Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá are two tourist destinations very close to each other that, as we will see, make an unbeatable option for road trippers. In this post we tell you exactly where they are and what you’ll find if you decide to take a getaway to disconnect here.
Location and attractions of Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá
Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá are located right on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, at a point roughly equidistant between the two Spanish cities on African territory: Ceuta (260 km to the west) and Melilla (190 km to the east), and 60 km from Al Hoceima. In fact, from their names you can deduce the relationship these places have had with the neighboring country: they were part of the Spanish Protectorate between 1912 and 1956, which grouped the so-called ‘sovereignty outposts’ that dotted this coastline. That’s why a route through these outposts can be an attraction for lovers of contemporary history, exploring the relationship between Morocco and Spain during the 20th century.
Being located in Al Hoceima National Park, one of their obvious attractions is the natural landscapes that surround them. In this case, the coastline is rugged, forming coves, bays, rocks, cliffs and islets, where Mediterranean flora grows. And the few roads connecting the different points of the coast are winding, offering a spectacle for the eyes and for driving enthusiasts, especially motorcyclists. That’s why the route separating Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá, about 5 km, is one of the favorite stages for those traveling the country on two wheels.
And of course, the swimming areas that form here are another attraction in themselves. Being an irregular coastline with pronounced relief and legal environmental protection, it maintains a certain wild character. The small beaches are pebbly and have still escaped mass tourism, although they undoubtedly experience an increase in visitors and bathers during summer.
Cala Iris
Cala Iris is the more eastern of the two. It has a small recently renovated port, with new parking that organizes vehicle access and some modest dining establishments. It hosts small fishing boats and recreational vessels, although it doesn’t reach the category of a premium marina. Off the coast stands Tazrot Tameqrant rock, eternal companion of the bathers and vacationers at this destination, which can be reached on foot, by swimming, or in one of those small boats.
Torres de Alcalá
Its name is a summary of what characterizes this corner of the Mediterranean coast: scattered across the different hills are several watchtowers built centuries ago by the Spanish, who in the mid-16th century seized the nearby Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. And although they don’t preserve their entire structure, they do maintain their evocative power of a past when this place was the object of continuous dispute and battle.
Accommodations in Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá
Accommodations are not abundant in Cala Iris and Torres de Alcalá, which can be considered an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. What little there is aligns with that road-tripper spirit, designed for motorhome travelers or motorcyclists who only want to spend the night. It’s precisely this scarcity of tourist services, especially outside the summer season, that attracts many independent travelers to this area.
Those who don’t fit this accommodation style can plan their visit as an excursion from other nearby vacation resorts, such as those located in Al Hoceima or from other points in northern Morocco.
