Cala Iris Islet and Beach

Cala Iris is a small Mediterranean beach on the western edge of Al Hoceima National Park, in the Commune of Targuist, Al Hoceima Province, northern Morocco. A small rocky islet sits just offshore, and the beach lies in a sheltered cove backed by hills and a modest fishing settlement. The classic frame places the islet in the middle distance with the clear turquoise water and pale sand in the foreground and rugged hills behind. The cove faces north, so morning light is soft and even across the water and sand, and the islet is cleanly lit from the east; early morning also means calm water and an empty beach. Sunset falls behind the western hills, leaving the cove in gentle shade. June and September are the best months, with clear water and warm weather but fewer visitors than July and August, when the beach fills with holidaymakers and tents. Spring is quieter, with greener hills, though the water is cooler. Arriving at dawn gives room for a tripod at the shoreline. Access is by road, with a short walk to the beach, and facilities are basic, so visitors should bring water and food, with small seasonal cafes sometimes open in summer. No entry fee is generally charged, though local attendants may ask for parking money. Tripods are not restricted. Drone flights need national authorisation and are inadvisable in a national park. A wide-angle lens captures the cove, a telephoto zoom isolates the islet, and a polarising filter reduces glare on the water.