My first journey along Morocco's northern coast left me speechless. Every curve in the road revealed another stunning scene – crystal-clear waters meeting the sky, soft golden sand, and towering cliffs that seemed to touch the clouds. The best beaches in Morocco's Rif region made me pull over countless times just to capture the beauty!
Planning a summer trip to Morocco and hoping to avoid the busy tourist spots? The Rif coastline holds some of our country's most amazing beaches. From the lively resort of Saïdia all the way to Al Hoceima's doorstep, I've walked these shores and discovered incredible places I'm excited to tell you about.
This guide will show you the 20 best beaches in the Rif region of Morocco, moving from east to west along the coast. Keep a pen handy – you'll definitely want to write down these special places for your upcoming Moroccan adventure!
The Eastern Treasures: Saïdia and Surroundings
1. Saïdia Beach
Let's start our journey at one of northern Morocco's most famous beaches. Saïdia Beach is well-known for good reason – its crystal-clear water, clean sands, and pleasant climate make it a perfect getaway.
You can reach Saïdia from Oujda (65km away), Nador, or Berkane. The beach is well-developed with classified hotels and residential complexes ready to welcome visitors.
What I love most about Saïdia is that despite being popular, it maintains its beauty. You can try various water activities and sports here, making it ideal for families or friends looking for both relaxation and adventure.
2. Ras El Ma
About 16 kilometers from Saïdia (around a 20-minute drive), you'll find Ras El Ma. This spot is especially popular among cliff jumpers who love the thrill of diving from the heights into the blue waters below.
From here, you can also spot the Chafarinas Islands (Jafari Islands) just offshore. Near the rocky cliff area, you'll find Ras El Ma beach itself.
Before leaving Ras El Ma, I highly recommend trying the region's specialty – grilled sardines. There's nothing quite like enjoying freshly caught fish while looking out at the Mediterranean!
3. Red Beach (Plage Rouge)
Very close to Ras El Ma, you'll discover Red Beach, also known as "Plage Rouge" or "Bahr Al-Ahmar" in Arabic. As the name suggests, this beach is characterized by its striking red rocks that create a beautiful contrast with the blue sea.
It's predominantly a rocky beach, which means you'll be swimming with impressive rock formations surrounding you. If you're traveling with family and find the descent to this beach difficult, you might want to continue directly to Sidi Lahcen Beach (mentioned next).
4. Bou Fades Beach
After Red Beach comes Bou Fades Beach, another gem along this coastline. However, I should mention that the road to this beach is a bit rough – it's more of a dirt track than a proper road. If your car isn't suited for such terrain, you might want to skip this one and continue to the next beach.
5. Sidi Lahcen Beach
Sidi Lahcen Beach is truly one of the most breathtaking beaches you'll find in Morocco. What makes it special is that it offers views of two waterfront areas and is conveniently close to the national road connecting Nador and Al Hoceima.
This is an excellent beach for families, and despite the short distance from the main road to the beach, the path requires a bit of care to reach safely. Sidi Lahcen is approximately 77 kilometers from Saïdia, continuing in the direction of Nador.
The Nador Region: Hidden Paradises
6. Arekmane Village Beach
As you continue toward Nador from Sidi Lahcen, you'll come across Arekmane Village Beach. This beach stands out for its clean, clear waters.
Many people visit this beach because it's easily accessible from the main road. You can also find rental houses here at very reasonable prices.
Don't miss visiting the rocky cliff in Arekmane Village – it's a distinctive feature of this area and resembles a similar formation in Australia. It makes for great photos and memorable moments!
7. Al Mouhandis Beach (Engineer's Beach)
From Arekmane Village, take the road toward Wadi Bouqana with Mar Chica lagoon on your side until you reach Al Mouhandis Beach (Engineer's Beach). This beach is truly special and quite rare in Morocco due to its abundance of seashells. You can take beautiful photos here and enjoy some of the most pleasant moments of your trip.
8. Bouqana Beach
When you're at Al Mouhandis Beach, don't continue directly toward Bouqana River. Instead, head back toward Arekmane and then directly to Beni Ensar, where you'll see Bouqana Beach. It's a beautiful spot where you can continue your coastal journey.
9. Cara Blanca Beach
Cara Blanca (White Face) remains one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Morocco. What makes this beach special are its captivating turquoise waters and the distinctive white rocks that give it its name.
Time seems to fly when you're admiring these rocks, including one shaped like a World Cup trophy! The waters here are incredibly appealing for swimming.
To reach Cara Blanca, go to Nador city, then to an area called Farkhana. From Farkhana, you can take a taxi or shared transport (locally known as "khataf") that will take you to Cara Blanca.
This destination is especially beloved by swimming enthusiasts. I've spent hours here just floating in the clear waters and exploring the unique rock formations.
10. Mina Rosita Beach
Next on our journey is Mina Rosita Beach, which features incredibly clear waters that will leave you speechless. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore creates a peaceful ambiance that's perfect for relaxation.
The Coast of Driouch: Natural Wonders
11. Tibouda Beach
Tibouda Beach represents the best of what nature has created along Morocco's coastline. The cool waters and the calm atmosphere make this beach special. Tibouda also has some rental houses available if you'd like to stay overnight.
Just remember to buy your supplies from Farkhana before coming here. Don't forget to explore the natural pool-like formations where you can swim and take your time enjoying the surroundings.
If you look carefully at the map of Nador, you'll notice a cape extending from the top of the map – that's Three Forks Cape (Cap des Trois Fourches). It's the northernmost point in Nador, and reaching it is an achievement in itself. Try to visit this place and spend some wonderful time there – it's an experience you won't easily forget.
If you don't have a car, you can find shared transport from Farkhana.
12. Charrana Beaches
After exploring the northern cape, we'll turn left and head south to discover the Charrana Beaches.
When you visit, make sure to bring a good camera because the water is so clear that you can take amazing underwater photos. Swimming here is also quite safe, and even people who don't know how to swim can learn here as it's almost like a swimming pool in some areas.
This place is well-known by locals and people from surrounding areas, and you'll often find families enjoying the beach together.
13. Bouyafar Beach
Bouyafar Beach is known for its well-organized setup, making it a comfortable place to visit. The beach is clean and has areas designated for different activities.
14. Shuabi Beach
Shuabi Beach is conveniently close to the main road – you won't have to walk far to reach it. You simply descend some stairs, and you're there! Near the beach, there's also a hot spring called Hammam Shuabi, which is beneficial for health and is said to help treat certain ailments.
Women and men have separate visiting hours for the hammam: women from 8 AM to 2 PM, and men from 2 PM to 8 PM in the evening.
Shuabi Beach remains one of the best tourist destinations where you can spend your summer vacation between the cities of Nador and Al Hoceima.
Approaching Al Hoceima: Coastal Gems
15. Sidi Hussein Beach
As we approach the Al Hoceima region, Sidi Hussein Beach offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. The backdrop of mountains meeting the sea creates a dramatic landscape that's perfect for photography enthusiasts.
16. Sidi Idris Beach
Sidi Idris Beach continues our journey with its pristine waters and less crowded shores. It's a great place to experience the natural beauty of Morocco's coastline without the bustle of more popular beaches.
17. Al Rahach Beach
Al Rahach Beach completes our list of 20 beaches from Saïdia toward Al Hoceima. The clear waters and clean sands make it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day by the sea.
Continuing the Journey: Preview of What's Next
With these 20 beaches, we've completed the journey from Saïdia to the approaches of Al Hoceima. In future articles, I'll continue the coastal exploration from Al Hoceima's Sawani Beach all the way to Tetouan, and then cover the beaches of Tetouan itself. The final part of this northern beaches series will feature the beaches of Tangier.
My Personal Tips for Visiting Rif Beaches
After years of exploring these coastal gems, here are some personal tips to enhance your beach experience in northern Morocco:
- Best Time to Visit: June to September offers the warmest waters and most reliable weather, though beaches like Saïdia are pleasant even in May and October.
- What to Pack: Beyond the usual beach essentials, bring water shoes for rocky beaches like Red Beach, and always have a light cover-up for windy days.
- Transportation: While public transport serves some popular beaches, renting a car gives you the freedom to discover the more secluded spots mentioned in this guide.
- Respect the Environment: These beaches remain beautiful because people take care of them. Always leave the beach cleaner than you found it so others can enjoy its natural beauty too.
- Local Etiquette: Most beaches along the Rif are family-friendly, so modest swimwear is appreciated, especially in less touristy areas.
Your Rif Beach Adventure Awaits
The northern coastline of Morocco offers some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, rivaling those of famous tropical destinations. From the tourist-friendly shores of Saïdia to the hidden gems approaching Al Hoceima, the best beaches in Morocco's Rif region provide something for every type of beach lover.
Have you visited any of these beaches? Which one caught your eye the most? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have about planning your trip to Morocco's northern coast. Drop a comment below or reach out through our contact page!
Until next time, may your journeys be as refreshing as a dive into the crystal-clear waters of Cara Blanca!
Remember to check our other guides on Moroccan coastal regions, including the upcoming features on Al Hoceima to Tetouan beaches and the shores of Tangier.