Al Hoceima and Rif Coastline

Al Hoceima sits on a bay of the same name in the central Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, approximately 160 km southwest of Melilla by road. The journey begins with the standard Beni Enzar border crossing on foot, followed by a CTM bus from Nador's central bus station to Al Hoceima — a three-hour ride through dramatic Rif mountain scenery costing approximately 50 MAD (around €4.50) each way. Alternatively, a hired taxi from Nador can be negotiated for around 600 MAD return, offering more schedule flexibility. Al Hoceima is anchored by Plage Quemado, a sheltered bay beach in the heart of the town where the Peñón de Alhucemas — a fortified Spanish sovereign island just 300 metres offshore — provides a striking visual backdrop. The town beach is clean and relatively uncrowded outside Moroccan summer holiday periods, flanked by simple seafood restaurants and cafés along the corniche. The surrounding coastline, particularly the beaches of Cala Iris and Badis accessible by local taxi southwest of town, is part of the Al Hoceima National Park, a protected area of sea cliffs, hidden coves, and coastal bird habitat. A morning departure from Melilla on the first available border crossing allows arrival in Al Hoceima by midday. The afternoon is best spent at Plage Quemado before boarding the return CTM bus to Nador in the late afternoon, allowing enough time to cross the Beni Enzar border before evening. Given the long transit distances — over six hours of bus travel for a same-day return — this destination particularly suits travellers who pair it with a night in Al Hoceima or Nador. May through June and September through October offer the best balance of warm weather, calm sea conditions, and manageable domestic tourism crowds.