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Places to Visit in Al Hoceima, Morocco, North Africa, Africa

Al Hoceima is a Moroccan city, located on the Mediterranean coastline between 35°15′ N latitude and 3°56′ W longitude. It comes under the Al Hoceïma Province in Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate region in the extreme north of the country. Al Hoceima is situated around 480 km northeast of Rabat, the capital of Morocco and 570 km northwest of the country’s largest city, Casablanca.

Al Hoceima holds a tourism and fishing based economy, drawing a substantial number of overseas tourists, mainly from Europe, during the summer months. Playa Quemado is the most famous beach of Al Hoceima, located close to star rated Mohammed V Hotel.

 

History of Al Hoceima:

Until the Spanish General Sanjurjo landing on the beach of Al Hoceima around 1925, Al Hoceima was not in the way of evolution. After claiming, Sanjurjo named it Villa Sanjurjo and constructed many houses, schools and hospitals, which became prologue for development. Its name was once changed to Villa Sanjurjo and the town got its current name after the independence of Morocco in 1956.

 

Connectivity to Al Hoceima:

Al Hoceima hosts an international airport, the Cherif Al Idrissi Airport, with scheduled flights from Casablanca, Tetouan, Amsterdam, Brussels, Casablanca and seasonal flights from Rotterdam, Hague and Charleroi. The distance of around 10 km from the airport to the city centre can be crossed by airport taxi or bus.

Al Hoceima’s road transportation extends to all around the country, including Marrakech and Casablanca. Buses, taxis and rental cars are the options to get around Al Hoceima.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Al Hoceima:

Tarifit Berber or Tamazight is one of the commonly spoken languages in Al Hoceima, mainly used by Ibeqquyen tribes.

Shops are abundant in Al Hoceima, ranging from groceries to retail outlets. Two nice restaurants in Al Hoceima include:

• Hotel ristorante Perla
• Cafe marino

 

Things to do in Al Hoceima:

• Boating
• Beach exploration
• Walking

 

What to see in Al Hoceima?

 

Beaches in Al Hoceima:

Being a coastal city, Al Hoceima features many nice beaches with different water sport activities including boat riding. Calabonita is one of the famous beaches in Al Hoceima, where visitors can enjoy memorable boat riding at a cost of 20 Dhs. Playa Quemado is the most famous beach of Al Hoceima.

 

Rif Mountains:

The Rif Mountains is a mountain range, in which Tidighin is the highest peak, measuring at an altitude of 2,455 meters. Al Hoceima is situated on the northern edge of the Rif Mountains.

 

The port of Al Hoceima:

The port of Al Hoceima is the Rif Region’s 2^nd largest port following the port in Nador. It can be reached by a rental vehicle from the city centre.

 

Spanish Catholic Church:

The Spanish Catholic Church in Al Hoceima was constructed during the Spanish colonial period, which is still good in condition and attracts both local Christian devotees and tourists.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Al Hoceima includes:

• Plage Qualermo
• Attarin Medersa
• Medina of Fez
• Jardin Jnan Sbil
• Bou Inania Medersa
• Bab Bou Jeloud
• Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts
• Kairaouine Mosque
• Glaoui Palace
• Fontaine Nejjarine
• Musee des armes
• Tombe dei Merenidi

 

When to visit Al Hoceima?

Al Hoceima is a year round destination, those looking to experience best of Al Hoceima’s beaches can make tour in September or October.

 

Where to stay in Al Hoceima?

Al Hoceima is a colorful developing city, home to around 20 standard accommodation centres that are shared between all parts of the city. Advance booking is advised to get desired hotels during peak season. The prominent hotels in Al Hoceima are as follows:

• Hotel Basilic
• Suites Hotel Mohammed V
• Hotel Mira Palace
• Hotel Amir Plage
• Hotel Basilic
• Chafarinas Beach Club
• Hotel La Marina
• Hotel Tidghine
• Hotel Al Hoceima Bay
• Casa Paca Alhucemas Guesthouse
• Hotel Villa Florido
• Hotel al-Hana
• Hotel La Perla
• Hotel Khouzama
• Appart Hotel Quemado

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Agadir, Morocco, North Africa, Africa

Agadir is one of the important cities of Morocco, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline of the country, around 70 meters above sea level. It is the administrative centre of the Souss-Massa-Drâa region, located around 230 km southwest of the country’s tourism capital, Marrakech and 500 km southwest of Casablanca, the largest city of Morocco. Agadir itself is famous among visitors for its spectacular beaches and mild winter climate, making it a prominent “winter sun” point for Northern European tourists. Also festivals taking place in Agadir are internationally acclaimed. Agadir experiences a subtropical-semiarid climate with mild winters and warm summers.

 

History of Agadir:

The name Agadir derived from the Berber language and it literally means “wall covering a fortress”. What is today’s Agadir city, which was founded two kilometers away from the old city in the 1960s and the construction was led by the architects Jean-François Zevaco, Pierre Coldefy, Claude Verdug and Elijah Azagury.

 

How to reach Agadir?

Agadir hosts an international airport, Agadir-Al Massira Airport, is situated 8 km southeast of the downtown Agadir. The airport covers numerous European cities such as Dublin, London, Helsinki, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, Kiev and Copenhagen, of which most are seasonal flights.

Agadir has no connectivity to any of the Moroccan cities by train, but it is connected by public buses.

The local transportation of Agadir is catered by buses, taxis and rental cars. Petit taxis generally cost between 10 and 20 Dh for local travel.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Agadir:

Agadir is the site of many grand internationally recognized festivals such as the International Documentary Film Festival, International Festival of University Theatre of Agadir and Festival of Laughter.

Souk El Had is the top traditional shopping centre in Agadir and the famous restaurants of the city are located at Nouveau Talbourjt.

 

What to do in Agadir?

• Surfing
• Visiting zoos and museums
• Shopping

 

Tourist Attractions in Agadir:

 

Beaches in Agadir:

Beaches are the first preference of visitors coming to the city Agadir. Some popular beaches of under Agadir include Tamaounzam, Agadir Beach, Aitswal Beach, Bouyirdn and Timzguida, of which many offer excellent surfing experience.

 

Museum Municipal du Patrimoine Amazigh:

The Museum Municipal du Patrimoine Amazigh houses a nice collection of objects dating from the 18th and 19th century that showcase the features of the local Berber people.

 

Valley of the Birds:

The Valley of the Birds is a striking bird park situated between Boulevard Hassan II and 20 August. It moves along the Avenue of Administrations, home to animals like Moroccan moufflon, South American llamas and Australian wallabies other than birds.

 

Mohammed V Mosque:

The Mohammed V Mosque is one of the famous mosques as well as tourist attractions of Agadir, situated on the Boulevard President Kennedy. It draws both devotees and tourists year round.

 

Souk El Had:

Souk El Had is a traditional market site home to around 3000 stalls ranging from tourist souvenirs to leather goods. It can be explored best through a guided tour as it is large and wide.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Agadir includes:

• Musée Bert Flint
• Musee Municipal de Agadir
• La Medina d’Agadir
• Mosque Loubnan in Agadir
• Musée de Talborjt “La Casbah”
• The garden of Ibn Zaidoun
• Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane
• The city of Taroudant
• The city of Tiznit
• The Souss-Massa National Park

 

Best time to visit Agadir:

The best time to visit Agadir depends on visitors’ interest, although the most popular time to visit Agadir is from May to October.

 

Accommodation options in Agadir:

Agadir houses a total of around 300 accommodation centres, including hotels, lodges, vacation rentals, BB and inns, of which most offer advance booking facility for visitors’ convenience. Here are some top hotels in Agadir in Morocco:

• Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir
• Riad Villa Blanche
• Riad Dar Maktoub
• Hotel Timoulay
• Paradis Plage
• ClubHotel Riu Tikida Dunas
• Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
• Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort
• Robinson Club Agadir
• Tikida Golf Palace
• Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort
• Hotel El Bahia
• Hotel Riu Tikida Beach
• Royal Decameron Tafoukt Beach Hotel
• Atlantic Palace Agadir

Tourist Places to Visit in Morocco, North Africa, Africa

Morocco is an African country geographically positioned in the northwestern part of the continent at 32° N 6° W. Rabat is the capital while Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco. In terms of population, Morocco is the 39^th largest country in the world (over 33 million people) and is the world’s 40^th largest nation in terms of area (around 446 550 sq. km.). The Government of Morocco follows the unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy system, in which the King of Morocco holds superior power. Morocco is an affluent tourist favor country, with dozens of ancient Roman and Islamic sites as well as many pristine beaches with a wide range of water-sport activities.

 

History of Morocco:

Morocco has a long and grand historical background, which was first settled in the Paleolithic times. Like many African countries, Morocco also came under the Roman Empire’s rule who ruled over Morocco effectively from the 1st century BC to 5th century AD. According to the documented history, Idrisid Dynasty was the original founder of Morocco (789) and the current Morocco was founded by Alaouite Dynasty (1666), which is still in power.

 

Getting Morocco:

The Mohammed V International Airport is the main gateway to Morocco, situated around 30 km south of the country’s largest city, Casablanca. The airport handles flights from Lisbon, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Istanbul, New York, Madrid, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Rome and many other global destinations.

The intercity transportation of Morocco is upgraded, served by luxury buses and trains. Grand taxis are mainly used for long distance travel, while Petit taxi are known for comfortable local travel in Moroccan cities.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Morocco:

Morocco is culturally diverse country, influenced by Arab, African, and European cultures. Moroccan Arabic or Darija is a widely spoken language in Morocco.

Moroccan dirham is the currency of Morocco and the items like carpets, birad and djellabah should be purchased in Morocco.

Some popular and must taste dishes in Morocco include Couscous, Tagine, kaliya and Pastilla.

 

Must see in Morocco:

 

Koutoubia Mosque:

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the iconic tourist attractions of Morocco, situated in the city of Marrakesh. It was constructed at the end of 12th century, designed by Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in the Almohad architectural style. Including its minaret, interior and exterior designs and surrounding environment, everything is a grand treat for visitors’ eyes.

 

Majorelle Garden:

The Majorelle Garden is a distinct botanical garden, located in Marrakesh, covering an area of twelve-acres. This blue colored typical garden building was the great work of French artist Jacques Majorelle. There is a museum, called Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, within the garden, home to a wide range of paintings, ceramics and jewelry.

 

Bahia Palace:

Situated in the historic city of Marrakesh, the Bahia Palace is adorned by a group of gardens, which was constructed in the late 19th century. It is worth a visit.

 

Saadian Tombs:

The Saadian Tombs are the 16^th century tombs during the rule of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. The mausoleum is the final resting place of many famous personalities belonged to royal family, including the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. It is located in Marrakech.

 

Casablanca Cathedral:

The Casablanca Cathedral was originally a Roman Catholic Church, which was converted into a cultural centre following the independence of Morocco. The French architect Paul Tournon was the designer of Casablanca Cathedral, who used Neo-Gothic style to design it. The cathedral is in the city of Casablanca.

 

List of the other top tourist attractions in Morocco include:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa
• Atlas Mountains
• El Badi Palace
• Hassan II Mosque
• Rif
• Menara Gardens
• Marrakech Museum
• Hassan Tower
• Kasbah of the Udayas

 

When to visit Morocco?

Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate with exceptionally hot summers and cool winters. Generally the months of April, May, September and October is the best to make a grand tour to Morocco.

 

Accommodation options in Morocco:

Being a paradise of tourists, Morocco houses more than 1000 star rated hotels, of which most are located in Marrakech, where the country’s highest number of tourist attractions are situated. Some world class hotels in Casablanca, the largest city of Morocco, are as follows:

• Hyatt Regency Casablanca
• Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
• Club Val d’Anfa Hotel
• Art Palace & Spa
• Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa
• Pestana Casablanca
• Hotel Husa Casablanca Plaza
• Atlas Sky Airport
• Le Royal Mansour Meridien
• Le Trianon Luxury Hotel & Spa
• JM Suites Hotel
• Ibis Casa Sidi Maarouf
• Jnane Sherazade
• Maamoura Hotel
• Manzil Hotel