Things to do
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Al Hoceima National Park
Limestone cliffs, thuya forest and hidden coves make up a protected stretch of the Rif coast west of town, with a marine reserve offshore. Tracks lead to fishing hamlets and viewpoints, and ospreys nest on the sea stacks. Facilities are almost nonexistent, and a local guide or a hired car makes the area far easier to reach and walk.
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Cala Iris
Fishing boats pull up on a sandy bay with a rocky islet just offshore in this village at the western edge of the national park, about an hour's drive from Al Hoceima. Clear water suits swimming and snorkelling. Lodging is limited to a few simple guesthouses, so day trips by hired car or grand taxi are the usual pattern.
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Plage Sfiha
Wide and sandy, this beach on the eastern side of the bay lies a short drive southeast of town and faces the small rocky islands held by Spain just offshore. Shallow water makes it a family beach in summer. Grand taxis make the run from the centre, and the far ends of the strand stay quieter.
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Quemado Beach
Steps from the town centre lead down to a sheltered cove of sand and pebbles enclosed by rocky headlands, with calm water for swimming most of the summer. A hotel and cafes sit right on the beach. July and August fill every metre of sand by midday, so mornings or the shoulder months are the time to come.
