The beautiful city of Al Hoceima is located along the Mediterranean coast, on the edge of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco. The region is known for the diversity of ethnic tribes that have formed over the centuries the local population, the majority of whom are Riffians Berber in the first place.
The first landmarks of the city appeared, according to historians, in the seventeenth century, and some monuments still resist the factors of time, just as yesterday they resisted attempts to destroy them by European colonial powers, especially Spain, which faced fierce local resistance before the occupation of Al Hoceima.
The Spanish military forces attacked the city in an unprecedented naval landing in 1925, supported by air from the French, as a response to the defeat received by the armies of the Spanish leaders, Manuel Silvestre Fernandez and Felipe Navarro, in the historic Battle of Annual, in front of the fierce resistance of the local Riffian leader Abd al-Karim al-Khattabi in the year 1921.
Today, Al Hoceima stands in a splendid view of the Mediterranean coasts and allows tourists to look at the horizon towards the European continent, with the beauty of its wonderful marine nature and the appropriate temperatures for recreation throughout the year. The city has a good reputation as one of the safest cities in the Kingdom of Morocco.
The city of Al Hoceima witnessed a remarkable change at various levels. Despite the conservative nature of its inhabitants, this did not prevent it from becoming a national tourist pole par excellence. The development of the infrastructure has also helped it to be ready to receive tourists from all over the world. Perhaps the expansion project, which was launched recently at its Cherif Al Idrissi airport, proved concretely that the jewel of the Mediterranean is a favorite tourist destination for visitors.
The urgent program for the reconstruction of the Al Hoceima region, which came with royal instructions after the 2004 earthquake, contributed to changing many of the city’s landmarks, which today have become a sought-after area on the list of tourist trips, whether internal or external, especially since King Mohammed VI singled it out with unique royal patronage represented in the launch of development programs projects, such as the "Al Hoceima Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" program, which will serve the tourist offer with high-quality specifications.
How to reach Al Hoceima from Europe?
Visitors from European Union countries will be able to reach the city of Al Hoceima, in an easy way, and it will be an exciting opportunity to explore the African bank opposite Europe, through an enjoyable trip on board the ship in the width of the Mediterranean.
The process of reaching the city is very easy. It is enough to head from any European country towards the Spanish city of Motril overlooking the southern coast of the country, and book your ticket from the Naviera Armas company, which provides two trips per week on a regular basis during regular periods of the year, in addition to 11 trips per week at peak times, like in the summer.
The duration of the trip between the two banks does not exceed five hours, and the tourist coming from Europe can take his car on board the ship.
For those coming from other continents
Cherif El Idrissi Airport in Al Hoceima provides dozens of international and domestic flights throughout the year, where travel lovers can come to Al Hoceima from America via Royal Airlines or American Airlines, or Jet Blue airlines on a direct flight to Casablanca, and after only one stop at Mohammed V Airport, the flight can be resumed to Al Hoceima Airport.
For those coming from Asia, Australia, and neighboring regions, international flights can travel onboard any airline company to Casablanca's airport and then take another flight north towards Cherif El Idrissi Airport.
For more clarifications, you can contact the help and inquiry center at the airport at the following phone number +212539982560.
Getting around the city of Al Hoceima
As a visitor to Al Hoceima, you will not find it difficult to reach tourist attractions, entertainment venues, or hotels in the city center. Once you exit the airport terminal, you will find Grand taxis directly in front of you, which will transport you at a price of 120 dirhams, which corresponds to 12 dollars.
Upon reaching the city center, there are Petit blue and yellow taxis that can take you to any place within the city at a flat rate set at only 7 dirhams, or about half a euro.
And for those who do not prefer to ride transportation and public transportation, they can rent a small car from those provided by a number of car rental agencies in the city at very reasonable prices, starting from 240 dirhams per day, equivalent to 24 dollars.
The city of Al Hoceima is not that vast to require means of transportation, its neighborhoods give the desire to walk to explore the quiet and safe alleys and streets.
Where to spend your night in Al Hoceima?
In Al Hoceima, it's all about the beach, whether you want to walk barefoot, relax on the sand, head out on a boat to do some diving, or just relax on your private balcony watching the sea, the Mediterranean coast is nature's canvas. All of the accommodations that we'll show you here will help you make the most of your beach trip.
On the coastal front, you can get a room overlooking the Gulf of Al Hoceima from inside classified hotels, the price of which starts at 400 dirhams for the services of a three-star hotel (equivalent to 40 dollars) per night. But if you want to spend your night in hotels with a higher rating, the tourist can find five-star hotels directly overlooking the sea, and their prices range from 800 to 1000 dirhams per night (equivalent to approximately $ 100).
However, if the visitor finds himself facing prices that do not suit him or more than the expenses allocated for his travel, there are other options available, such as renting furnished apartments that allow spending quality time with family or friends, at a price starting from 200 dirhams (equivalent to 20 dollars).
Places to visit in Al Hoceima
The blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, its gentle and light waves, and the charming coastline that surrounds the features of one of the most beautiful bays in Morocco, this is just a simple description that does not fulfill the right of the charming city of Al Hoceima, where the place is like a paradise of diverse beaches that tempt you to relax in the chair and enjoy the warm sun.
Quemado Beach
It is one of the most famous tourist beaches in the city of Al Hoceima, formed on a straight coast with crystal turquoise water and pure golden sand, so you will not need special shoes, the water surface is very smooth, this beach is suitable for all different groups of visitors, lovers of relaxation, the elderly and children, it is a family place par excellence.
This tourist space is divided into two parts, the first in which you can spend the day on the beach and enjoy the charming atmosphere, and the second in which private yachts and motor boats are collected, and it provides entertainment places for children, as well as a service for renting boats and kayaks to tour the beach for the benefit of tourists.
The beach is really wonderful with calm and clean waters. Chairs with sun umbrellas are available for visitors at a simple price set at 10 dirhams per chair (equivalent to 1 dollar), and for lovers of relaxation under the sun, there are deck chairs available at 40 dirhams per person (equivalent to 4 dollars), drinks are available And a restaurant for those who wish to order food services.
Sfiha beach
About 8 kilometers east of the city of Al Hoceima, there is Sfiha Beach, which has a refreshing atmosphere. It can be reached by taking buses. The price of the trip is set at only 7 dirhams (less than 1 dollar), and for those who prefer to go independently, you can rent a Grand taxi, the price of the trip is 60 dirhams (equivalent to 6 dollars).
The place is comfortable to spend a fun day on the beach, which is distinguished by the view of Nekor Island, in a charming natural painting, as it floats on the sea water directly in front of you. The beach also provides chairs and umbrellas for vacationers and visitors.
Cala Bonita Beach
Tourists cannot miss the opportunity to visit this beach, which mimics the beaches of the Caribbean islands. The place is only half an hour away from Quemado Beach, east of Al Hoceima if you go on foot.
Soft sands and clear waters offer you a natural sea combination, ideal for swimming and relaxing sunbathing. It also has a camp that includes 150 places, with a restaurant and café serving a number of seafood and refreshing drinks, as well as some sports facilities.
Torres de Alcala castle
A unique architectural masterpiece with a great heritage and historical value in the memory of Al Hoceima and the Rif in general. The castle was built during the Almohad period at the end of the thirteenth century. It played an important role in defending the city since the Almohad era and witnessed four different eras, which are the Almohads, and the Iberian occupation, ending with the Saadians, and the Alawites.
This historical landmark remained steadfast during the Spanish colonial period in the late twentieth century, and today the visitor to the neighboring areas of the city of Al Hoceima can explore the impact of the history that abounds in the region, and the beauty and privacy of this building, which includes five towers, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a very suitable place to take memorial photos amazing.
Mazama archaeological site
The archaeological site of Mazama is the remains of a medieval city founded by the Banu Saleh in the Emirate of Nekor in the ninth century. It is located in the town of Ajdir near Souani beach in the middle of a forest near the city of Al-Hoceima. The city was abandoned in the seventeenth century. The place is one of the most famous tourist spaces that Attract the tourist to visit.
The historical city has some ruins left, including an old fortified military prison located in the middle of the upper part of the site, in addition to the city wall, which was discovered several meters away on the southern side and part of it in the northwest.
Al Hoceima National Park
Among the heights close to the sea, the Al Hoceima National Park cannot but amaze you with the beauty of its landscapes, where the Mediterranean Sea is as far as the eye can see majestic limestone cliffs, and the forest that overlooks them, the place is truly tempting for hiking.
For adventure lovers, they can go out on enthusiastic bike rides and explore a number of caves in the area. The tourist will find himself in an enjoyable experience within the wildlife, where the animals and plants vary in the park. The place is suitable for taking a break and a picnic to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Mediterranean nature, accompanied by family and friends.
Shopping in Al Hoceima
Visitors coming from inside and outside the Kingdom prefer to visit one of the most popular and abundant markets in terms of products, which is the “Mirador” market. It is a commercial center for all kinds of goods, clothes, kitchen appliances, mattresses, and others.
The market opens its doors to the public every week on Sundays and Tuesdays, and displays in one of its wings the vegetables and fruits brought by farmers from the villages near the city. It also provides places for sellers of fresh fish of all kinds.
Eating out in Al Hoceima
The city of Al Hoceima has a number of modern and very old restaurants that are worth a visit, some of which are located in the city center and others located close to its quiet beaches, where you can eat a variety of dishes, including a menu of fish dishes and its types.
What distinguishes the city of Al Hoceima from the rest of the cities of the Kingdom is its reputation for restaurants serving fish specialties, most of which are grilled sardines, and other popular foods that also include a number of types of sea mollusks, tuna salads, and fish soup. Most of these restaurants are spread on the coastal road and in the center of the port as well.
