Chefchaouen/Rif
Coming to Chefchaouen, in the Rif mountains, you will discover a preserved and little known Morocco. Excursions, fishing, lounging around – it's your choice.
Medium-sized mountain
The Rif massif is not a very high range. Its peaks are barely higher than 2000m. Chefchaouen is a small tranquil town that is full of charm. Located 600m above sea level, it looks as if it is protected by two mountainous peaks, which have given it its name meaning "the horns" in Berber. Stroll around its cobbled streets. How can you fail to be charmed by the simple and gracious white houses with blue doors? They often conceal very attractive patios.
Discrete charm
Chefchaouen's medina is one of the most charming in Morocco. It houses lovely little squares with fountains. Andalusian inspiration can be seen everywhere. It has also been nicknamed the little Granada. In the center, the Uta-El-Hammam square is a marvel. A giant cedar tree, the terraces of restaurants and cafes, and especially a very attractive mosque dating from the 15th century topped with a rare octagonal minaret.
Peaceful nature
At the north-east exit of the medina, the Ras-El-Ma spring is a cool oasis offering a very good view over the valley. For walking in its surrounding areas, Chefchaouen is the place of your dreams. On foot or riding a donkey, let yourself be guided around the Talassemtane national park, around the valley of the monkeys or even the Tissemlal falls. If you fish, the trout are waiting just for you in this unspoilt region.
To remember
With its pure air, calmness, cleanliness, picturesque medina and attractive surrounding areas, for those of you who are lovers of medium-sized mountains, Chefchaouen provides you with a complete and gentle break.
Azilal, High Atlas: splendid scenery
Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular regions of the Atlas. From Azilal, you can go on all sorts of walks.
At the heart of the mountains
The Azilal region is at the heart of the High Atlas. The peaks can be as high as 4000m. Sometimes the valleys are squeezed into steep gorges or foaming canyons. Heading out from the town are many organized walks into the neighboring M’Goun mountains or to the famous Ouzoud waterfalls. You can find one of the most beautiful watercourses in Morocco here.
Rivers and lakes
In this still-preserved mountain paradise, lakes and rivers abound. Admiring them is a pleasure. You can also do several activities there. Fishing, water sports and – for the more sporty – rafting and canoeing; everything is possible on this high ground away from the tourist areas.
Discovering the valleys
Depending on your level and what you want, you can choose gentle activities like fishing, walking or donkey riding. And discover the magnificent surrounding valleys. The Tassout, Aït Bouwili and Aït Bouguemez valleys – featuring pleasant countryside and picturesque and welcoming villages. If you're bursting with energy, there's no lack of sporting activities: in summer, bike riding, paragliding, canyoning or climbing; and in winter, the famous combination of mule-skiing, a local specialty. Here, it's paradise whatever the season...
Stories of old
History lovers should not miss the prehistoric site at Tizi N’Tirguist with its cave paintings on pink clay slabs. Or the one in Iroutane, which has 65 million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprints. The Iroutane prehistoric site can be found about 7km from Imi-n-Ifri by path.
To remember
The Azizal region is a miracle of nature. In all seasons, the mountains and valleys offer astonishing landscapes and activities for all.
Ifrane, Middle Atlas: Alpine sensations
At an altitude of 1650m, with European style villas, cool temperatures in summer and snow in winter, Ifrane is such a different place…
Moroccan surprise
In summer, arriving at Ifrane is a real pleasure. You can find cool temperatures, greenery and European style houses here; it is an out-of-the-ordinary place with undreamed of warmth. In winter, you can enjoy the powdery ski slopes of Michlifen, which are only 15 minutes away from Ifrane by road.
Breath and soak it in
Ifrane is a stay that you won't forget. It is reminiscent of certain Swiss villages! It is the perfect place to top up your reserves at altitude. When the weather is good, walk close to the Vittel spring and its waterfalls shaded by the poplar and maple trees. Its national park contains one of the largest cedar plantations in the world, where mischievous monkeys, which are used to seeing people, will welcome you. The lakes and rivers are crammed with pike and trout. Are there any takers?
Skiing and walking
In winter, the Michlifen resort opens out its snowy paths where you can go on incredible walks in a landscape which, at first, would seem unimaginable in North Africa. Lovers of wildlife will like the local biodiversity. And fans of prehistory will want to visit the sites which have evidence of man's presence since the Neolithic Era, such as the Tizguite cave. Hunters will hurry to a region which is abundant in hare, wild boar and partridge.
To remember
Whatever the time of year, Ifrane is a divine surprise. Cool and invigorating in summer, snowy slopes in winter, preserved countryside and wildlife – an absolute gem!
Imouzzer Ida Outanane, Anti-Atlas: the valley of paradise
The Ida Ouatane region extends over the foothills of the High Atlas, in the Agadir hinterland. Gorges, fertile valleys – a landscape to take your breath away.
High plateaus
Around 60km north east of Agadir, the Berber villages of Ida-Outane appear perched on the lower slopes of the western Atlas. At 1250m, sitting atop of a green palm grove, Imouzzer Ida Outanane can be seen from afar with its white houses. The place is known for its honey scented with thyme, cactus and lavender.
Natural basins
In the bottom of the green valleys, when the sun is still high in the sky, make use of the coolness provided by the natural basins that the wadi has carved over the millennia. A refreshing dip after kilometers of walking. Far off, you can see the argan trees whose fruit is used for making argan oil, which is highly valued in cosmetics. It is quite rightly said to have great powers of hydration.
Winter waterfalls
There is a palm grove 4km away from the village of Imouzzer Ida Outanane and surprising waterfalls which can be seen in winter. Try the various honeys alongside the roadside. Connoisseurs will find that the thyme-scented one is the most subtle. Try amlou, a delicious, almost legendary specialty, made from honey, crushed almonds and argan oil which is used like a spread.
To remember
Visiting Imouzzer Ida Outanane allows you to discover the wonderful countryside of the High Atlas foothills. Deep gorges, natural basins and delicious food to be enjoyed without restraint...
