Al Hoceima is the town where the Rif Mountains drop straight into the Mediterranean — a dramatic bay ringed by cliffs, turquoise-water coves and mountains that fall almost into the sea. Unlike Morocco's big beach resorts, Al Hoceima has kept its authentic character: it isn't a resort town, but a real Moroccan town with its own medina, souk and Riffian pace of life, set on one of the country's most striking stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Here's what makes it special, and how to arrive with ease.
Plage Quemado — the town beach
The closest beach to the town centre, Plage Quemado, curls at the foot of the cliffs inside a sheltered bay: a sandy shore, calm water, and a small harbour next door where fishing boats come in. It's where the town itself comes to swim at the end of the day, with waterfront cafés just steps away.
Al Hoceima National Park — protected cliffs and coves
Just west of town lies Al Hoceima National Park, established in 2004 and spanning nearly 48,000 hectares — Morocco's only national park with such a significant marine component. The coastline here has stayed wild: steep cliffs, isolated coves, Posidonia seagrass meadows underwater, and protected wildlife that includes the Mediterranean monk seal and troops of Barbary macaques in the hills. This landscape of cliffs and turquoise-water coves is what gives the whole region its distinctive character.
Cala Iris — the most photogenic cove
Inside the park, roughly 50 kilometres west of town, the cove of Cala Iris is often named among the most beautiful spots on Morocco's Mediterranean coastline: crystal-clear turquoise water, limestone cliffs framing the bay, and a tiny fishing village. It's a classic day-trip destination for exploring the park's protected coast, whether you're there to swim or to hike the coastal trails.
The medina and the souk
Al Hoceima's historic centre keeps a distinctly local feel — a human-scale medina and a lively souk, well away from the tourist bustle of Morocco's big imperial cities. This is a town people come to primarily for the sea and the mountains, but it's worth exploring on foot too, through its lanes and small squares.
Nador and the coast, further east
Al Hoceima sits on the same Mediterranean shoreline as Saïdia and Nador, further east along the coast. To the west, the Tétouan, M'diq and Martil area extends this same Mediterranean coastline all the way to the gates of Tangier.
Best time to visit
Summer (June to September) is the ideal season for the beach: the Mediterranean is warm and calm, and the town is at its liveliest. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, perfect for exploring the national park and the coastal trails without the summer heat. For the bigger picture, see our guide to the best time to visit Morocco, and for the rest of the coastline, our guide to Morocco's beaches.
Getting to Al Hoceima — the airport
Al Hoceima Airport (AHU) serves the town directly: the centre and the waterfront hotels sit about 15 kilometres away, roughly a twenty-minute drive. A private transfer booked ahead of time remains the simplest way to arrive: your driver meets you inside the terminal with a sign bearing your name, tracks your flight in case of delay, and takes you straight to your door at a fixed price agreed in advance. New to Morocco's airports? Our guide to Morocco's airports covers them all, and our guide to getting around Morocco details the other options.
Where to stay
The waterfront is home to the town's larger beach-facing hotels, including the Radisson Blu Resort Al Hoceima right on the water. The town centre offers simpler addresses and guesthouses, a short walk from the medina and the souk. Wherever you stay, the beach, the harbour and the centre remain close to one another.
FAQ — Al Hoceima
Where is Al Hoceima in Morocco?
Al Hoceima sits on Morocco's northern Mediterranean coast, in the Rif, between Nador to the east and Tétouan to the west.
What makes Al Hoceima unique?
Its dramatic cliffs and turquoise-water coves, protected within Al Hoceima National Park — a coastline that has stayed wild, far from the big beach resorts.
Which airport serves Al Hoceima?
Al Hoceima Airport (AHU), about 15 km from the town centre and the waterfront hotels.
Is Cala Iris an easy day trip from town?
Yes — it's roughly 50 km west, inside the national park, and it's a classic day trip to explore the protected coastline.
What's the best time to visit Al Hoceima?
Summer (June to September) for the beach and warm sea; spring and autumn for exploring the national park without the summer heat.
How do I get to my hotel in Al Hoceima from the airport?
The simplest option is a private transfer booked ahead of time: your driver meets you with a sign bearing your name and takes you straight to your hotel, at a fixed price.
Planning a stop on the Mediterranean coast? Book your transfer to Al Hoceima on planmorocco.com — fixed prices, French- and English-speaking drivers, available 24/7.