Tafraoute Morocco As The Official Almond Capital Of Morocco

Tafraoute Morocco is a conglomeration of ochre-covered buildings set amid green trees, offering a spectacular contrast of colours against the surrounding pink rocks of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Tafraoute Morocco

The area is known for its dramatic geography, with its expanses of red desert, and is also the official almond capital of Morocco. If you are fortunate enough to be here in early spring, you may catch the annual Almond Blossom Festival. The delicate blooms offer another dimension to this already spectacular landscape, with their stark contrast to the rugged soil and dark, rich sand. During the festival, the otherwise sleepy town of Tafraoute Morocco is transformed by a carnival-like atmosphere when the souk (market), complete with dancers and musicians, springs up. This event is ideal if you want to escape the popular modern beach holiday area for something a little different.

Town Of Tafraoute, Morocco | Source : en.wikipedia.org

While visiting Tafraoute Morocco, there are three attractions that should be on any traveller’s list – the Les Pierres Bleues – Jean Veran’s famous Blue Rock, the palm groves south-east of Tafraoute and the gazelle rock carving.

Over a period  of three months in 1984, the Belgian artist and a team of Morroccan firemen collaborated in the creation of one of the most unusual art installation pieces on earth. They covered the small hills and granite boulders of the Anti-Atlas Mountains with 18 tonnes of blue, red, violet and white paint. Although now somewhat faded, the fusion of art and nature is still mesmerising and the contrast of bright blue against the brilliant reds of the desert is unforgettable.

Also worth a full day’s trip are the palm groves. Past ‘Napoleon’s Cap’ with its massive boulders on your right, there is a winding paved trail that leads you through the Anti-Atlas mountains where you can enjoy scenic views of the Ammeln Valley from Ait Mansour, to Afella-n-Ighir and back to Tafraoute.

Just 2 km (1.2 mi), south of town is the prehistoric gazelle rock carving. The sparse etching has recently been retouched but offers an insight into the long history of inhabitation of the area.

Where Is Tafraoute Morocco

City is 152 km (94 mi) south-east of Agadir, 92 km (57 mi) south-east of Ait Baha

What To See InTafraoute Morocco

Trafraoute is known for its prehistoric rock carvings and the painted blue rocks of Belgian artist Jean Veran as well as its stunning palm groves.

Other Reasons To Visit Tafraoute Morocco

A heaven for Rock climbers – stacks of massive boulders and dizzying  mountains surround the city. The palm Groves south-east of the city take at least a full day to see properly.

When To Go To Tafraoute Morocco

Winter, spring or autumn – summer is unbearably hot.

Photos of Tafraoute, Morocco | Source : kimbriggs.com

Painted Rocks In Tafraoute, Morocco | Source : trekearth.com

Blue Rocks In Tafraoute, Morocco | Source : essaouiraimages.blogspot.com

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