Destination: Tiznit, fortified city south of Agadir
Journey from Tafraout: 2 hours 10 mins / 110 km
For our trip, Tiznit remains a very practical stopover between the Anti-Atlas (Tafraoute) and the coast (Aglou- Mirleft- Legzira-Sidi Ifni).
After the start of our inland trip to Taroudant and Tafraout, we set sail for the west, the Atlantic Ocean. On our map, we have highlighted a destination for you: the city of Tiznit.
From Tafraoute, a beautiful road leads us from valley to valley. Then, gradually, the turns of the Col du Kerdous are rare. The relief covered with argan trees and lavender gives way to a decor of dry and rocky plain. Finally, Tiznit appears at the end of the straight line, surrounded by its long walls. It is inside the ramparts of the city of Tiznit that you have to seek out the magic of this ancient medina.
The city was built around a water source, called the Blue Spring – Aïn Zerka. Well exploited, it allowed the multiplication of gardens and crops within the walls. More recently, the city has continued its development and houses have gradually replaced gardens.
The small alleys of the medina create a veritable labyrinth and we immediately fall under the spell of this maze. The city is cheerful and colorful. And we discover the specialty of the souk, one hundred and fifty workshops specializing in silver jewelry.
Around the ramparts, the agricultural plots of Tiznit are sheltered by palm trees but these do not give dates due to the proximity of the coast. On the other hand, they keep their role of parasol for other crops (olive trees, fruit trees, cereals).
We discover the Great Mosque of Tiznit near the Place du Méchouar with its 19th century minaret bristling with wooden poles. Even if the mosque is not accessible to non-Muslims today, the walk is worth the detour. At the end of the day, we feel that the inhabitants are reclaiming the city, with the sun going down. We then discover the redevelopment of the historic center of the Medina around the Blue Spring. At this place, families gather in the evening: the children play, the women discuss and relax. A beautiful place where a special atmosphere reigns.
Opposite this spring, the imposing enclosure of Kasbah Aghanaj (1810). Today there is a theater, a museum, an archives center and “La Maison de pays”, intended to sell local products. After this beautiful Tiznit visit, we decided to head south (towards Mirleft and the ark Legzira), through Aglou. Here we are promised a coastal road full of unforgettable landscapes.
