy to connect through on trips from other parts of the country.
If you're visiting Al Hoceima from Europe, there are also regular flights between Al Hoceima and major cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.
For budget-conscious travellers or those making their way overland through Morocco, buses operated by CTM provide regular services to Al Hoceima from nearby towns and cities. There are twice daily buses from Tangier to Al Hoceima, which also stop in Tetouan and Chefchaouen. The total journey time is between 8 and 8.5 hours.
Tangier: 9 am | Tangier: 7:30 pm | Al Hoceima: 1 pm | Al Hoceima: 9:45 pm |
Tetouan: 10 am | Tetouan: 8:45 pm | Chefchaouen: 6:40 pm | NOT VIA CHEFCHAOUEN |
Chefchaouen: 11:30 am | Chefchaouen: 10:10 pm | Tetouan: 8 pm | Tetouan: 4:30 am |
Al Hoceima: 5:35 pm | Al Hoceima: 4 am | Tangier: 9:30 pm | Tangier: 5:45 am |
Ferries also connect from Motril in Spain, with the journey taking 7.5 hours.
If you’re self-driving in Morocco, Al Hoceima is around four hours’ drive from both Tetouan and Fes.
To find the best rental car deals in Morocco, visit Discover Cars, which compares vehicles from more than 500 suppliers. It also offers free cancellation and 24/7 support (in multiple languages) for peace of mind.
Best things to do in Al Hoceima
Best places to stay in Al Hoceima
When it comes to hotels, Al Hoceima has a few mid-range options but nothing that's a real standout, unfortunately. That being said, it does have some wonderful holiday apartments, complete with kitchens where you can prepare your own meals or cook up fresh seafood from the port.
Best luxury hotel in Al Hoceima
Offering magnificent views across the Mediterranean Sea, DWO Mira Palace is a four-star hotel and one of the best places to stay in Al Hoceima if you want a classic hotel stay. Stepping inside, you'll find a modern interior bathed in natural light, plus a 24-hour front desk manned by friendly staff.
When not out exploring Al Hoceima, you can enjoy lounging by the swimming pool on one of the cushioned chairs that dot the hotel's sun-drenched terrace. When hunger strikes, Mira Palace boasts a restaurant serving up regional specialties in an elegant setting, as well as a casual cafeteria offering lighter fare.
"Nice location, with a good view. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Really friendly staff.” - Utama (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Al Hoceima
Best three-bedroom holiday apartment in Al Hoceima
Located near the golden sands of Plage Rmod, this highly-rated Al Hoceima apartment enjoys stunning views of the Rif Mountains. A highlight of the property is the private rooftop terrace where you can dine alfresco and soak up the sunset views.
With its tasteful contemporary decor, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home exudes a peaceful, laid-back vibe. The fully-equipped kitchen and dining area provide everything you need to whip up meals with fresh local ingredients from the nearby markets and fishing port.
All in all, I think it's one of the best holiday apartments in Al Hoceima.
"Beautiful house with a magnificent private rooftop!!” - Anouar (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Al Hoceima
Best holiday apartment in Al Hoceima with parking
Located on lively Bades Street, these Al Hoceima holiday apartments boast a prime location just steps from the city's top attractions, as well as being just five minutes on foot from Quemado Beach. Each apartment comes with a fully-furnished kitchen, allowing you to prepare meals just like you would at home, as well as a private balcony where you can enjoy your culinary creations.
Additionally, the Royal Rif Apartments also offer complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking on-site, making it popular with those self-driving around Morocco. With their unbeatable location, thoughtful amenities and affordable rates, these budget-friendly Al Hoceima apartments tick all the right boxes.
"Excellent stay with big support from the crew if something needed.” - Ahmed (read more reviews here)
Travel guide to Al Hoceima
Best time to visit Al Hoceima
Due to its setting on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Al Hoceima enjoys enviable weather for much of the year - one of the main reasons it’s such a popular holiday resort.
During the peak summer months of June through August, temperatures rise to the high 20s/early 30s Celsius (80s/90s Fahrenheit), attracting European vacationers and holidaying Moroccans to its beaches. If you're after a classic beach escape, this is the time to come!
In my opinion, the best time to visit Al Hoceima is from October through to April when the beaches and streets are not overflowing with tourists. That being said, it might not necessarily be "beach weather", depending on what that means for you.
During these months, you can expect comfortable temperatures in the high teens/low 20s Celsius (60s/70s Fahrenheit) - ideal for strolling Al Hoceima's whitewashed alleys, sipping mint tea at an alfresco cafe or walking along the beach.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
