Mountains facing the sea

What sets the mountains of the western Rif apart from many others in Morocco is how close they are to the Mediterranean. In places the slopes come down almost to the beach, so a single day can combine a mountain walk with views of the sea.

Jbel Ahmed Filali

Jbel Ahmed Filali, at about 1161 metres, is one of the best-known mountains of the Beni Bouzra in Chefchaouen province, overlooking the Mediterranean coast between Tetouan and El Jebha. It stands out for its geology: metamorphic rocks of an almost black colour, which geologists have named the “Filali unit”.

Jbel Dar Maimoun

In the same tribe, Jbel Dar Maimoun is the highest peak of the Beni Bouzra, at about 1235 metres. The Beni Bouzra lands lie in the mountainous and coastal part of the province, so their peaks are part of the natural bond between mountain and sea.

Jbel Chouamat

Jbel Chouamat, at about 1585 metres, is the highest peak of the Mtioua. Their land is both mountainous and coastal, with varied terrain where summits meet valleys, villages and land close to the sea.

Jbel Moussa

In the far north, a few kilometres from Fnideq and Ceuta, between the communes of Belyounech and Taghramt, Jbel Moussa rises to about 841 metres. Its natural area reaches down to the coast and forms a headland at the far northern tip of Moroccan territory. It lies outside Tetouan province, between M'diq-Fnideq prefecture and Fahs-Anjra province.

On the coast: Taghassa

Between these mountains and the sea lies Taghassa, an old Ghomara harbour and quiet beach on the Chefchaouen coast, in Amtar commune.

The mountains in a table

Walking near the sea in summer means more heat and humidity. Read hiking in summer: heat, water and choosing your route and eating and drinking on the trail.

Frequently asked questions