The city between the beach and the desert that belonged to Spain until 1969 and increasingly attracts tourists to Morocco.

Due to its proximity, Morocco is a very attractive destination for travelers from Spain. Added to this is its interesting history, reflected in the architecture of its towns and cities. Of course, we can't forget the nature of this North African country , from the vast Sahara Desert to the Ouzoud waterfalls.

Although cities like Marrakech , Casablanca, and Tangier attract the most visitors, there is another city that is gradually gaining ground in international tourism. We are talking about Sidi Ifni, a completely unique and different place, just over 170 kilometers south of Agadir. Bathed by the waters of the Atlantic and with the desert at its back, this small town was once an important Spanish enclave . Today, it is presented as a very attractive place where tourists can enjoy colonial architecture and extensive golden sand beaches.

The history of the Moroccan city

The territory of Ifni was a gift from Sultan Mohammed IV to Spain following the peace agreements of 1860 that ended the African War. However, its annexation as such did not occur until 1934, during the Second Republic.

Later, with Morocco's independence in 1956 , King Mohammed V decided to attack Sidi Ifni to unify it with his territory, thus beginning the Ifni War . Finally, after years of conflict, on June 30, 1969, the Spanish government ceded what it still held in the area to Morocco.

What to see in Sidi Ifni

To this day, that Spanish heritage is still present in the city of Sidi Ifini, especially in its most iconic buildings. We can begin our visit at Hassan II Square , formerly known as Plaza de España, where we'll find a fountain with Andalusian-inspired tiles. Also noteworthy are the Church of Santa Cruz, which now serves as the Court of Justice , and the Governor's Palace, now the Royal Palace .

Beyond the network of white buildings, another of this Moroccan town's strong points are its spectacular beaches . The most impressive of these is Legzira and its unusual natural stone arches that rise from the shore. Furthermore, these beaches are often practically deserted and are ideal for surfing.

Travel Editor for '20minutos'

A journalism graduate from the Complutense University of Madrid, I worked for Viajar magazine as a web editor, and since 2022, I've continued this passion on 20minutos, showing that there are too many wonders on this planet to stay home.