The coast road south-west
South-west of Tiznit, the Atlantic coast becomes wilder and more dramatic: red cliffs, coves, surf and two very different small towns — laid-back Mirleft, about 40 km away, and Sidi Ifni, a former Spanish enclave about 75 km from Tiznit.
Between them lies Legzira beach, famous for its red sandstone arches. You can do all three as a long day trip from Tiznit, but the coast rewards a night or two.
Here is how to get there, what to see in each place, and how to plan the day.
How to get from Tiznit to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni
By car
The most flexible option: the road leaves Tiznit toward the coast and runs south-west through Mirleft to Sidi Ifni, with cliff-top views in places. Allow extra time for stops, and watch for fog patches and gusty wind near the sea.By grand taxi
Shared grand taxis run from Tiznit's grand-taxi station to Mirleft and to Sidi Ifni, leaving when full. For Legzira, ask a taxi heading to Sidi Ifni to drop you at the turn-off, or take a taxi from Sidi Ifni. You can also hire a whole taxi for the day — agree the route, waiting time and price in advance.By coach
Some coach services connect Tiznit and Sidi Ifni; schedules change, so check at the bus offices in Tiznit or on the operators' websites.Mirleft: coves, surf and slow days
The town
Mirleft is a small, relaxed town strung along the coast road above a series of beaches. It has cafés, small shops, surf schools and a good choice of guesthouses, many with sea views, and it attracts surfers, paragliders and travellers looking for somewhere quiet.The beaches
Several coves sit below the cliffs, including Imin Turga, Aftas, Plage du Marabout and Plage Sauvage. Some are sheltered and family-friendly; others have strong currents and are better for watching the waves. Ask locally which ones are safe to swim at on the day.Activities
- Surfing and bodyboarding — lessons and board rental are available in season
- Tandem paragliding from the cliffs with local operators (check certification and insurance)
- Cliff-top walks and sunset watching
- Fresh fish at simple restaurants
Legzira beach and its arches
What to see
Legzira is a long red-sand beach backed by cliffs, about 10 km north of Sidi Ifni. It became famous for two huge natural sandstone arches; one of them collapsed in September 2016, but the remaining arch is still spectacular and the cliffs glow at sunset.Visiting tips
- Check tide times — the arch is best reached on a falling or low tide
- Don't stand directly under overhanging cliffs; the sandstone is fragile
- Access is by paths and steps from the road, where cafés and small guesthouses sit above the beach
- Late afternoon light is best for photography
Sidi Ifni: Spain's former Atlantic outpost
History in brief
Spain claimed a territory on this coast under the 1860 Treaty of Wad-Ras, but only occupied Ifni in 1934. It became the capital of Spanish Ifni, was the scene of the Ifni War of 1957–58, and was returned to Morocco on 30 June 1969. Today it is the capital of Sidi Ifni Province.What to see
The town's Spanish-era buildings — many in a pale Art Deco style painted white and blue — cluster around Place Hassan II, the former Plaza de España, near the cliffs. Wander the old centre, look for the colonial-era civic buildings and the building famously shaped like a ship, walk down to the fishing port, and watch paragliders launch from the hills when the wind is right.Atmosphere
Sidi Ifni is calm and a little faded, with cool sea breezes and frequent morning mist. It's a good base for Legzira and a quieter alternative to Agadir's resorts.A one-day coastal plan from Tiznit
Morning
Leave Tiznit early and drive (or take a grand taxi) to Mirleft. Coffee in town, then walk down to one of the coves.Midday to afternoon
Continue to Sidi Ifni for lunch — grilled fish is the obvious choice — and an hour wandering the Spanish-era centre.Late afternoon
Head back north to Legzira for low tide and sunset at the arch, then return to Tiznit (about 1 hour), or stay the night in Mirleft or Sidi Ifni.Combine with
Aglou beach (15 km from Tiznit) on another day, or the mountains around Tafraoute. See all day trips from Tiznit.Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mirleft from Tiznit?
About 40 km, roughly 40 minutes by car or a little longer by shared grand taxi.
How far is Sidi Ifni from Tiznit?
About 75 km via Mirleft, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Is the Legzira arch still there?
One of Legzira's two famous arches collapsed in September 2016. The other still stands and is best visited at low tide.
Can I do Mirleft, Legzira and Sidi Ifni in one day from Tiznit?
Yes, by car or hired taxi it makes a full but manageable day trip. With public transport, staying overnight in Mirleft or Sidi Ifni is more relaxing.
When did Sidi Ifni stop being Spanish?
Spain returned Sidi Ifni to Morocco on 30 June 1969.
Keep Exploring the Coast
More beaches and trips from Tiznit.
Last reviewed on 3 October 2026. Distances and travel times are approximate; prices and schedules change — please confirm locally.