Souks are vibrant traditional markets and marketplace districts that are prevalent throughout Morocco. These markets can be everyday vendors often inside the city walls and historic medinas. Or in the rural areas of Morocco the souks are often weekly as a chance for farmers and vendors to come from neighbouring villages and the desert to sell their produce and wares. The weekly market in Sidi Ifni is one of the largest in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of Morocco and a highlight of a visit to the region.
About Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni was the last city surrendered by the Spanish colonisation in 1969. And albeit this does seem recent as a visitor especially with the impact on architecture and Spanish influence felt as soon as you enter the city. It is another of Morocco’s charming coastal cities and well worth a visit only a few hours from Agadir.
You might be wondering whether to allocate the time and fuel to head south from Agadir to Sidi Ifni. But in our opinion – and after our second year in Morocco and second visit south to Sidi Ifni – it is a quaint and unique region of Morocco that is well worth exploring.
When is market day in Sidi Ifni, Morocco?
The weekly market in Sidi Ifni is held every Sunday from 8am.
There are a number of other weekly regional markets in the area:
- Mirleft Weekly Market: Monday
- Tiznit Weekly Market: Thursday
- Anezi Weekly Market: Sunday
- Tafraoute Weekly Market: Wednesday
- Guelmim Camel Market: Saturday
- Agadir Souk: Sunday (although now one of Morocco’s largest souks this runs every day and has over 6000 vendors!).
The best time to visit is mid-late morning until about midday when the market is bustling and at its best. But you don’t need to miss breakfast to make it up to the souk. The market is still going well into the afternoon although the produce may be dwindling. It will be open for the day until the vegetables are sold!
And in fact, if you don’t have time to visit the market on a Sunday it could be worth popping up to check it out on a Saturday as many of the vendors will be arriving to get set up.
Where is the market?
One of the most interesting things we learnt about the weekend market in Sidi Ifni is that it takes place on the huge, abandoned airfield. This makes sense once you see it. The town is primarily a port town, but the residential area overlooks the port about 50m above sea level. And the market is literally sprawled out over the huge space on the edge of the town and right up on the top of the hillside overlooking the Atlantic.
What is now the market space was once an airport built by the Spanish. However, the airport closed in the 1960’s and since then has been the location for the weekly market.
The exact location of the market is listed on Google maps as:
- Souk Hebdomadaire de Dimanche
This literally translates to weekly Sunday market.
And you really can’t miss the market. As soon as you arrive anywhere in the centre of Sidi Ifni (up the top of the hill) you will be within eyesight of the large airfield, and you will immediately see signs of the weekly market all around.
Visiting the market in Sidi Ifni
The market in Sidi Ifni has everything from fresh produce, fruit and vegetables to tagines and homewares. There is a row of birds and poultry. And there are tents and tents of second-hand clothing and household items.
There are some souvenirs and jewellery from the Saharan region. As well as all kinds of hardware, tools, rugs and mats. It’s well worth a wander!
How long do you need?
Allow 45 minutes to an hour at the market. Even if you don’t officially need to buy anything it is fascinating for a wander around. And like all the markets in Morocco it is a great insight into local life and culture of the region.
There are plenty of cafes and small restaurants just across the main road in Sidi Ifni. (Literally within eyesight of the market). You will smell the barbecue, tagines, and seafood grilling as you cross the road!
And there are many coffee shops lining the main road.
Cash only
The market is completely cash only. There are several ATMs in the town centre within 100m of the marketplace.
How to get to Sidi Ifni, Morocco
Sidi Ifni is one of the largest towns in Guelmim-Oued Noun region. It was once an important stop on Saharan trade routes between the cities of Tiznit and Guelmim, 160km south of Agadir.
- Tiznit to Sidi Ifni: 1 hr 16 min (74.5 km) via R104
- Mirleft to Sidi Ifni: 36 min (32.3 km) via R104
- Guelmim to Sidi Ifni: 57 min (57.3 km) via N12
Parking to visit the market in Sidi Ifni
There is loads of parking up the top of town right at the marketplace. Remembering the market area used to be an airfield so the space is seriously massive. There is plenty of parking for cars and it’s easy to stop for the day in your motorhome. Otherwise, there are three large campsites just at the base of the town down the bottom of the hill.
Where to stay in Sidi Ifni, Morocco
There is some great accommodation in Sidi Ifni with spectacular views out over the Atlantic Ocean. Here are our top picks.
- Logis la Marine
One of the iconic art deco maison d’hotes with a direct view out over the ocean. This is one of the original hotels located on the hillside close to town.
- Ifni Surf Hostal
A hostel-style accommodation located just two minutes’ walk from the centre with shared lounge and terrace area and small restaurant. The guesthouse has family rooms.
- Residence Anarouz
Apartment style accommodation close to the centre of town with great views out over sunset and the ocean.
Campsites in Sidi Ifni
Camping Grancanaria
- Location: Just past the roundabout on entering town
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #393021
- Cost: 80Dh
- Facilities: Toilets and showers; motorhome services; electricity
About: 15-minute walk uphill to the centre of town. Only minutes from the beach. Basic facilities and small convenience store opposite the entrance. (Literally next door to the next campsite Camping Sidi Ifni).
Camping Sidi Ifni
- Location: Just after “Grand Canaria Camping”
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #67837
- Cost: 80Dh + 25Dh per child
- Facilities: Toilets and showers; motorhome services; electricity
About: Great location (15 minute walk uphill to centre of town) near beach. Friendly small campsite with possibility to park just outside the entrance for 60Dh per night without services. Basic toilets and showers. Space for dishwashing and handwashing. Licensed restaurant next door.
Camping el Barco
- Location: The last campsite right on the beachfront
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #32173
- Cost: 70Dh
- Facilities: Toilets and showers; motorhome services; electricity (20Dh)
About: Great location right on the beachfront overlooking the corniche. Friendly small campsite next door to restaurant.
What about other weekly markets in Morocco?
We can’t rate the weekly markets in Morocco highly enough! It is a fascinating way to get a glimpse of traditional, rural and weekly life in Morocco. And obviously a good place to stock up on fruit and vegetables or souvenirs and handicrafts.
There are weekly markets in Morocco that take place all over the country. Here are some more of our favourites:
- Zagora Weekly Market
- Tabounte Weekly Market
- Guelmim Camel Market
- Ouarzazate Weekly Market
- Tafraoute Weekly Market
- Tamraght Weekly Market
