Things To Do
in Midar

Midar is a small, traditional town in northern Morocco set near the Rif Mountains, where winding streets, whitewashed houses and agricultural terraces meet a calm rural pace. The town serves as a gateway to nearby mountain trails, waterfalls and working souks where local Amazigh (Berber) culture is visible in crafts and daily life. Midar's medina is compact and walkable, with family-run cafes, a modest kasbah or community center and viewpoints over olive groves and valleys.

Visitors come for relaxed village life, hiking opportunities and an authentic taste of northern Moroccan hospitality away from large tourist centers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Midar
morning
:

Arrive at the charming town of Midar, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Settle into your accommodation and soak in the serene atmosphere of the rural landscape. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Moroccan pastries and mint tea.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the vibrant market, where you can find fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and textiles unique to the region. Engage with local vendors to learn about their crafts and the history of Midar. Capture beautiful photographs of the colorful stalls and the nearby verdant hills.

evening
:

Indulge in a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant, savoring tagines and couscous. After your meal, take a leisurely evening walk, appreciating the cool breeze and starry skies. Wrap up your day with a warm cup of mint tea as you connect with fellow travelers.

day 2
Explore the Atlas Mountains
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided hike in the Atlas Mountains. Witness breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as you trek through secluded trails. Listen to your guide share captivating stories about the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning mountain scenery, enjoying traditional Moroccan flatbreads and fresh salads. Continue your hike, exploring hidden valleys and lush forests that are rich in biodiversity. Feel invigorated by the fresh mountain air and the tranquility surrounding you.

evening
:

Return to Midar for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind at your accommodation. Optionally, participate in a cooking class to learn how to prepare Moroccan dishes with local ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delightful dinner, accompanied by folk music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
Coffee or mint tea$1-2
🚕Short taxi ride$1-4
🏨Mid-range guesthouse/riad (per night)$40-80
🛍️Souk purchase (small handicraft)$5-30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town Moroccan atmosphere with strong local culture
  • Excellent access to Rif Mountain hikes and natural scenery
  • Affordable food and accommodation compared with coastal tourist centers
  • Friendly locals and opportunities for cultural exchange
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Fewer tourist services—language and logistics can be challenging
  • Restricted ATM and card acceptance in very small venues
  • Public transport connections are limited compared with major cities
  • "Salam Alaikum" - Peace be upon you / Hello
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Afak" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Beshhal hada?" - How much is this?
  • "Fin ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "La shukran" - No, thank you

Places to Visit in Midar

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Medina Lanes

Narrow alleys, painted doors and hanging laundry provide intimate street scenes with strong local character—best early morning or late afternoon for soft light.

Town Viewpoint / Terrace

A hill or terrace overlooking Midar and the surrounding olive groves offers panoramic shots at sunrise or sunset.

Market Square / Souk

Vibrant market scenes, baskets of spices, textiles and fresh produce make for colorful candid photography—try capturing vendors arranging their stalls.

Rif Mountain Trails

River valleys, rock outcrops and waterfalls in nearby trails create dramatic landscape photography opportunities, especially after winter rains or in spring.

Local Cooperative/Workshops

Artisans weaving rugs or making pottery provide human-interest shots and a chance to document traditional crafts—ask permission before photographing close-up.

Culinary Guide

Food in Midar

Midar's cuisine reflects broader Moroccan and northern Rif traditions: hearty stews, flatbreads, fresh seasonal produce and strong mint tea. Meals emphasize slow-cooked tagines, couscous on market days, legumes and fresh vegetables, with meat dishes common but not overwhelming. Local olives, preserved lemons and herbs figure prominently, and small town eateries serve generous, home-style plates.

Midar Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tagine

Slow-cooked stew prepared in a conical clay pot; common varieties include chicken with preserved lemon and olives or lamb with prunes. Served at family restaurants and local households.

Must-Try!

Couscous

Steamed semolina served with a mix of vegetables and sometimes meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays and during family gatherings; available at local diners and market stalls on market day.

Harira and Bissara

Harira is a tomato-lentil soup often eaten to break fasts; bissara is a broad bean purée common for breakfast or a light meal. Both are hearty, inexpensive and widely available at local cafes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Souk

A traditional open-air market day where farmers and traders sell fresh produce, spices, olives and breads; great for trying fresh fruit, roasted nuts and locally baked flatbreads.

Medina Street Stalls

Small stalls and vendors offering msemen (pan-fried flatbread), grilled brochettes (meat skewers) and sweet pastries—ideal for quick bites while exploring.

Climate Guide

Weather

Midar experiences a Mediterranean-influenced climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are mild and ideal for outdoor activities; mountain areas are cooler year-round and can receive significant rainfall and occasional snow in winter. Microclimates vary with elevation and proximity to the coast, so temperatures can shift notably between valley floor and higher trails.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

Dress conservatively in public—cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas; women may prefer lightweight scarves for added comfort and respect.

Greetings

A warm verbal greeting (Salam Alaikum) and a handshake (men with men; men and women may wait for the other person to offer a hand) are common—use both hands or place the right hand over the heart if you are unsure.

Photography Respect

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women; some locals prefer not to be photographed for cultural or privacy reasons.

Ramadan Considerations

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect; tourist facilities may run reduced hours and local schedules may shift.

Safety Guide

Safety

Midar is generally safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime; the most common issues are petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas—keep valuables secure. Use licensed taxis after dark, avoid poorly lit isolated streets and be cautious when hiking alone off marked trails. Carry a copy of your passport, emergency contacts and local embassy details, and ensure you have travel insurance that covers outdoor activities.

Tipping in Midar

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: round up taxi fares or add 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; leave a small amount (a few dirhams) for hotel porters and guides. In markets, bargaining is common—tipping the seller is not expected after negotiation, but a small tip for exceptional service is welcomed.

Payment Methods

Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king in small towns—carry enough for food, taxis and market purchases. ATMs are available in larger towns but may be limited locally; credit cards are accepted at some guesthouses and bigger establishments but not in many souk stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, flowing streams and comfortable hiking conditions. Expect occasional showers in higher elevations; pack layers.

Summer

Warm to hot temperatures in low-lying areas with drier conditions; mountain mornings can be cool but afternoons hot—bring sun protection, stay hydrated and plan hikes for early morning.

Autumn

Pleasant weather with cooling temperatures and fewer tourists; harvest activity in agricultural areas creates lively market scenes and fresh seasonal produce.

Winter

Cooler, wetter weather with rain in the valleys and occasional snow at higher elevations in the Rif Mountains; some rural trails may be muddy or slippery—bring waterproof gear.

Nightlife Guide

Midar at Night

Nightlife in Midar is low-key and community-oriented—expect evening tea gatherings, simple cafes and occasional live music at local celebrations. For bars, clubs and a busier nightlife you’ll need to travel to larger nearby cities; evenings in town are about socializing in public squares or guesthouses rather than late-night clubbing.

Hiking in Midar

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rif Foothills Loop

A mixture of terraced fields and rocky paths that can be walked in a half-day, offering valley views, river crossings and encounters with local farms.

Akchour-style Waterfall Trail

A scenic river valley walk that leads to cascades and pools; best after the rainy season when water levels are higher—suitable for photography and picnic stops.

Talassemtane Park Outskirts

Access to parts of the Talassemtane National Park provides longer day-hike options with diverse flora, endemic species and panoramic mountain vistas; guided hikes recommended for safety.

Oued Valley Walks

Gentle trails following seasonal streams and agricultural terraces—ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and experiencing rural village life.

Airports

How to reach Midar by plane.

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)

Major international airport serving northern Morocco with flights to European hubs; accessible by road from Midar within a couple of hours depending on exact location. Good option for international arrivals or departures.

Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport (TTU)

A smaller regional airport near Tetouan with limited domestic and seasonal flights; convenient if you find a connection, though ground transport options to Midar vary.

Al Hoceima Cherif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU)

Located east along the Mediterranean coast, this regional airport can be useful for travelers approaching from the eastern Rif—but expect longer road transfers to reach Midar.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and medina are generally very walkable with narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly lanes; expect some hilly sections and uneven paving. For trips to nearby villages or mountain trailheads, a car or taxi may be needed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Amazigh (Berber) Communities

A significant portion of the local population identifies as Amazigh, speaking Tamazight in addition to Moroccan Arabic, with distinctive cultural practices and crafts.

Arab Moroccan Residents

Arab-speaking families and intermixing communities live and work in town, contributing to the blended cultural fabric and everyday commerce.

Artisans and Farmers

Many residents work in agriculture, olive cultivation and traditional crafts—markets and cooperatives often showcase their livelihoods and products.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Morocco, with local pickup games common in fields and courtyards; towns often have small local clubs and passionate supporters.

Running and Hiking

Trail running and hiking are popular given the proximity to mountain terrain—locals and visitors alike use the hills for exercise and recreation.

Traditional Games and Festivals

Local festivals may feature traditional games, music and horsemanship displays (such as fantasia in some regions)—these cultural sports are tied to seasonal celebrations.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Midar is light compared with big cities but narrow streets can get congested during market days and festivals. Public transport consists of regional buses and shared 'grand taxis' connecting to nearby towns; local 'petit taxis' handle in-town trips. Driving requires care due to pedestrians, donkeys or livestock on rural roads.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Midar.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common (legume stews, vegetable tagines, salads), but many dishes are prepared with meat-based broths—ask for 'beldiya' (without meat) or explain 'la lahm' to ensure vegetable-only dishes.

Vegan

Possible but requires care: request dishes without butter, eggs or honey and confirm oils used. Fresh fruit, salads, chickpea and lentil dishes are safe bets.

Gluten-free

Traditional bread and couscous are wheat-based; rice and tagine stews are often naturally gluten-free but confirm thickeners and whether bread is used to serve the dish.

Religious/Alcohol

Most food is halal; alcohol availability is limited in small towns and more likely found in hotels or larger towns—request non-alcoholic alternatives if preferred.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in local clinics for minor ailments and first aid; for more serious medical needs you may need to travel to the nearest city hospital. Pharmacies are common and well-stocked for over-the-counter medicines, but carry any prescription medicines you need. Travel insurance and knowledge of nearest hospital locations (ask your guesthouse) are advisable.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide