🇲🇦 Al Hoceima, Morocco
Torres Beach
A pristine, secluded cove tucked inside Al Hoceima National Park — dramatic boulders, crystal-clear water and virtually zero development.
A pristine, secluded cove tucked inside Al Hoceima National Park — dramatic boulders, crystal-clear water and virtually zero development.
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Quiet & Snorkelling
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Al Hoceima National Park
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Best: Jun–Sep
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Pristine Med clarity
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Boulder & cliff scenery
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Very limited facilities
Torres Beach lies within the boundaries of Al Hoceima National Park, Morocco's only marine national park — a protected area that covers over 48,000 hectares of land and sea along the eastern Rif Coast. The park's designation has kept the coastline here almost entirely undeveloped: no resorts, no seafront hotels, no beach clubs. What remains is what nature left: coves surrounded by enormous geological boulders, patches of white and grey pebble beach, and water so clear it seems almost artificial. Torres is among the finest of these coves, accessible by a rough track from the coastal road east of Al Hoceima.
The snorkelling at Torres is some of the best available from shore in Morocco. The rocky edges and boulders at either end of the small beach create micro-habitats that shelter sergeant major fish, sea bream, wrasse, moray eels and periodic octopus sightings. Posidonia sea grass meadows extend into the bay floor, supporting a food chain that keeps the underwater environment far more biodiverse than the open sandy beaches. The park administration has maintained strict controls on fishing in some adjacent zones, which means fish populations are noticeably denser than at comparable unprotected stretches of coast.
Torres Beach is not for those seeking beach bars, sunbed hire, or convenience. The road access is rough, there is no shade except from boulders, and there are no facilities of any kind. Bring water, food, snorkelling gear and a sense of adventure. The reward is essentially having one of the most beautiful and pristine Mediterranean coves on the African continent to yourself — even in July the beach rarely attracts more than a handful of visitors. For travellers willing to explore beyond the tourist trail, Torres represents the Mediterranean at its most unspoiled.
A private car or taxi is required. The beach is east of Al Hoceima city on the coastal D12 road — follow signs towards the national park. A rough 2-3 km track leads down to the cove. 4WD recommended in wet conditions but a regular car manages in dry season.
June through September for warm, calm Mediterranean swimming and snorkelling. The park is accessible year-round but sea conditions can make swimming inadvisable in winter. Early morning visits in summer offer the best chance of having the beach entirely to yourself.
Bring all supplies from Al Hoceima — there is nothing available at the beach. Water shoes are helpful given the rocky entry points. Snorkelling gear is essential for getting the most from the site. Leave no trace — the park's pristine condition depends on visitor responsibility.
In dry summer conditions, most regular cars with decent ground clearance can manage the access track. However, after rain or in spring, the track can become rutted and slippery — 4WD is then advisable. Alternatively, a local guide with a suitable vehicle can be arranged from Al Hoceima for a very modest fee.
No. Torres Beach is entirely undeveloped — there are no toilets, no vendors, no parking fee (though donation boxes occasionally appear), no lifeguard, and no shade structures. This is exactly why the environment is so pristine. Self-sufficiency is essential and visitors should bring everything they need and take all rubbish away with them.
The park is renowned for its Eleonora's Falcon colony — one of the largest in the world — which breeds on offshore sea stacks. Barbary macaques live in the inland cork oak forests. At sea, dolphins (bottlenose and common) are regularly observed, and loggerhead sea turtles occasionally nest on park beaches. The marine zone holds excellent fish populations due to protection from fishing.
