Things To Do
in Azrou
Azrou is a highland town in the Middle Atlas, surrounded by pine and cedar forests that give the air a fresh, resinous scent. It sits between Fez and Ifrane, serving as a traditional Berber hub with a lively weekly souk and skilled artisans. The area is a gateway to forest walks, macaque-guarded cedar groves, and scenic mountain routes with cool temperatures year-round.
With its red-walled buildings, friendly locals, and easy access to nature, Azrou feels timeless yet welcoming to explorers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Azrou and check in to your hotel or riad. Take some time to refresh and soak in the local ambiance. Stroll through the town to get your bearings and admire the beautiful landscapes.
Visit the local market, where you can interact with friendly vendors and sample traditional Moroccan foods. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful handicrafts and textiles. Take a leisurely lunch at a café with a terrace overlooking the bustling square.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant, savoring flavorful tagines and sweet mint tea. Afterward, take a sunset walk through the scenic cedar forests nearby. Relax and unwind at your accommodation as you reflect on your first day.
Head to Ifrane National Park for a nature-filled morning, where you can hike the well-marked trails. Keep your eyes peeled for Barbary macaques and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the serene beauty of the park.
Continue your exploration by visiting the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as 'Little Switzerland'. Stroll around the picturesque lake and admire the unique architecture of the area. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Moroccan pastries.
Return to Azrou for a relaxing evening. Consider visiting a local hammam for a rejuvenating experience. Finish your day with dinner at a cozy restaurant, relishing the flavors of the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🧭Local craft item | $10-50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and forest walks
- Warm, welcoming locals with a rich Berber culture
- Limited nightlife and few high-end tourist facilities
- Some services and restaurants may have limited English
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlak" - Please
- "Kayn mushkil?" - Is there a problem?
- "Bghit nshouf l-restaurant" - I would like to see the restaurant
- "Fin kayn l-matjar?" - Where is the shop?
- "Ma3lish" - No problem / It’s okay
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Azrou
Visit one of these nice places.
Dense stands of cedar trees with winding trails and the chance to photograph Barbary macaques in their natural habitat; best early in the day for light and fewer crowds.
Characters, textures, and clay-red buildings offer intimate street photography opportunities, especially during market days.
Elevated spots above Azrou provide sweeping views across the valley and surrounding mountains, ideal for sunset shots.
Colorful stalls, spices, and crafts in motion; captures the energy and color of daily commerce.
Food in Azrou
Azrou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked savory-sweet dish commonly found in town eateries; best enjoyed with bread or couscous.
Must-Try!
A hearty staple featuring tender meat or chickpeas with a colorful mix of vegetables; commonly served as a shared dish.
Popular during cooler months, often enjoyed as a filling starter or light meal.
Almond butter dip traditionally served with warm bread and tea for a quick energizer or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market day where you can sample fresh produce, olives, spices, and street snacks; a great place to observe daily life.
Small family stalls offering olives, cheeses, and freshly baked bread baked in wood-fired ovens.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in religious spaces and rural areas; modest shoulders and knees are advised for both visitors and locals.
Greet with a polite 'Salam' or 'Bonjour'; ask permission before photographing people, especially children.
Respect local customs during Ramadan and at religious sites; avoid loud displays of affection in public.
Safety
Tipping in Azrou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated for good service in cafes, restaurants, and guided activities—around 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for guides and drivers are common.
Cash (Moroccan dirhams) is widely accepted; many hotels, larger shops, and some restaurants also take cards; ATMs are common in town and nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; carry water during hikes; occasional afternoon thunderstorms; higher dry-season visibility makes mountain views spectacular.
Cold with possible frosts and light snowfall in the surrounding higher elevations; pack warm layers and waterproof footwear; some trails may be icy.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming flora; great for forest walks and photography; occasional rain showers.
Cooler air and colorful foliage; comfortable for walks and markets; nights begin to feel chilly.
Azrou at Night
Hiking in Azrou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes through cedar groves just outside Azrou; good for wildlife viewing and photography.
Forest and ridge hikes with alpine scenery; suitable for day trips from Azrou.
Several short routes lead to viewpoints offering expansive valley and mountain vistas.
Airports
How to reach Azrou by plane.
The nearest major airport with international and domestic flights; convenient for reaching Azrou by road or taxi.
A farther but well-connected option; good for connecting to other destinations in Morocco.
A major hub for international travel; additional flight options if arriving from overseas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The area is predominantly Amazigh, with Tamazight-speaking communities alongside Moroccan Arabic speakers; Islam is the prevailing religion.
A mix of Arabic-speaking locals and visitors from other parts of Morocco and abroad, contributing to a diverse cultural atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across the region; local clubs and informal games are common in towns and schools.
Popular in schools and youth centers; some outdoor courts in towns and towns nearby.
When conditions permit, nearby resorts offer light skiing and snow activities during winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Azrou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy couscous with vegetables, lentil or chickpea stews, and fresh salads; look for tagines made without meat or request vegetable-only versions when ordering.