Sidi Ifni
Africa · Morocco
See also
Mirleft
Morocco29.58°N 10.04°W
Guelmim
Morocco28.98°N 10.07°W · 298 m
Agadir
Morocco30.43°N 9.60°W · 74 m
.jpg){kind=link}
Taghazout
Morocco30.53°N 9.70°W
Taroudannt
Morocco30.47°N 8.87°W · 240 m
Tafraoute
Morocco29.72°N 8.97°W · 995 m
Overview
Sidi Ifni is a fishing town in the northern coastal part of Anti Atlas, built by the Spanish in Art Deco style. It's a very calm and relaxed destination — ideal if Essaouira and Chefchaouen feel too crowded.
Languages: Arabic, Berber
Why go?
Sidi Ifni is a fishing town in the northern coastal part of Anti Atlas, built by the Spanish in Art Deco style. It's a very calm and relaxed destination — ideal if Essaouira and Chefchaouen feel too crowded. The town has retained its Spanish colonial character and attracts older European caravaners seeking tranquility.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
As one of the last Spanish colonies in northern Morocco, Sidi Ifni retains strong Spanish architectural influences throughout the town. Following violent protests by fishermen in 2008-2009, Morocco invested significantly in the region, leading to extensive restoration of the historic Art Deco buildings that now define the townscape.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The architecturally interesting part of town is compact enough to explore on foot. For longer distances or reaching areas outside the center, petite taxis are available. No public bus system is mentioned.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The high season is winter, with Christmas and New Year's Eve being particularly busy periods. Summer brings fewer tourists but may be hotter. The big souk (market) takes place every Sunday, making that day particularly lively for visitors interested in local commerce.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
The town has plenty of hotels to choose from. During high season (winter, especially Christmas and New Year), advance booking is strongly recommended as availability becomes limited. Budget options and mid-range establishments line the beach promenade area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
The small permanent souk near the beach features five stalls with plastic chairs serving fish tagine (40 MAD), fried seafood plates (20 MAD), and drinks (5 MAD) — all including bread, olives, and salad. The beach promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants. For alcohol, Hotel Bellevue at the upper end of the promenade offers drinks with ocean views, while two bars at the lower end also serve alcohol.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is the Art Deco architectural heritage scattered throughout town. Visitors can hang out at the beach and try surfing. The big Sunday souk draws crowds from the surrounding region. Restaurants perched atop the cliff above the beach offer meals with panoramic ocean views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Fresh fish is abundant and inexpensive at local stalls. Some vendors sell antiquities, but prices are steep — when bargaining, start at just 1% of the initial asking price.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Southward routes lead to Western Sahara via Guelmim — a scenic one-hour mountain drive. North toward Agadir, travelers can stop at beautiful beaches in Mirleft or Aglou; taking the Aglou coastal route provides particularly nice views. The stunning rock arch at Legzira is another accessible northern destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Beach Promenade Cafes and Restaurants
Various cafes and restaurants lining the beachfront promenade serving local cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cliff Restaurants
Restaurants perched on top of the cliff above the beach offering meals with panoramic ocean views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Souk Fish Stalls
Five small stalls near the permanent souk serving fresh fish dishes with bread, olives, and salad included.
Recorded price: Fish Tagine 40 MAD; Fried seafood plate 20 MAD; Drinks 5 MAD
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Art Deco Buildings
The town's Spanish colonial heritage is expressed through numerous restored Art Deco buildings throughout the compact historic center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Beach and Surfing
Relax on the beach or catch waves — surfing is a popular activity in Sidi Ifni.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Fresh Fish
Local fishermen sell fresh, affordable fish at the beach area stalls.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Sunday Souk
The big weekly market draws visitors and locals from the surrounding region every Sunday.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Plenty of hotels exist; book ahead during winter high season, especially Christmas and New Year.
Culture
Spanish colonial heritage evident in Art Deco architecture; town is calmer than major Moroccan tourist destinations.
Food
Souk stalls near the beach serve fish tagine for 40 MAD and fried seafood for 20 MAD. All meals come with bread, olives, and salad.
Transport
The compact old town is walkable. Petite taxis available for longer trips. No local bus system mentioned.