Midelt
The High-Plateau Apple Capital and Gateway to Jbel Ayachi.
What Is Midelt Known For?
Midelt is a high-plateau town at about 1,460–1,520 meters, founded during the French Protectorate in 1917, near Jbel Ayachi, the nearby peak rising to about 3,747–3,757 meters.
Known as Morocco's high-altitude "apple capital," Midelt is a practical stop between Fes and the Sahara and a base for excursions to Cirque du Jaffar, Aouli, and Mibladen.
32.685° N, 4.740° W
Cold semi-arid (BSk)
Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH); Fès–Saïs Airport (FEZ) for wider connections
62,648
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
How Do You Get to Midelt?
Find the best transport options to reach Midelt comfortably.
By train and bus
Midelt has no railway station. Take an ONCF train from Casablanca to Fes or Meknes (about 3h to 3h 30m), then continue by CTM bus or grand taxi to Midelt (about 4h from Fes). This suits travelers who prefer the train for the longer first leg and do not mind one change.
By plane and road transfer
Midelt does not have a major commercial airport. Travelers who want to include a flight generally connect through Errachidia or Fes, then continue by road. Because check-in, transfers, and the final road journey add time, this is usually useful only when it fits a wider Morocco itinerary rather than as a simple city-to-city shortcut.
By bus
CTM runs a direct bus from Casablanca to Midelt via Meknes and Azrou, leaving in the morning and arriving in the late afternoon after about 8h 30m. It is the simplest public-transport option from Casablanca and costs a fraction of a private transfer.
By car
Driving from Casablanca gives the most flexibility for reaching Midelt and continuing toward Fes, the Middle Atlas, Errachidia, or desert routes. The journey is a long inland drive and is best planned with daylight, fuel stops, and mountain weather in mind, especially during winter when surrounding passes can be colder.
By private taxi
A private taxi or transfer covers the roughly 400 km door to door via Meknes and Azrou, which suits travelers with luggage or those going straight to a guesthouse. Agree the total fare, stops and drop-off point when you book.
By rideshare
Rideshare availability can vary because Midelt is a smaller destination than Marrakech or Fes. When a driver is heading toward the Middle Atlas or Errachidia corridor, it can be a flexible and economical option, but always confirm luggage space, pickup point, and exact drop-off before departure.
What Are Midelt's Main Districts?
Midelt is organized into 6 main districts, from Town Centre to Apple Orchard Hinterland, each with its own character and things to do.
What Is the History Behind Midelt's Mines and Protectorate Past?
Midelt has no historic ramparts or ceremonial gates like Morocco's imperial capitals; its history is tied to the French Protectorate period, founded in 1917 as an administrative centre.
Lead, gypsum, and other minerals shaped the surrounding Aouli–Mibladen area, while the high-plains climate supported the agricultural hinterland that later made Midelt famous for apples.
Kasbah Myriem
A Franciscan monastery and handicraft workshop area near Midelt, associated with carpets, local production, and quiet cultural visits.
Gorges d'Aouli
A spectacular gorge excursion from Midelt, reached by a degraded road through mining landscapes toward the old Aouli area.
Aouli Mining Village
An abandoned mining village northeast of Midelt, linked to the region's twentieth-century extraction history and rugged highland scenery.
Mibladen Mineral District
A mineral district near Midelt, known for baryte, galena, and vanadinite interest in the broader Aouli–Mibladen mining area.
Jbel Ayachi
The major mountain rising near Midelt, forming the region's dominant natural landmark and a focus for guided trekking.
Cirque du Jaffar
A rugged mountain amphitheater reached from Midelt by difficult 4x4 tracks, best attempted with local guidance and suitable conditions.
What Can You Buy in Midelt?
Midelt's shopping identity is shaped by apples, minerals, fossils, and weekly rural markets rather than a large tourist souk.
Small handicraft workshops round out the town's practical shopping stops.
The Souk Directory
Souk lhed
The likely Sunday market in Midelt, used by residents of the town and neighboring villages for weekly rural trade.
Mineral and Fossil Shops
Small shops in the town centre display crystals, fossils, and polished stones linked to the Aouli–Mibladen mineral landscape.
Kasbah Myriem Workshop
A cultural workshop stop near the Franciscan monastery area, associated with carpets, textiles, and local handicrafts.
Apple and Produce Stalls
Seasonal apple stalls and produce sellers reflect Midelt's reputation as a high-altitude apple-growing region.
Cafés and Roadside Stops
Simple cafés and roadside restaurants serve travelers breaking the journey between Fes, Midelt, and the Sahara routes.
The "Fair Price" Reference Table (2024 Estimates)
| Item | Local Name | Est. Price (MAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Apples | Tffah | $0.50 / kg |
| Simple Street Meal | Wajba Khafifa | $1 |
| Mountain Guide Day | Guide de Montagne | $30 – $80 / day |
| Premium Guesthouse Stay | Maison d'Hôtes | $80 – $150 |
| Fes to Midelt Bus | Autocar | $10 – $22 |
| Casablanca to Midelt Bus | Autocar | $27 |
Which Tours Visit Midelt?
What Are the Best Things to Do in Midelt?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Midelt is generally safe for tourists, especially compared with larger and busier cities. Standard precautions still apply: keep valuables secure, be careful at transport points and markets, and carry a copy of your passport when heading into remote areas.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for Midelt, from March to May and from September to November. The town sits at high altitude, so evenings are cooler than in many Moroccan cities, and winter can bring snow to surrounding mountain passes.
Midelt is usually reached by intercity bus, private car, taxi, or organized transfer. Midelt has no railway station, so rail travelers normally connect through Fes, Meknes, or another hub before continuing by road.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Official Morocco visitor information lists the dirham as the national currency, with notes of 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH and coins of 0.50, 1, 2, 5 and 10 DH. A practical travel conversion is about 10 MAD to US$1.
