I don’t normally write posts about literally nothing, but that’s pretty much what there is to do in Sidi Ifni, a small city in the south of Morocco on the Atlantic Coast. Heard of it? Didn’t think so…
So why write about it?
Because Sidi Ifni is super chilled out.
And sometimes it’s nice to write about something where there is not much to write about. It presents a challenge!
But that’s part of their charm. And if you have been dealing with the frenetic pace of some of Morocco’s cities, Sidi Ifni has no touts or anyone trying to hassle you.
Now saying there is absolutely nothing to do in the area is not all true, as this part of the world is known for its surf, and surfers getting off the beaten path do head down there.
But apart from that, the only thing you will find yourself doing in Sidi Ifni is sitting around at a cafe sipping on a mint tea or a coffee while watching the world go by.
Even then there is barely anything to watch go by as there are not many people out and about. The place is known for its relaxed pace, and being a former Spanish colony afternoon siestas (naps) are the norm.
Going to sleep with just the sound of the Atlantic waves breaking on the beach below is bliss after the noise of the big cities, and waking to a view across the sea could easily lull you into staying longer than planned.
At night you can eat some freshly caught fish for dinner while engaging in conversation with one of the laid back locals.
The city is rather charming in itself with art deco buildings from a time gone by to wander past.
So if you happen to be in Morocco or planning a visit, and just want to get off the beaten path and chill out, then head down to Sidi Ifni.
And if you want to try surfing then some of the locals can lend a hand in that. Surfing in Morocco is in fact some of the best in Africa and the nearby area of Taghazout for surfing is another place to go to.
I’m not trying to say the place is bad, as, in fact, it’s great for the reasons stated before. I’m just trying to get anybody’s expectations of a possible visit to one of having bugger all to see or do.
But isn’t it nice sometimes knowing there is nothing to do?
There are some colourfully dressed locals in bright robes that contrast with the white and blue of the buildings.
The place has a bit of an alternate feel to it because of the surfers.
I guess there are some “attractions”.
Part of this post was hopefully to show a little sense of humour in that not all places you will see are super exciting and engaging. And that’s part of travel, as it wont be all grand buildings and fast paced cities, or mountains and deserts to roam.
You will have to be prepared for the areas where you will see squat.
So I will leave you with a few more photos of the “city”, in part because Google Images doesn’t have enough of them! Goes to show…
I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.
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This really reminds me of Khorog in the Tajik Pamirs – nothing much to do but walk around and eat Indian food and maybe sit and drink tea by the river – but dear god it was great for doing all three of those!
Yes it’s kind of like a seaside Khorog! But replace Indian food with fresh fish. Nice to sit back and drink mint tea and not think about much, except where to go next, and figure out how the hell you are going to write a post about a place where there isn’t much to do 🙂
Looks like a great place to chill out, read a book, and relax.
Thanks
It it!
Hola Jonny,
Great post and very nice pictures.
I have translated into Spanish and I put it on my page “El Rincón de Sidi Ifni” (http://www.sidi-ifni.com) is a Spanish site, which I put news and own posts, and from other pages (only the good items, like yours). I hope this is not a problem, if you do not want your post is on my page for any reason, please tell me to remove it immediately.
Thanks in advance.
Saludos.
Pablo V.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)
Sure no worries. I saw you put the link to the original item on my blog so that’s fine. 🙂
Thank you very much.
In every post or articles from other sites, there is always a link to the original post and the author’s name. It is right and is the way to thank the author for his good work.
Saludos.
Hi John,
Here is Amsterdam calling ..
Really enjoyed yout website which brought back a lot of good old memories from the all together 7-8 monthes I spend there ..
I am sure you met our beach artist Josoeph .. a dear old friend of mine.
When you see him .. give him a huge hug from ‘El Escritor Holandais’ and all the greetings to his family and tell him ‘inshala will see him hopefuly next year’.