The Art Deco centre
Around Place Hassan II, the former Plaza de España, 1930s buildings line up their geometric forms. The Cinema Avenida is a fine example.
Excursion · Atlantic coast
Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni, the Art Deco town at the end of the coast
White and blue 1930s façades, a clifftop facing the Atlantic and the red arches of Legzira half an hour away: southern Morocco on the ocean side.
168 km, about 3h
From the riad
30 min north
Legzira
October to May
Best time
Architecture and ocean
Best for
Perched on a cliff above the Atlantic, Sidi Ifni remained under Spanish administration until 1969. From that time it keeps an almost intact Art Deco centre: town hall, former consulate, cinema and lighthouse, with white and blue façades.
It is a quiet little town, far from mass tourism, with a fishing port, a long beach and, to the north, Legzira beach and its red sandstone arches. A long day from the riad, and also perfect for a night by the ocean.
Things to do in Sidi Ifni
The lighthouse
Sidi Ifni's white and blue lighthouse overlooks the ocean from the cliff. The area around it gives open views along the coast.
Legzira beach
Half an hour to the north, a beach lined with red cliffs. The largest arch collapsed in September 2016; the one still standing is among the most beautiful sights on the coast.
The boat-shaped building
Facing the sea, this striking Spanish-era building, complete with portholes and an anchor, has become one of the town's symbols.
The fishing port
At the foot of the cliff, the port livens up when the boats return. It is also where you find the freshest fish.
The former Spanish consulate
Arcades, balustrades and an ornate façade: the former consulate recalls the town's Spanish history.
When to visit Sidi Ifni
By the ocean, the climate stays mild all year.
Best time
October to May
Mild temperatures, ideal for the town and the coast.
Summer
Frequent mist
The ocean often brings a morning mist that lifts during the day.
Legzira
At low tide
The beach is easier to explore when the sea is low: check the tide times.
Sunday
Weekly souk
The Sunday market livens up the town.
Excursion · Atlantic coast
Sidi Ifni highlights
Three moments not to miss.
Place Hassan II
Art Deco
The heart of the Spanish town, with the town hall and its 1930s buildings.
Legzira
Beach and arch
The red cliffs and the arch still holding out against the ocean.
Sunset
From the cliff
The sun sinking into the Atlantic, seen from the town's terraces.
Getting there
From Riad Asmaa, Sidi Ifni is about 168 km away: allow 3 hours by road, via Tiznit and then the coast road through Mirleft and Legzira.
The last stretch runs along the ocean: plan a stop at Legzira on the way there or back.
The easiest option for our guests: we arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide.
A Spanish history
Sidi Ifni was a Spanish enclave from 1934 to 1969, when it returned to Morocco. The town was laid out in that period, in the Art Deco style then in fashion.
Today the official buildings, villas and streets of the centre form an ensemble that is rare in Morocco, and easy to explore on foot.
Where to eat
Grilled fish and seafood are the speciality, in the small restaurants of the centre and near the port. You will also find tagines and terrace cafés.
For the evening, remember to order dinner at the riad the day before: meals are cooked to order.
Legzira, the beach of arches
Legzira's red sandstone cliffs were carved by the ocean. The largest arch, about 25 metres high, collapsed in September 2016; another arch is still standing.
The beach also draws paragliders, who take off from the cliffs. Come at low tide if you can.
Around Sidi Ifni
To extend the trip.
Mirleft
A surf and crafts village with beaches on either side, about 40 minutes away.
Tiznit
The silver town, with its ramparts and jewellers, on the way back.
Tafraout
The pink granite and villages of the Anti-Atlas.
See the excursionTaghazout
The surf village on the Atlantic, north of Agadir.
See the excursionSidi Ifni in pictures
Planning your trip
- Set off early: the road takes about 3 hours each way.
- Check the tide times to make the most of Legzira.
- A night there lets you watch the sunset from the cliff.
- Bring a light jacket: ocean mist and wind cool things down quickly.
- Carry cash in dirhams for small restaurants and parking.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Riad Asmaa from Sidi Ifni?
About 168 km, roughly 3 hours by road. We can arrange transport from the riad.
Can Sidi Ifni be done as a day trip?
Yes, if you leave early, but it is a long day. A night there lets you enjoy the town and the sunset.
Why does Sidi Ifni have Spanish architecture?
The town was a Spanish enclave from 1934 to 1969. Its centre was built in that period, in the Art Deco style.
Do the Legzira arches still exist?
The largest arch collapsed in September 2016. Another arch is still standing and remains very photogenic.
How far is Legzira?
About half an hour north of Sidi Ifni, on the coast road.
When is the best time to visit Sidi Ifni?
From October to May. In summer, morning mist is common.
Can you surf in Sidi Ifni?
Yes, the coast has several spots, and Mirleft, about 40 minutes away, is popular with surfers.
Where to eat in Sidi Ifni?
In the small restaurants of the centre and near the port, for grilled fish and seafood.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the excursion?
Yes, with a licensed tourism transport agency and an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Atlantic coast
Stay at Riad Asmaa and head to Sidi Ifni and the arches of Legzira.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Anass Sedrati (CC BY-SA 4.0) · L. Vadillo - MaLéPhotoSpain (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Hasna Abounaim (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Mhobl (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Isamel lmourabit (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Jerry Materez (CC BY 3.0) · Benty2003 (CC BY 4.0) · Mhobl (CC BY 4.0) · Roy Egloff (CC BY-SA 4.0) · mehdi ahdid (CC BY-SA 4.0)