Mountains and nature

Ifrane

The "little Switzerland" of the Middle Atlas, with cedars, lakes and winter snow

Set at about 1,700 metres in the Middle Atlas, Ifrane surprises with its steep roofs, flower-filled parks and cool air, earning it the nickname "little Switzerland". The town is surrounded by one of the world's largest cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques, and by small mountain lakes such as Dayet Aoua. In summer people come for the cool; in winter snow often covers the town and the nearby Michlifen ski area. An hour from Fes, it is ideal for a day trip or a nature weekend.

Ideal stay: 1 to 2 days
Best season: Apr – Sep, Dec – Feb
Budget per day: from 350 MAD
Region: Imperial cities
Travel style: Nature, Family, Couple, Adventure
Best for: Families, couples and hikers; a cool summer escape or a snow day out from Fes or Meknes

Why go

The cedar forest and its Barbary macaques
Cool air in summer and snow in winter
Lakes and easy trails for a family outing

Forests, lakes and snow

Gouraud cedar and Azrou forest
A centuries-old cedar deep in the forest near Azrou; Barbary macaques live nearby. Do not feed them.
Dayet Aoua and Dayet Hachlaf lakes
Small mountain lakes north of Ifrane, for a walk or a picnic; their level varies with rainfall.
Michlifen ski area
Ski and sledging slopes in an old volcanic crater, open only when there is enough snow.

Things to see

The stone lion
The town's emblematic statue in a central park; one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Town centre and Prairie des Amours
Neat streets, steep-roofed chalets and large green spaces along the river.
Al Akhawayn University
A university campus opened in 1995, set in wooded grounds; seen from outside.

On the map

Things to do

Hike in Ifrane National Park
Trails through cedar and oak forest, from easy strolls to full-day walks.
Enjoy the snow
From December to March depending on the year: sledging, walks and skiing at Michlifen when it is open.

Food

Trout from Atlas rivers, tagines and grills in town-centre restaurants; cosy café atmosphere in winter.

Where to stay

Central Ifrane
Hotels and apartments within walking distance of parks and cafés.
Around Michlifen
More upmarket stays, quiet at the forest edge.

Book a place to stay in Ifrane

Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.

See places to stay

Prices and availability change: check them before you book. Booking.com links are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Day trips

Azrou
Half day
A small Atlas town about twenty kilometres away, gateway to the cedar forest.
Fes
Day trip
The imperial medina, about an hour's drive away.

Getting around

A car is easiest: about an hour from Fes and a little more from Meknes. Coaches and grands taxis also link Fes and Azrou. Roads can be snowy in winter: check conditions before you leave.

Book your transport

Official operator websites and coach station timetables: check your journey and book.