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
Arrive at Midelt amid the soaring Middle Atlas peaks and feel the crisp mountain air as you collect your luggage.
Check in to a charming riad or mountain lodge, then wander the town’s lively souk, sampling spiced nuts and fresh flatbreads.
Savor a traditional Berber tagine under a star-filled sky and enjoy mint tea while listening to local storytellers by candlelight.
Head out to the lush apple orchards that surround Midelt, meeting the farmers who tend the terraced groves.
Learn about pruning and harvesting techniques, then picnic among the trees with freshly picked apples and local cheese.
Return to town for a tasting of homemade apple preserves and a cozy dinner in a family-run guesthouse.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Wide, open panoramas at sunrise or sunset capture the plateau, distant mountain ranges and neat rows of orchards—excellent for landscape shots.
Colorful market activity, produce piles (apples, spices), craft stalls and portraits of vendors make for dynamic street photography.
Close-up shots of vivid mineral specimens and fossil displays showcase a lesser-seen side of Midelt’s economy and heritage.
Rugged slopes, alpine flora and traditional mountain villages provide dramatic natural and cultural photos; bring a telephoto for distant peaks and shepherd life.
Far from major urban light pollution, clear nights offer strong opportunities for star trails and Milky Way photography—check moon phases for best results.
Food in Midalt
Midalt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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.
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
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.
Simple stalls near the N13 offer fresh fruit, tea, nuts and sandwiches—good for fueling up between drives and hikes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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 modestly in town and villages—cover shoulders and knees out of respect, especially during Ramadan and in conservative areas.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women; a smile and simple greeting helps. Some locals expect a small fee for posed portraits.
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
Tipping in Midalt
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
Apple harvest season (late summer into autumn) brings market activity and colorful orchards; days are comfortable and evenings begin to cool rapidly.
Cold with frequent frosts and possible snow in surrounding mountains—roads over passes can be affected, and warm clothing is essential for outdoor activities.
Midalt at Night
Hiking in Midalt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
Easier hikes along the plateau surrounding Midelt provide panoramic views over orchards and the distant Atlas ranges—good for sunrise and sunset walks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is Amazigh—local languages, crafts and traditions reflect this heritage.
Arabic-speaking residents contribute to the linguistic and cultural mix; Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is commonly used in daily life.
During harvest periods there are seasonal workers in orchards and markets, often from nearby rural areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally—pick-up matches are common and football is widely followed.
Hiking, trekking and mountain biking have grown in popularity due to the surrounding terrain and plateau tracks.
Horse riding and traditional demonstrations are part of rural and cultural events in the region at certain festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Midalt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian diets are manageable—order vegetable tagines, salads, lentil dishes and breads; specify no meat and double-check that broths aren’t meat-based.
Most meat served in Midelt is halal by local custom; if you need formal certification, ask at hotels or larger restaurants.
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.