Coastal Morocco at Sidi Ifni
It’s been a while since we’ve seen the sea, but that’s about to change. Setting our sights on coastal Morocco at Sidi Ifni brings a touch of excitement. We’ve been travelling inland so far after arriving at Tanger Med and although it’s been a journey of incredible landscapes, it’s going to feel good to see the coast again.
Our travels in Morocco are now entering the 2nd week of April. Spring is upon us and the main Winter season, when campsites were brimming with motorhomes is seemingly over.
Our arrival in March seemed to coincide with everyone else leaving. So far, we haven’t had to think about any campsites being full, but we’re wondering if this will change on the coast.
Arriving at the Atlantic ocean
Our drive from Tiznit brings us towards the sea. The roads are pretty good, winding along relatively baron landscapes with dips and troughs in the terrain.
It reminds us of Lanzarote in the early 90’s, before the construction of major holiday resorts. The terrain is stoney and the first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean begins appearing in the distance.
The waves are murky, the sea a little rough. It’s been windy at times on this trip, so perhaps the ocean is still churning.
The road brings us closer to the water, just us and empty wasteland between but in the distance are buildings. This is the start of a coastal town, perhaps we’ll stop to take a look.
Reaching Coastal Morocco at Sidi Ifni
It’s rather late in the afternoon as we drive by a sweeping bay. The town of Mirleft approaches, with an unexpectedly deserted feel, so we decide to continue.
The coastal town of Sidi Ifni is a former Spanish town, returned to Morocco in 1969. It retains a Spanish appearance in its buildings and is quite a large place with a few campsites.
We’ve heard from fellow motorhomers, this is one of the popular places for Wintering. With this in mind, despite us entering off-season in Morocco, we’re expecting campsites here to be busier than elsewhere.
Sidi Ifni empty campsites
We’re unsure where to stay the night, so begin with the first campsite we come across. Driving into the entrance, we’re unsure at first if it’s open properly. The pitches are vacant and there’s no one around.
Somehow, empty campsites look rather unappealing, they’re places which come alive with people, but we’ve missed the seasonal atmosphere.
Instead, we drive on further, hoping the next campsite has at least a few other motorhomes for company.
An overnight stay at Camping International
Camping International, a municipal campsite at the far end of the town is a little more busy and definitely open!
We’re greeted at the gate by a friendly chap who advises where we can park up. Returning to pay the nightly rate of 61 MAD (about £6), we find a pitch and take a rest. It’s been a long day.
It’s good to see we’re not alone here. Although the campsite is quiet, there are at least another half a dozen motorhomes or so.
Unfortunately there’s no sea view, which is a shame. Instead, there’s a wall surrounding the small campground, and a peak over the top reveals we’re on top of a cliff!
We take a look through a small gap in the wall, revealing large swathes of sand and the crashing of ocean waves.
We can just about make out people, walking on the sands, otherwise, there’s nothing.
A walk into town
The campsite gates lead out into the periphery of the town centre. We need some shopping, so take a walk into town to find some supplies.
Luckily, next door is a useful little supermarket, where we manage to stock up on a few goods. It’s the first we’ve seen in a while and although it’s relatively small, more like a convenience store, it seems to sell some of the things we’re looking for.
Further on the road leads towards the town centre. It’s really busy with locals and several shops and pavement cafes. It’s area of activity.
There’s blue and white buildings and mix of Art Deco architecture of traditional Moroccan facades. Beyond the centre lies a promenade, where the ocean greets those taking a stroll.
Our evening walk ends back at the campsite. A basic, but pleasant location with clean toilet and shower block.
After watching the sun go down over a Moroccon sky, it’s time to relax.
This is the furthest south on the coast we’ll be travelling. Tomorrow it’s time to make our way North along the coastal route, gradually heading towards Agadir and finding a new place to stop for the night.
