Adjacent to the square, Hassan II is the royal palace. Once where the Spanish colonial military was garrisoned, it’s…
Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni
On the Atlantic coast in southwest Morocco sits the beautiful fishing city of Sidi Ifni, known as simply Ifni by the locals. The town offers soothing breezes during hot summers.
It’s unusual for a town this far south to have a strong Spanish and European influence, but its history tells the story for this.
The town, formerly named Santa Cruz del Mar Pequeña, is one of the last places the Spanish left. Until 1969 it belonged to Spain. This date was 13 years after Morocco’s independence from France. During this time period, the Moroccan government closed most overland routes to Sidi Ifni and it became isolated from the rest of the country. Today, the roads in and out of the town are small and winding. This makes for a quiet, sleepy little town.
Sidi Ifni offers a unique Spanish-Moroccan blend of culture, which shows especially in the food and in the art. Because much of the city’s architecture is Spanish, this town is a remaining example of what it was like during the Spanish colonialism. All in all, the town is full of unique charm and character.
Recommended Length of Stay: ½ to 1 day
Weekly Market: Sunday
Travel has a way of stretching the mind.Ralph Crawshaw
Places to visit while here
Lighthouse
The Spanish era lighthouse still stands in all its faded Art Deco glory.
Colonial Church
Also located in Plaza Espana is the historic colonial church where colonists would attend mass on Sundays. The building…
Town Hall
Another Spanish era building, the former Art Deco town hall from the colonial period stands watch over the plaza….
Abandoned Spanish Consulate
While Sidi Ifni functioned as a Moroccan outpost, the Spanish consulate was in charge of issuing work permits to…
Plaza de Espana
This plaza was formerly called, Plaza de Espana. The most striking element of it is the Art Deco municipality…
Plaza de Espana
This plaza was formerly called, Plaza de Espana. The most striking element of it is the Art Deco municipality buildings left from the colonial period. A beautiful Andalusian garden is at the center of this charming square where the Spanish Governor once lived. The governor’s mansion, now the royal palace is also at the center of the plaza. The primary architecture in the plaza is Spanish Art Deco from the 1930s era.
Atlantic Coastline of Sidi Ifni
While the coast is beautiful, the breakers are quite lively. Therefore, it’s recommended only experienced surfers try to surf…
Atlantic Coastline of Sidi Ifni
While the coast is beautiful, the breakers are quite lively. Therefore, it’s recommended only experienced surfers try to surf the waves. You can stroll along the shore and even join in on a soccer game if you like. The beach is quite large and is never full of people.
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