Cala Iris

Cala Iris is a small bay on the Mediterranean coast west of Al Hoceima, inside the national park, with a working fishing harbour at one end, a beach of coarse sand and pebble, and a rocky island a few hundred metres offshore that seabirds nest on. The water is clear and the bay is sheltered. Because it is well off the main road and has almost no development beyond the harbour, a few cafes and a campsite, it stays quiet even in summer when Al Hoceima's beaches fill. Fishermen will take visitors out to the island and along the coast, which is the way to see the cliffs; the park protects one of the last breeding populations of osprey in the Mediterranean and they nest on these rock faces. Snorkelling in the bay is good by Mediterranean standards. There is little infrastructure, so bring what you need.

What you actually see

• A sheltered cove - clear water and a coarse sand and pebble beach.
• The offshore island - a nesting rock a few hundred metres out.
• A working harbour - small boats at one end of the bay.
• Osprey cliffs - one of the last Mediterranean breeding populations, on the park's rock faces.

When to go

June to September. Half a day. Boat trips depend on the sea.

Honest expectations

There is very little here - a few cafes, a campsite and the harbour. A car is essential and the approach roads are slow. Boats do not go out in wind. Litter around the campsite in summer is a problem.

Nearby

Al Hoceima National Park surrounds it; Al Hoceima town is east.