Sidi Ifni is a city that was one of the last places that the Spanish gave up. While the rest of Morocco gained its independence 13 years earlier, Sidi Ifni remained a Spanish colony until 1969.
The Moroccans who lived in Sidi Ifni were given Spanish citizenship.
Fishing is the city’s main source of income. An important fishing port was built in 2000: this is Sidi Ifni’s main base for fish exports.
It is a quiet city that is known for its architecture built in the Art Deco style.
There are many things to see in the city itself, but, sitting along the Atlantic Ocean, it is also a popular place for water sports such as surfing, swimming, and kite boarding. People head for the mountains north of Sidi Ifni to go paragliding.
Where Is It Located?
While Agadir is full of Europeans, Sidi Ifni is a secluded city. It is a city that is located in the Guelmim-Oued Noun area and the Sidi Ifni Province in the region of southwest Morocco along the Atlantic Ocean.
It is surrounded by the mountains of the Anti-Atlas and the Atlantic Ocean. There are cliffs just north of the city that literally make it impossible to see Sidi Ifni as you pass by it on the road above.
Sidi Ifni is a quiet city: the roads to Goulimime and Tiznit are narrow and winding. Any villages north of Sidi Ifni are small.
The people are friendly and the town is quiet: the pace of life here might be too slow for some visitors but most people enjoy the laid back atmosphere.
There are no large beachside hotels, no tour buses, no discos, and just a few adventurous tourists who enjoy stopping to visit Sidi Ifni as they travel north or south along the Atlantic Coast.
Things to Do in Sidi Ifni
Unlike some places that had been occupied by the Europeans, Sidi Ifni was only occupied by the Spanish from as late as 1934 until independence on 30 June, 1969.
Visiting the city, you’ll notice many of the buildings left by the Spanish: many of these were built in the Moorish Art Deco style. Many of the buildings are almost white.
Some of the interesting things to see within the city include the Place Hassan II, formerly known as Plaza Espana. This large round plaza is situated in the middle of the city.
Here you’ll see the beautiful homes built in the Art Deco style and the white Governor’s Palace: this impressive building is the centerpiece of the city.
The church in the Place Hassan II has been converted into the city’s Court of Law and you can also see the former Spanish consulate, a royal palace, and the Hotel de Ville.
There is a great view of the Atlantic ocean from the town lighthouse. There are several places of worship including mosques that you will find in the suburbs.
The population of the city is between 15,000 and 20,000 people. It is the home of the Shila people. This group is one of six tribes that make up the confederation of Ait Baamrane.
The Shila people lead a peaceful life with their families, their fields and animals, and their prayers. In the markets you can hear their music and watch their jugglers.
Shopping is popular with tourists. Sidi Ifni is known for its fabrics: visitors buy these to take home to make furniture coverings, wall hangings, or curtains.
Jewelry and beads are also popular things for tourists to buy. A large souk, or market, is held in Sidi Ifni every Sunday: this is something you should not miss.
But there is another major attraction in Sidi Ifni: the Atlantic Ocean. Sidi Ifni has a mild climate all year long, but people who are interested in water sports come to visit during the summer months when the water is the warmest and the wind becomes stronger.
Advanced kite surfers and boarders head for Sidi Ifni and its surrounding beaches while beginners can enjoy the calmer waters of the town beach and the Dakhla Lagoon located just south of Sidi Ifni.
There are surfing schools for those who want to learn how to surf. For example Ifni Surf is operated by a local surfer: he and his team teach beginners as well as those who want to improve their skills. Other schools include Surf Camp Sidi Ifni and Dik Surf School.
If you are interested in slower paced water activities, you can just walk along the beach and enjoy the views. You can also sit down and watch the local soccer matches, or you can join in!
Places to Stay
Because of its secluded nature and the size of the city, there is only a handful of hotels in Sidi Ifni. Some of these hotels sit along the beach while there are also accommodations located closer to the center of the city.
One of the best choices of hotels in Sidi Ifni is the Hotel Belle Vue. This hotel has the advantage of being located in the center of Sidi Ifni, yet perched high on a cliff, the hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring mountains. There are many balconies, rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and two panoramic restaurants that serve both Moroccan and International cuisine.
Hotel Suerte Loca is a good choice for accommodations. It has ocean view balconies, various sizes of rooms, and an on-site restaurant. It is popular with surfers and backpackers.
Other hotels in Sidi Ifni include the Ere Nouvelle, the Houria, the Ifni, and the Wegan. These are all considered to be budget hotels. The Ait Ba Hamram, located near the beach, is a moderately priced hotel.
Where to Eat
There are many places to find a meal in Sidi Ifni. The Restaurant Gran Canaria serves Moroccan food as well as European food such as French, Italian, and Spanish.
The Cafe Restaurant Nomad requires a steep climb from the beach level, but it is worth the effort. It serves Moroccan, European, and Mediterranean dishes. It also serves Moroccan wine.
Charl Owens serves Moroccan and Mediterranean food, everything brought in fresh from local farms. It is located on top of a cliff and affords a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cafe Restaurant Pesca Del Dia is easy to find and serves large portions of Moroccan and Mediterranean food, but is best known for its fresh fish dishes.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Sidi Ifni. If you are traveling by car and coming from Tiznit in the north, you go through Agiou. Here you turn left and are treated to some spectacular ocean views.
At the next crossroad, you will turn right and continue on that road through Mirleft to Sidi Ifni.
If you are traveling from Guelmim in the south, take the mountain road and continue for about one hour to Sidi Ifni
CTM and Supratours bus companies run buses that pass through Sidi Ifni.
Getting Around
Sidi Ifni is a small city so it is easy to get around by foot, especially the flat area of the center of the city. But beware: if you venture down to the beach you’ll have to climb back up one of the steep streets to get back to the center of town!
When to Go
Sidi Ifni is blessed with a year round mild climate. Because of the cold Canary Current, the city has what is considered a mild desert climate with mild to warm weather all year.
There is very little rainfall and this only occurs between November and April. Most visitors come in the summer when the weather and the ocean water are at their warmest.
Come explore the exotic and secluded Sidi Ifni with its cliffs, ocean, interesting architecture, and friendly people.