The small city of Sidi Ifni, Morocco is another of the country’s uniquely interesting destinations. Although it is one of the lesser-visited southern towns, those who do visit find a fascinating culture with a colourful history that paradoxically isn’t from all that long ago.
The city was once a Spanish enclave and was only relinquished in 1969. Now the main attractions are the towns Spanish feel, the incredible weekly souk, beach-town vibes, and the art-deco era architecture.
Read on for all the best things to do in Sidi Infi, Morocco.
- About Sidi Ifni
- History
- Getting there
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Sidi Ifni, Morocco
- Where to eat
- ATMs
- Supermarkets
- Accommodation
- Campsites in Sidi Ifni
About Sidi Ifni
Modern-day Sidi Ifni, Morocco is a small city located on the southern west coast of the country, south of Agadir. The main economic base of the city is fishing, with a large fishing port completed in 2000 operating as a base for fish exports.
The population of Sidi Ifni is around 20,000.
The small city has a long history with control being ceded and fought for many times over centuries.
Today on reflection from a modern-day Morocco, the 1930’s vibe of Sidi Ifni is albeit a little unexpected. But it is unbeaten on competition as assuredly one of the finest and most romantic Art Deco military towns to be found.
History of Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni was once a Spanish enclave. The region of present-day Sidi Ifni was occupied by forces from the Spanish peninsula in 1476 when they named the settlement ‘Santa Cruz de la Mar Pequena’.
The region remained in Spanish control until 1524 when it was overruled and captured by the Saadi Sultanate.
It was next reclaimed following a Spanish-Moroccan treaty in 1860. However effective reoccupation of the area was not until 1934. From then the enclave became part of Spanish West Africa.
Despite Moroccan independence in 1956 Spain retained its claim to Sidi Ifni.
It was only in 1969 when under international pressure, Spain finally relinquished control of Sidi Ifni to Morocco.
Getting TO Sidi Ifni, Morocco
Despite being comparatively small population-wise, 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.
The easiest way to get to Sidi Ifni, Morocco is self-driving. If you have a car (or motorhome) it is a straightforward but interesting drive from Agadir to the north or Guelmim to the south-east.
There is a daily bus with CTM from Agadir to Sidi Ifni. Tickets for the bus can be bought online directly from CTM.
- Tafraoute to Sidi Ifni: 3 hr 17 min (180.5 km) via R104
- Agadir to Sidi Ifni: 2 hr 47 min (171.7 km) via N1 and R104
- Guelmim to Sidi Ifni: 58 min (57.3 km) via N12
- Mirleft to Sidi Ifni: 36 min (32.5 km) via R104
Best time to visit Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni is an all-year-round destination in Morocco. Due to its coastal situation the summers aren’t unbearably hot.
During the winter months (November to March) the campsites are full of European motorhomes.
And in the summer months (April to October) the town is a popular domestic destination as well as attracting surfers while the beach sees small to medium swells.
Things to do in Sidi Ifni, Morocco
Contrary to the other few blogs that exist about things to do in Sidi Ifni, we found plenty to keep occupied and to wonder at the once glamorous past of this coastal municipality.
The sights of the city can all be walked on foot and seen in a day.
And if you’ve been dealing with the chaos and fast-paced larger Moroccan cities then the slower style and choice things to do in Sidi Ifni, Morocco might be just right.
Here are 18 things to see and do in Sidi Ifni.
1. Place Hassan II / Plaza de Espana
Place Hassan II in the centre of Sidi Ifni was formerly Plaza de Espana. What is now a beautiful garden in the central roundabout was once the point of trade around the administrative buildings of Sidi Ifni.
The garden in the centre is peaceful with a fountain and seating benches. But it is the iconic ‘I Love Sidi Ifni’ sign that now draws the crowd.
2. Sidi Ifni Beach (and Legzira)
The Sidi Ifni beach is huge, rugged, and rarely busy. It isn’t one of Morocco’s finest beaches for swimming. Most days are rough with messy breakers close to the shore. And this part of the coastline is notoriously prone to long sea mists.
But after travelling inland in Morocco the coast and (any) beach is a welcome sight. And Sidi Ifni’s is one for a walk even if a swim isn’t worth writing home about.
There is a Marabout Tomb at the northern end of the beach where the large cemetery dominates the hillside looking back at the town.
- Tip: It is possible to walk along the beach from the lighthouse (see below) towards the port (although entry into the port area is not permitted).
3. Sidi Ifni Ship House
One of the more unique things to do in Sidi Ifni(!). But if your explorations are starting from down at sea level then the best way to get to up to Sidi Ifni town is to take the stairs from Rue des Plages.
These historic blue and white stairs start past the now-iconic Ship House looking out over the beach. This cliff-top building is shaped like the bow of a ship and was originally the residence of the Spanish Naval Secretariat.
It really does look like a ship!
The house isn’t open to the public. But it is worth a walk past (it’s likely on your way anyway). And it certainly adds to the collection of colonial art-deco style that Sidi Ifni claims for fame!
4. Breakfast at Café Restaurant Jana
After a climb up the stairs from Rue des Plages the cafes at the top overlooking the Atlantic have even more appeal.
There is a breakfast menu at Café Restaurant Jana (the last café uphill on the corniche) with a set breakfast choice, good coffee, and an extensive list of juices.
The secret truth is that in the off season when you are more likely to be visiting, Sidi Ifni, Morocco is a sleepy southern town. There aren’t a whole lot of choices of café open in the morning. (We know because we’ve looked).
But Cafe Restaurant Jana is one we can recommend for a simple but satisfying start to the day. And with million-dollar views of the coast from a great vantage point.
5. Promenade Viewpoint
There isn’t a shortage of impressive viewpoints from the corniche and stairs heading uphill towards the main town. But arguably the best official lookout point is at the top of Boulevard Moulay Abdellah (just past Café Restaurant Jana).
- Tip: If you are out and about anytime near sunset check out the view from just behind the Spanish Consulate.
6. Abandoned former Spanish Consulate
The former Spanish Consulate overlooks the now-famous Sidi Ifni sign and Place Hassan II (formerly Plaza de Espana) in one direction. And to the other way it overlooks the Atlantic.
It is arguably one of Sidi Ifni’s most attractive Art Deco era buildings. But the consulate was of great importance to the region as Sidi Ifni was officially a Spanish enclave.
7. Former Spanish Cathedral
Overlooking Place Hassan II and to the other side the coast, you will find the small, former Spanish Cathedral.
What was once the cathedral is not somewhat overgrown looking from the front. (You may be noticing a bit of a theme here). But the site of this small cathedral adjacent to the Spanish Consulate is in fact in use today (apparently) as the town courthouse.
8. Royal Palace
The historic Royal Palace sits on the old Plaza de Espana too. Research is a little hazy rather unclear as to which royalty was once in residence here. But it sounds likely that Spanish colonial military was garrisoned here during their rule.
The palace building sits prominently adjacent to the I Love Sidi Ifni sign and is another addition to Sidi Ifni’s neglected but stylish Art Deco attractions.
9. Town Hall
Another of Sidi Ifni’s finest Spanish-era buildings. The Hotel de Ville faces Place Hassan II in a slightly rather overgrown state with a garden of cactus to the front.
The style of whitewash with blue vertical stripes confirms the definite pride of the art-deco era that once defined Sidi Ifni.
- Tip: You can’t go in, but it is worth a peep from the outside!
10. Sidi Ifni Lighthouse
Looking down from the cliff top over the raging Atlantic Ocean it isn’t hard to imagine how essential a lighthouse would be for the commercial port in Sidi Ifni.
The lighthouse style has a definite Spanish-era look about it. And although it isn’t open to the public to enter it is another of the icons of the city’s colonial history.
- Tip: We took a walk heading down from the lighthouse to the beach below. You can walk as far as the port (though you can’t enter the port area either).
11. Weekly Market in Sidi Ifni Morocco
This market is enormous. The weekly Sidi Ifni regional market is one of the largest markets in Morocco. The market services the Guelmim-Oued Noun region and sets up on a Saturday for the official market day every Sunday.
It was interesting to learn that the Sidi Ifni market is located on what was once an airfield. The space is huge and hence the sprawling size of the market. The airport closed in 1969 when Spanish left the region and so was only in operation for a short time.
Now every weekend the airfield fills with traders, nomadic trucks and vehicles and a literal sprawl of mats and tarpaulins with all kinds of wares.
- Read all about the weekly market in Sidi Ifni, Morocco here.
12. Sidi Ifni Municipal Marche
Across Avenue Hassan II (opposite the airfield and market area) is the Municipal Market for Sidi Ifni and the area of the fish market.
This part of the town isn’t huge but it’s worth a wander. There is an undercover market area with fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables. As well as a butcher section and seafood vendors.
Pus, from memory this is where we bought a traditional Djellaba from for Oscar.
13. Sardines (from Sidi Ifni)
The main economic production of Sidi Ifni, Morocco is seafood and especially fish. The large port in Sidi Ifni was completed in 2000 and provides commercial operation for the region including international export.
So, it’s only just to try some type of fish in Sidi Ifni.
We recommend the charcoal grilled sardines at Kharbouch Restaurant just on the corner of Avenue Hassan II and Avenue El Houria.
You will be spoilt for choice as there are four small restaurants in a row and each serving similar menu of tagines, fish and charcoal barbecue kebabs and seafood.
And spoiler alert, you will most definitely be approached by the waiter-come-touts at these restaurants. (All of them). But don’t be perturbed. It is worth accepting the overly keen invitation of the café hawkers because they truly do have the best prices and the best fish.
- Tip: Find the row of restaurants on the corner of Avenue Hassan II and Avenue El Houria. There is a public toilet on the corner.
14. Mint tea and coffee-shops
If you didn’t get some Moroccan mint tea with your lunch, then now is time to make up for that. Along Avenue Hassan II (again, truly) there is a stretch with a line-up of coffee shops serving basic fast-food type snacks, coffee, and tea.
The coffee shops double well as a place to take a breather and do some people watching in Sidi Ifni. They don’t rank up there on the food front. (Truth). But they come with a bonus if it’s the weekend because the people-watching is more intense on market days.
15. Fresh Bread at Bread Souk
Heading downhill from the airfield on Avenue Ibno Sina is an unofficial and certainly understated line of fresh bread vendors and a bakery.
Albeit you can buy khobz, the round style of Moroccan bread, at most of the small Hanout stores. And if you didn’t already know there is a national price-cap on this style of Moroccan bread (1 – 2 MAD per bread / 10 – 20c). But there is something unbeatable about buying fresh bread straight from the oven.
16. Vegetables and Argan from Guelmim-Oued Noun region
In case you haven’t timed your visit with the weekend market, don’t despair. This region of Morocco has an abundance of choice produce from the surrounding hills between the coast and the Guelmim gateway to the Sahara.
There are lots of local apples as well as walnuts and almonds that are farmed towards the Anti-Atlas Mountains. And have you tried the locally produced in Morocco, Argan oil?
One of the best ways we found to connect with locals was by learning a few words in Darija. And so, to get you started, the word for tomato in Darija is mateesha. Even if you don’t actually need to buy a whole bunch of mateesha; mention that word at any vegetable vendor and see them light up with a joy at the simple connection.
17. Surfing in Sidi Ifni Morocco
Aside from being known as a once-was Spanish colonial city, Sidi Ifni is also renowned for its great right hander.
If you’re into surfing seriously, you probably already know that at just two hours south of Moroccos famous surf town of Taghazout is the Sidi Ifni right hand break. But in non-expert talk that pretty much means that due to the notoriously unsettled waves at Sidi Ifni it isn’t great for beginners.
It isn’t a great beach for swimming. The waves are choppy and dump right over a boulder beach bottom. But for intermediate and advanced surfers it’s a popular challenge.
There are many several surf schools near the beach stairs up to the promenade. Ifni Surf and Sahara Surf Shop both hire boards, stock some surf gear, and offer accommodation in hostel-style popular for a surf school vacation.
- Tip: Sunset is a great time to watch the surfers taking on the Sidi Ifni breaks just off the beach in front of Hotel Ait Baamrane.
18. Sunset burger (and a beer?)
The best place to end your day with an Atlantic sunset and view over the beach is Hotel Ait Baamrane.
The original Sidi Ifni hotel is on beach level at the end of Rue des Plage and is one of the few establishments in Sidi Ifni, Morocco that is licensed to serve alcohol. (On that note there are a few seedy-looking sports-type bars nearby that may or may not be licensed but do serve alcohol too).
Make sure you clarify your order (speaking from experience). But the restaurant is hands down the best option for an evening meal with a view and the best burger and fries you can buy for 35 MAD (3.5 EUR).
Where to eat / Best cafes and restaurants in Sidi Ifni, Morocco
- Café Restaurant Jana
Grab a promenade-front table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and whether you stop for coffee, juice, or the set breakfast menu there is an unmatchable panoramic view.
- Café Churro
At the top corner of Avenue El Houria, Café Churro does the best ‘Berber Omelette’ you will try.
- Kharbouch Restaurant
This is a busy but small restaurant near the market with a huge turnover. The smell of charcoal barbecue will lure you in (along with the waiters keenly touting). Try the barbecue fish, sardines, or fish tagine.
- Nomad Restaurant
Perhaps the most well-known and visitor-popular restaurant in Sidi Ifni. Exceptionally fresh seafood, wonderfully cooked and with a pleasant atmosphere.
- Hotel Ait Baamrane
A rather dated first impression (including the smoky indoor bar) but the beachfront restaurant wins on location and outlook. Burgers and fries for only 35 MAD (3.5 EUR) and alcohol is served.
Supermarket in Sidi Ifni
The largest and best-stocked supermarket is on Boulevard le Claire, Sidi Ifni next door to Boulangerie Safaa.
Laundry in Sidi Ifni
I’m not going to lie. It was a pleasant surprise to find a real-life laundromat in Sidi Ifni. Morocco isn’t known for traditional coin-operated laundromats. Rather, laundry services are drop-off and pick-up washing, drying, and pressing style operations.
There is a small but functional, self-service Ecolaundry just off Rue Marrakech.
- Tip: Prices are 30Dh for 10kg wash; 30Dh for 15 minutes drying.
ATMs in Sidi Ifni
The smaller restaurants and cafes in Sidi Ifni accept payment in cash only.
- Tip: There are ATMs (Bank Populaire, Moroccan Credit Agricole, Bank of Africa) in the centre of town near the airfield on Avenue Mohammed V.
Where to stay in Sidi Ifni, Morocco
There is some great accommodation in Sidi Ifni, Morocco 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.
Where to stay in Sidi Ifni with a motorhome
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.
Enjoy Sidi Ifni, Morocco
The sights and official things to do in Sidi Ifni can be seen in a day and for the most part walked on foot. But to truly roll with the vibe of the 1930’s and the once-glam heyday of this ex-Spanish town, it is worth as much time as you have, to make the most of it.
It’s easy to spend days or longer if you have it and enjoy the unique Moroccan city.
Read more about travel in Sidi Ifni, Morocco and beyond
- 20 Unique Things To Do In Taroudant.
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tangier.
- 14 Best Things To Do In Tafraoute, Morocco.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- Campsites in Morocco.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).