Sidi Ifni was Spanish until 1969, and it still feels different from anywhere else on the coast: whitewashed Art Deco buildings with blue shutters, wide squares, a clifftop promenade and a long beach below. It makes a relaxed day trip from our villas, ideally combined with Legzira on the way back.
The Spanish Art Deco centre
Spain ruled Ifni from 1934 to 1969, and its planners left a compact centre of white and blue buildings in Art Deco style. The heart of town is Place Hassan II, once Plaza de España, surrounded by the former Spanish consulate, the old church and colonial villas.
Wander the surrounding streets slowly: much of the charm is in the faded facades, the tiled details and the quiet cafés.
Promenade, beach and lighthouse
A promenade runs along the clifftop, with views over the long sandy beach and the ocean. Look for the lighthouse and the curious ship-shaped building above the sea. Steps lead down to the beach, popular with surfers from autumn to spring.
The fishing port
South of the centre, the fishing port is busiest in the morning when the boats come in. Small restaurants nearby grill the day's catch: one of the best simple lunches on the coast.
Market days bring the whole town to life; ask locally which day the weekly souk is held during your visit.
Combine with Legzira
Legzira's red arch is 10 km north on the coast road. Spend the day in Ifni and stop at Legzira on the way back for the late-afternoon low tide and sunset.
