Legzira's red sandstone arch, rising from the sand into the Atlantic, is one of the most striking sights on Morocco's coast. Getting the timing right makes all the difference: come on a falling tide in the late afternoon and you can walk beneath the arch, then watch the cliffs turn red at sunset.
The arch, then and now
Wind and waves carved two great arches into Legzira's soft red cliffs. The larger one collapsed in 2016; the remaining arch still spans the beach and draws visitors from all over the region.
The rock is fragile and still eroding: don't climb on the arch and keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs.
Plan around the tide
At high tide the sea reaches the cliffs in places, cutting off parts of the beach. At low tide you can walk the full length of the sand, pass under the arch and explore the rock pools.
Check a tide table the day before and aim to arrive one to two hours before low tide. Keep an eye on the water as it turns.
Sunset and photography
The cliffs glow deep red in the low evening light, and the arch frames the sunset over the ocean. Arrive early to find your spot, and bring a light layer: the wind picks up in the evening.
A few beach cafés serve drinks and simple meals, which makes a pleasant end to the visit.
Combine it with Sidi Ifni
Sidi Ifni's Spanish Art Deco centre and fishing port are only 10 km further south. Spend the middle of the day in Ifni, then drive back to Legzira for the late-afternoon tide and sunset.
