Positioned where the Rif Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea on Morocco’s north coast, Al Hoceima is a picturesque port and lively summer 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 Moroccan 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.
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 Ultimate 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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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 coastline 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 Quemado Beach, one of the most popular and accessible stretches of sand in the area. Just a short drive from the city centre is Plage Rmod, a hidden gem of a cove where visitors can find peace and quiet without the crowds. For those seeking amenities like cafes and restaurants, Plage Sfiha fits the bill with its vibrant beach scene and captivating views of three small islets dotting the horizon.
Families appreciate the relaxed, kid-friendly vibes of Plage Thara Youssef, where sun loungers and umbrellas line the beach during the summer months. On the outskirts of Al Hoceima, beachgoers can also head to the Matadero inlet with its rocky coastline and crystal clear waters.
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.
Following the park’s network of dirt trails, visitors 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 in the skies above.
Ultimate Travel Guide to 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 a hive of activity.
Locals and tourists alike flock to purchase the seafood that’s displayed on makeshift stalls, 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.
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. For those coming 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. 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.
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Things to do in Al Hoceima
Best places to stay in Al Hoceima
Offering magnificent views across the Mediterranean Sea, Mira Palace is a four-star hotel and one of the best places to stay in Al Hoceima. Stepping inside reveals a modern interior bathed in natural light, with a 24-hour front desk manned by friendly staff ready to cater to your every need.
When not exploring Al Hoceima, guests can enjoy lounging by the outdoor 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 atmosphere, 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)
This seafront hotel in Al Hoceima offers a relaxed coastal escape overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Suites Hotel Mohammed V enjoys a prime setting on Quemado Beach, placing guests right in the heart of all the action. Guests can begin each morning with a refreshing dip in the sea or a leisurely stroll along the water's edge before returning to the hotel for a hearty breakfast buffet.
The well-appointed suites at this four-star Al Hoceima hotel feature spacious terraces and en-suite bathrooms with indulgent soaking tubs. In the evening, you can dine on flavourful international dishes and local seafood at the onsite restaurant or enjoy a sundowner at the laid-back Tagzirt bar.
"What a fantastic place! The view from the room was amazing…The staff were friendly. The breakfast was enormous.” - Jacky (read more reviews here)
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.
"Beautiful house with a magnificent private rooftop!!” - Anouar (read more reviews here)
Things to do in Al Hoceima
Located on lively Bades Street, these Al Hoceima holiday apartments offer guests a prime location just steps from the city's top attractions, as well as being just five minutes on foot from Quemado Beach. Each room comes equipped 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.
Beyond the rooms, the Royal Rif Apartments also offer complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking on-site, making it popular with those self-driving around Morocco. With its 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)
Best time to visit Al Hoceima
Due to its setting on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Al Hoceima enjoys pleasant 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), bringing large crowds of European vacationers and travelling Moroccans flocking to the area’s beaches.
The best time to visit is from October through to April when the beaches and streets are not overflowing with tourists. During these months, you can expect comfortable temperatures in the mid to high teens Celsius (60s Fahrenheit) - ideal for strolling through 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.