Things To Do
in Midalt

Midelt (often spelled Midelt) is a market town high on a plateau between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges in central Morocco. It is known for apple orchards, mineral and fossil shops, and as a practical stopover on the N13 road linking Fès and Errachidia. The town blends Amazigh (Berber) and Arab cultures and serves as a gateway for mountain hikes and desert-bound journeys.

At around 1,500–1,700 meters elevation it experiences large diurnal temperature swings and dramatic seasonal contrast, including snowy winters in the surrounding peaks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Midelt
morning
:

Arrive at Midelt amid the soaring Middle Atlas peaks and feel the crisp mountain air as you collect your luggage.

afternoon
:

Check in to a charming riad or mountain lodge, then wander the town’s lively souk, sampling spiced nuts and fresh flatbreads.

evening
:

Savor a traditional Berber tagine under a star-filled sky and enjoy mint tea while listening to local storytellers by candlelight.

day 2
Apple Orchards
morning
:

Head out to the lush apple orchards that surround Midelt, meeting the farmers who tend the terraced groves.

afternoon
:

Learn about pruning and harvesting techniques, then picnic among the trees with freshly picked apples and local cheese.

evening
:

Return to town for a tasting of homemade apple preserves and a cozy dinner in a family-run guesthouse.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Coffee or mint tea$0.50-1.50
🚕Short taxi ride$1-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.50-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to diverse landscapes: plateau, mountains and desert routes
  • Authentic local culture with Amazigh influences and fewer tourist crowds
  • Excellent stargazing and clear air due to high elevation
  • Affordable cost of living and local services
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few organized activities compared with bigger cities
  • Seasonal road and weather challenges (snow in winter, long distances to major airports)
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options for visitors used to larger urban centers
  • "Salam / Salam Alaikum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Bslama" - Goodbye
  • "Afak / Smah li" - Please / Excuse me (to get attention)
  • "Bshhal hada?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Azul" - Hello (Amazigh / Berber greeting)

Places to Visit in Midalt

Visit one of these nice places.

Plateau viewpoints around Midelt

Wide, open panoramas at sunrise or sunset capture the plateau, distant mountain ranges and neat rows of orchards—excellent for landscape shots.

Weekly souk

Colorful market activity, produce piles (apples, spices), craft stalls and portraits of vendors make for dynamic street photography.

Mineral and fossil shops

Close-up shots of vivid mineral specimens and fossil displays showcase a lesser-seen side of Midelt’s economy and heritage.

Jbel Ayachi foothills

Rugged slopes, alpine flora and traditional mountain villages provide dramatic natural and cultural photos; bring a telephoto for distant peaks and shepherd life.

Night skies

Far from major urban light pollution, clear nights offer strong opportunities for star trails and Milky Way photography—check moon phases for best results.

Culinary Guide

Food in Midalt

Midelt’s cuisine reflects central Moroccan and Amazigh traditions: hearty tagines, flatbreads and seasonal mountain produce (notably apples). Food is simple, fresh and often cooked in earthenware; tea culture is strong and meals are communal.

Midalt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Apple-based desserts and preserves

Midelt is surrounded by apple orchards—local markets sell fresh apples, jams and baked goods made from the regional fruit; try them at stalls and cafés during harvest season.

Must-Try!

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew with meats (lamb, chicken) or vegetables and local spices; commonly found in family restaurants and recommended with bread to soak up the sauce.

Harira and Berber flatbread

Hearty soup (harira) and various flatbreads or msemen served for breakfast or dinner; filling and warming in cooler months.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Midelt weekly souk

The market is the best place to taste local seasonal produce, fresh breads, preserved apples and small food stalls serving traditional snacks and tea—perfect for sampling and photography.

Roadside stalls

Simple stalls near the N13 offer fresh fruit, tea, nuts and sandwiches—good for fueling up between drives and hikes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Midelt has a continental mountain climate: warm, dry summers with cool nights and cold winters with frosts and periodic snow at higher elevations. Rainfall is relatively low but most common in autumn and winter; spring and autumn are generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Temperature swings between day and night can be large year-round due to elevation, so layering is essential.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings are important—use Salam or Salaam Alaikum and shake hands (men with men); accept food or tea when offered as a sign of respect.

Dress

Dress modestly in town and villages—cover shoulders and knees out of respect, especially during Ramadan and in conservative areas.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women; a smile and simple greeting helps. Some locals expect a small fee for posed portraits.

Respect for religion

Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan out of respect, unless you are certain the local attitude permits it.

Safety Guide

Safety

Midelt is generally safe for travelers; petty theft is uncommon but keep typical precautions (watch bags in crowded markets, secure valuables). Mountain safety: check weather and road conditions before hikes or drives, carry water and extra clothing, and hire a local guide for unfamiliar routes. Road travel on N13 is generally safe but can be challenging in winter conditions or at night—drive carefully and be mindful of shared taxis and slow-moving vehicles.

Tipping in Midalt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always obligatory: round up fares for taxis, leave small change or 5–10 MAD for café service, and 5–10% in restaurants if service is good. Tip guides and drivers directly in cash.

Payment Methods

Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king—small shops, souks and rural establishments rarely take cards. ATMs are available in town but carry sufficient cash for remote excursions; major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days and cool nights; orchards come into bloom and the landscape is relatively green—good for hiking and photography with fewer insects than lowland areas.

Summer

Warm, often dry days but noticeably cool evenings due to elevation; comfortable for daytime exploration but bring layers for nights and sun protection for daytime hikes.

Autumn

Apple harvest season (late summer into autumn) brings market activity and colorful orchards; days are comfortable and evenings begin to cool rapidly.

Winter

Cold with frequent frosts and possible snow in surrounding mountains—roads over passes can be affected, and warm clothing is essential for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Midalt at Night

Nightlife in Midelt is low-key and family-oriented: evenings center on cafés, tea houses and occasional local music gatherings rather than clubs or late-night bars. Visitors can enjoy relaxed social life, live local music events if they coincide with festivals, and quiet dinners under the stars. Larger towns like Errachidia or Fès offer more conventional nightlife options if you’re seeking bars or late-night entertainment.

Hiking in Midalt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Jbel Ayachi trails

Network of trails on and around Jbel Ayachi ranging from day hikes to multi-day routes—offers alpine scenery, grazing plateaus and remote villages. Guides recommended for higher routes.

Plateau ridge walks

Easier hikes along the plateau surrounding Midelt provide panoramic views over orchards and the distant Atlas ranges—good for sunrise and sunset walks.

Todra Gorge approaches

If you’re willing to drive further east, the Todra Gorge area offers dramatic canyon hikes and climbing routes; suitable for a day trip or overnight excursion.

Ziz Valley walks

Trails along the Ziz River and palm groves combine cultural scenery with gentle hikes; good for exploring oasis agriculture and riverside villages.

Airports

How to reach Midalt by plane.

Fès–Saïss Airport (FES)

Major regional international airport serving Fès; roughly a 3–4 hour drive to Midelt depending on route and traffic. Frequent bus or private transfer options are available to reach Midelt.

Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH)

Smaller regional airport to the southeast with limited domestic connections; closer to Midelt by road (often 2–3 hours), useful for eastward travel and desert access.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Major international airport further to the southwest; reachable by long-distance road travel if combining with southern Morocco itineraries but not practical for a short trip to Midelt.

Getting Around

Walkability

Midelt’s center is compact and walkable: streets near the market, shops and cafés are easy to explore on foot. Peripheral attractions (orchards, viewpoints) require short drives or hikes. Roads are pedestrian-friendly in the central district but watch for uneven pavements and occasional traffic on the main N13 road.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Amazigh (Berber) communities

A significant portion of the population is Amazigh—local languages, crafts and traditions reflect this heritage.

Arab Moroccans

Arabic-speaking residents contribute to the linguistic and cultural mix; Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is commonly used in daily life.

Seasonal agricultural workers

During harvest periods there are seasonal workers in orchards and markets, often from nearby rural areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport locally—pick-up matches are common and football is widely followed.

Hiking and mountain sports

Hiking, trekking and mountain biking have grown in popularity due to the surrounding terrain and plateau tracks.

Equestrian activities and traditional riding

Horse riding and traditional demonstrations are part of rural and cultural events in the region at certain festivals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Midelt is light compared with Moroccan cities; the main concern is the N13 highway that runs through town and carries intercity trucks and buses. Public transport consists of grand taxis (shared taxis), local petit taxis, and long-distance buses (CTM and other carriers). For exploring the countryside and mountain routes a private car or arranged tours are the most flexible options.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Midalt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian diets are manageable—order vegetable tagines, salads, lentil dishes and breads; specify no meat and double-check that broths aren’t meat-based.

Halal

Most meat served in Midelt is halal by local custom; if you need formal certification, ask at hotels or larger restaurants.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options are limited—bread and wheat-based foods are common. Request rice or vegetable-based dishes, but be aware of cross-contamination in kitchens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Midelt has basic healthcare services including clinics and a provincial hospital for routine care and minor emergencies. For specialist care, advanced diagnostics or serious injuries, patients are typically transferred to larger hospitals in Fès or Errachidia. Travelers should carry basic medication and travel insurance covering medical evacuation if needed.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide