The city was during the Middle Ages the seat of the emirate of Nokour, and has long been a source of disputes between European traders. It was founded in 1926 by the Lieutenant General of the Spanish Army José Sanjurjo, at the place where his troops landed, it was originally known as Villa Sanjurjo.
Al Hoceima enjoys an ideal location, it is located along the Mediterranean coast. It has pretty whitewashed houses along the bay, an almost perfect semicircle between two hilly headlands.
An impressive view, the best of the entire bay is offered from the east of the coast, in front of a small Spanish island named Peñon de Alhucemas. You will also see some trawlers moored at the small port of Al Hoceima, and in the evening lit lamparos for a good night’s fishing.
Quemado Beach, located directly in front of the town is the best of all the nearby beaches.
