A lesser-known African city with colonial architecture and golden sandy beaches is finally attracting more and more tourists. Morocco is a popular destination for travellers with Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier attracting the most people every year.
However, the city of Sidi Ifni, located around 105 miles south of Agadir on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is now making its mark in the international tourism industry. The unique town was once an important Spanish enclave and benefits from warm weather all year round. The territory of Ifni was gifted to Spain from Sultan Mohamed IV after the African War finished in 1860. However, its annexation did not take place until 1934. In 1956, King Mohamed V launched an attack on Sidi Ifni to claim the territory. This initiated the Ifni War which led to Spain ceding control of Ifni to Morocoo in 1969.
That Spanish heritage is still present in Sidi Ifni today, especially in its architecture. At the Hassan II Square, which was previously known as the Plaza de España, there is a fountain with Andalusian-inspired tiles.
The city is lined with winding alleys and narrow streets. They are filled with authentic cafes and bustling souks selling a range of local goods.
Sidi Ifni, which has a population of around 20,000, also boasts some spectacular beaches, including Legzira Beach. They are often very quiet and are perfect for surfers.
One person said on TripAdvisor: “The beach and arches are well worth a visit. The beach starts on the north end at about Legzira, a location with several beach side restaurants and continues south pass a couple arches for several kms.
“The beach at the north end is accessible from the highway by a paved road to a parking area just about the restaurants. You can then walk along the beautiful sandy beaches through a couple arches.”
According to the Met Office, the temperature in Sidi Ifni is forecast to hit 30C on Thursday and Friday. The city usually has very mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, making it a great place for Brits to visit.
Other visitors have taken to TripAdvisor to share their experience of Sidi Ifni. One traveller said that they “loved it beyond expectation”.
They said: “Of course, I knew beforehand about the Art Deco for which Sidi Ifni is famed and this was one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. I have to say, though, that I have loved it beyond my expectations and have consequently taken an absurd number of photos of the town’s architecture.
“Clearly, I am visiting out of season. There are hardly any visitors to be seen anywhere in town at the moment but lots of decorators freshening everything up with a new lick of paint. I’d definitely recommend a stay here and would want to come again myself: at least out of season, the place is very relaxed.”
A second wrote: “I have also stayed in Sidi Ifni, and I liked the place very much, so I recommend it to you also! It is relaxing nice place to enjoy.”
