The drive from Guelmim to Sidi Ifni, a fishing port on the Atlantic coast, was one of our favourite journeys. The surroundings constantly changed as we weaved our way through the hills, moving from the semi desert of Guelmim (altitude of 900 ft) with cold nights and hot days to a mild, windy, Atlantic climate.
Sidi Ifni, well-known for its art deco architecture, was built on the top of dramatic cliffs overlooking the beach. The area had been a Spanish enclave until 1969, making it one of Spain’s last territories held in Africa.
The beach area was a favourite spot for wind surfers and there were several camping sites along the beach. There was a busy social scene amongst the Europeans staying on the sites, especially those who spent the whole of the winter in Sidi Ifni, year after year. Some visitors applied to the authorities for a Prolongation, meaning they received permission to stay in Morocco for longer than the official 90 days.
