Why does it look Spanish?

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Sidi Ifni

Hours

Always open

Entry

Free

Duration

90 minutes

Location

Sidi Ifni, Guelmim-Oued Noun

A crumbling Spanish art deco town on the Atlantic edge, where Africa almost touches the Canary Islands.

Art Deco by the Sea

Sidi Ifni was Spanish until 1969 — the last colonial territory surrendered on the Moroccan coast. The Art Deco architecture from the 1930s Spanish occupation survives: curved facades, tile-work, a cinema, a former Spanish consulate. The town sits on a cliff above the Atlantic, wrapped in fog for much of the year.

The Town

Art Deco buildings in various states of repair. The former airstrip. The fishing port below the cliffs reached by a steep road. The Sunday souk. The town feels like a Spanish colonial outpost that someone forgot to update.

Visiting

South of Tiznit on the coastal road. The town is small — a half-day. The beach at Legzira (30 km south) with its red stone arches is worth combining.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn. Summer fog is atmospheric but limits visibility.

Getting There

South of Tiznit on the coast road. About 4 hours from Agadir.

Local Tip

Former Spanish enclave, returned to Morocco in 1969. Art deco buildings from the 1930s crumbling photogenically along the seafront. Sunday souk is excellent. Quiet, end-of-the-road atmosphere. Good base for Legzira Beach (10km south) with its famous natural stone arches.

Common Questions

Spain held Sidi Ifni until 1969. The Art Deco architecture dates to the 1930s Spanish colonial period.

Sidi Ifni is a detour on our deep south coastal route. The Spanish architecture is crumbling beautifully. We go for Legzira beach and the Sunday souk.

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