Is the Mediterranean coast (Al Hoceima, Saidia) worth it?

Morocco's Mediterranean coast is a genuinely beautiful and surprisingly overlooked stretch, but I always set expectations carefully because it serves a different purpose than the imperial cities or the Sahara. This is where Moroccan families go on summer holiday, so the appeal is sea and sun rather than medinas and monuments.

Al Hoceima is the scenic highlight. The town sits among rugged Rif cliffs plunging into a turquoise sea, and the adjoining Al Hoceima National Park protects pristine coves, sea cliffs and the rare osprey. Beaches like Quemado are right in town; others nearby require a short boat or a drive. The atmosphere is relaxed, Spanish-inflected, and in low season delightfully empty.

Saidia, on the far eastern end near the Algerian border, is the big purpose-built resort — kilometres of flat golden sand, a marina, big hotels and golf. It's pleasant and very family-friendly in July and August, but architecturally and culturally it's thin; out of season it can feel sleepy and half-shuttered. Between them, Nador and the lagoon at Marchica are more functional than charming.

My honest verdict: the Mediterranean coast is absolutely worth it if you're already up north — pairing Al Hoceima with Chefchaouen and the Rif makes a lovely summer loop — or if a beach finale matters to you. But it shouldn't displace Marrakech, Fez or the desert on a first trip. Come here to swim and unwind, not to sightsee.