Al Hoceima sits on Morocco's Mediterranean coast at the northern edge of the Rif Mountains, surrounded by the range's highest peaks. The city is small and known for its sandy beaches and turquoise water, and its income rests on fishing and tourism. In summer it draws returning Al Hoceima natives from the Netherlands, France and Belgium, along with visitors from Germany and France.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the town beach, Plage Quemado, is the anchor of the built-up area, and the beaches that sit outside town are reached by road. The city is served by Cherif Al Idrissi Airport. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each suits, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Al Hoceima
1. Plage Quemado and the town centre
Plage Quemado is the town beach and the point where fishers bring in their catch, so this is the most central and most active base in Al Hoceima. Staying here puts you within the city itself rather than at a distance from it, with the beach, the working port life and the town's streets on your doorstep.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things without arranging transport for every outing. Note that this is a working beach as well as a swimming one, so expect the comings and goings of the fishing trade alongside beachgoers.
2. Asfiha
Asfiha is described as a quieter beach near Al Hoceima. If your priority is calmer surroundings rather than the bustle of the town beach, this is the alternative to the centre.
It suits travellers who want a quieter stay and do not mind being slightly removed from the town's main activity. Because it sits outside the centre, plan on reaching the city and its services by road.
3. The outlying beaches: Torres de Alcala, Kalah Iris and Cala Iris
Torres de Alcala and Kalah Iris are considered Al Hoceima beaches even though they lie about 60 km from town, and Cala Iris is named among the area's sandy beaches with turquoise water. Basing yourself here means trading proximity to the city for direct access to the coast.
This suits visitors whose main purpose is the beaches and who are prepared to travel for everything else. The distance is the deciding factor: at roughly 60 km from town, you are not within walking reach of Al Hoceima's centre, so a car or other transport is essential.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: expect simple, modestly priced places in and around the town centre, where the city's accommodation is concentrated and where you can walk to Plage Quemado.
- Mid-range: the centre and the immediate surroundings of the town beach offer the widest choice, with the convenience of being close to the beach, the port and everyday services.
- Splurge: the higher end of the market is tied to the beachfront setting, where the town's better-known beach sits beneath a large hotel. Expect to pay for position near the water rather than for a separate resort district, since Al Hoceima has no such district.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself at Plage Quemado and the town centre. It is the one area that puts you on Al Hoceima's best-known beach while keeping you inside the city, so the port, the streets and the everyday life of the town are all within reach. From there you can judge for yourself whether a quieter beach such as Asfiha or a longer stay out at the beaches 60 km away suits you better.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Al Hoceima?
July, August and September are the most popular months. August is the warmest month, and July is the driest, while November is the rainiest.
Do I need a car if I stay outside the town centre?
It depends how far out you go. Asfiha is a nearby beach, but Torres de Alcala and Kalah Iris are about 60 km from town, so staying there means travelling by road for the city and its services.
Can I swim at the town beach?
Plage Quemado is Al Hoceima's town beach and is frequented by visitors, though it is also where fishers bring in their catch. If you want a quieter beach, Asfiha is the nearby alternative.
How do I reach Al Hoceima?
The city is served by Cherif Al Idrissi Airport.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.