Welcome to Tiznit, Morocco. Located in the peaceful Souss Valley between the Anti-Atlas Mountains the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Tiznit is another of the country’s understated small city destinations.
The city is cheerful and colourful. And the labyrinth of narrow alleyways in the historic medina entwines both charm and chaos while wandering from shops to souk.
Whether you are stopping for a day or have a few days to spare, there is plenty to take in with the history of this small city, treats to taste and friendly people.
Read all about the best things to do in Tiznit, Morocco.
About Tiznit Morocco – history and location
Tiznit is an old, fortified city consisting of the historic medina and surrounded today by the more modern city outside.
The site of Tiznit was originally a group of forts dating to the early 19th century when they were surrounded by seven kilometres of city wall over eight metres high(!).
At that time the city boomed and quickly rose to power as the commercial centre of the Souss Massa region.
Today it remains a beautiful stopover between the Atlantic coastal beaches and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. There is ongoing restoration and care of the Tiznit history, and the city has benefited from a major rehabilitation effort.
Getting TO Tiznit, Morocco
One of the best things about the location of Tiznit in Morocco is that it makes a perfect stopover between the Anti-Atlas region (Tafraoute) and the beachy destinations of the Atlantic coast (Sidi Ifni, Agadir, Taghazout).
SupraTours and CTM are two of the large intercity bus companies in Morocco. Tickets for a bus to Tiznit can be booked directly on their website and prices vary slightly according to the time of travel on the day.
If you are driving your own vehicle or a rental car, the distances, and roads from Agadir to Tiznit or Tafraotue to Tiznit are pleasant and interesting.
Driving distances to Tiznit:
- Agadir to Tiznit: 1 hr 42 min (96.3 km) via N1
- Tafraoute to Tiznit: 2 hr 1 min (106.2 km) via R104
- Taroudant to Tiznit: 2 hr 20 min (149.6 km) via P1714 and N1
- Sidi Ifni to Tiznit: 1 hr 16 min (74.4 km) via R104
Best time to visit Tiznit, Morocco
Geographically being located between the Anti-Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast, and the Sahara Desert further beyond sees Tiznit enjoy a pleasant climate most of the year.
It can be hot in the summer months, but it is not far from the ocean and the breezes beaches of Aglou, Sidi Ouassay, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.
Things to do in Tiznit, Morocco
With recent renovations to the medina and surrounding modern city, tourists are keenly welcomed and there are lots of things to do in Tiznit that make it a fantastic (and understated) destination.
Here are 12 of our top-rated things to do in Tiznit, Morocco.
1. Tiznit Medina
The medina of Tiznit is one of the many drawcards of this small, southern city. Tiznit is renowned for its history and heritage. And although today the modern city of Tiznit spills out far beyond the historic medina walls, there is much to stroll and see inside the old city.
The first foundations of the old medina were erected in the late 19th century under the rule of Sultan Moulay Al Hassan (1873 – 1894). The Sultan founded Tiznit as a base to manage his authority over tribes to the south. And to do this he built the strong city walls that have lasted until today.
Inside the medina are souks and small produce and handicrafts markets. There is the central Blue Spring original water source and the historic Kasbah. The central Place El Mechouar is a good place to start. Or simply head through one of the many Bab (Gates) and enjoy the sprawl of the historic old walled city.
2. Souk des Bijoutiers / Tiznit Jewellery Souk
With a long history of goldsmiths and fine metalwork, the Jewellery Souk in Tiznit is one of the largest in Morocco.
This region of the country is renowned for the style and detail of handcrafted traditional silver jewellery. (There are more than 100 silver jewellery stores in the souk!).
Just off Plaza El Mechouar is the large undercover Kissaria (Jewellery Souk). It is a delightful place to stroll. The traditional Berber style of silver jewellery is totally unique. There are several floors of jewellers and each offers a different niche of wares.
Check out the enormous ornamental necklaces that are common in guesthouses and traditionally decorated homes in Morocco. Plus, the triangular shaped handmade silver breastplates that were part of typical Berber women’s dress. These are still worn today for weddings and ceremonial occasions.
- Tip: The Tiznit Jewellers Souk is located (29.696809 – 9.731643) adjoining the Place de El Mechouar.
3. Place El Mechouar / Plaza Mechouar
Place El Mechouar really represents the heart and centre of Tiznit. It is a large city square built at the end of the 19th century that was used historically as a place of allegiance where religious ceremonies and royal speeches were held in public audience.
The Place Du Mechouar extends from the old medina of the city and provides access to the central Khalifa Palace.
Today the square is edged by shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is a popular coffee-hub in Tiznit and gives the aura of a café-culture (albeit perhaps up and coming).
The square is sometimes compared to Jemaa El Fnaa in Marrakech or Jenan Jamaa in neighbouring Taroudant. This comparison may be a little overzealous for a normal weekday but on a Thursday the square is transformed with the weekly Tiznit souk.
- Tip: There is parking available in the square and it is a good, central base for exploring the other best things to do in Tiznit.
4. Marche Municipal / Tiznit Municipal Market
Outside Bab Ljdid, one of the main gates into the medina on Avenue Hassan II you will find the large, undercover market. This is one of the historic city markets of Tiznit and although the weekly souk far outshines the municipal market in size. The undercover market has a different buzz to it.
There is some fresh produce but it’s the dried goods, nuts, and Amlou that this market warrants a wander for.
Even if you aren’t in the market for any of that stuff it would be a good place to try some locally made Amlou. And if you haven’t already jumped aboard with Moroccan dates then ask any vendor for a taste of Medjool ones. These are Morocco’s pride and joy of dates and the biggest and juiciest you’ll find.
5. Chebakiya and Khringos
In Tiznit there are several patisseries that specialize in the iconic Moroccan sweet treat of Chebakiya and the taste delight of Khringos.
Chebakiya is a Moroccan sweet commonly served as a daily part of breaking fast during Ramadan. It is made from strips of dough rolled to resemble a rose and deep-fried before being sprinkled with honey and orange blossom syrup.
It’s a must-try in Morocco.
And if you haven’t yet heard about Khringos you are in luck. Your search starts today to find Demanati Sweets, the friendliest patisserie in Tiznit.
Khringos are a type of Moroccan donut like Spanish churros. They aren’t in typical circular donut-style. But the taste is of handmade and well-crafted, fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Its far beyond what any word description can allure.
You need to try it.
THIS is the sweet scent of the back streets of a Moroccan medina.
- See our YouTube video featuring Demanati Sweets and the best tastes of Tiznit, Morocco.
Make a stop is at Demanati Sweets for some Khringos and Chebakiya. And if in doubt, follow your nose. Be sure to say hi to Aissam and the team. You won’t be disappointed.
- Demanati Sweets: (29.6983575, -9.7294286)
- Read our guide to finding Khringos (and best things to do) in Mohammedia, Morocco.
6. Ain Akdim / La Source Bleu
Ain Akdim is known by visitors as the Blue Spring in Tiznit. According to legend the original city of Tiznit was built around a water spring that continuously gushed forth with fresh water even after prolonged drought.
There is a story of how traveller Lalla Zninia rested at the site on her way through what was then desert. And as she repented her sins for three days, God was so impressed that he showed her forgiveness by having a water spring gush beneath her feet.
The location of TIznit on this natural water source has brought economic growth to the region since. And Ain Akdim has become a place of cultural significance for the community.
This is one of the main tourist ‘sights’ and things to do in Tiznit. The water spring is well signposted with an information board translated into Arabic and French.
Albeit now the once-blue spring is more of a shallow, green pool. However, the story inspires wonder, and it is an otherwise interesting place to see and people-watch as the locals take shelter from the heat of the sun.
- Tip: Try Google Translate on your phone for the full rundown on Ain Akdim.
7. Kasbah Aghennaj / Tiznit Citadel
Located just off the square of the famous blue sprint, the old TIznit Citadel is undergoing careful restoration.
The Kasbah Aghennaj is touted as a heritage gem of the city. And rightly so. The Kasbah (citadel) cover over 6700 square metres with an impressive five watchtowers.
The strategic choice of location near Ain Akdim meant the Kasbah had easy and immediate accessibility to water. Although interestingly the current Kasbah undergoing restoration isn’t as old as others in Morocco.
The name of Kasbah Aghennaj is associated with Mohammed Aghnaj who under the orders of Sultan Moulay Slimane in 1810 took Tiznit as a garrison town. The town was used as a starting point to establish the power of the royal authority at the time. And the troops of Mohammed Aghnaj were stationed in the Kasbah around 1820.
There is no entry fee to the citadel. You can enter through the large gates from the Blue Spring. And although there isn’t much obvious information (in English) about the Kasbah and its importance to the city, it feels eerily fascinating to walk around.
Both times we’ve visited there were no other tourists at either the Blue Spring or the Kasbah. (Somewhat paradoxical to wander such grandeur without bother?).
- Tip: The Kasbah is being restored and transformed to accommodate the city’s heritage museum. Let us know if it is opened when you visit!
8. Try Tagine In Tiznit
We reckon we found it. The best tagine in Tiznit.
By now you should have sampled some of Tiznit’s best chebakiya and Khringos. And maybe you’ve tried a Moroccan tagine somewhere in your travels. But we reckon this one is one of the best.
The humble restaurant of Café Layali just across the main road and past the huge Tiznit roundabout is not somewhere that leaps out as striking for memorable cuisine. Albeit it is next door to the busier (tourist-busier) Hotel Mauritania (likely because it sells takeaway beer and wine). But following the best travel advice ever of eating where the locals eat, we recommend the tagine next door.
Before you head inside and choose a table. Ask the server Karim to lift the lids on the tagines on the smoldering charcoals just by the door.
Here you will have the choice of what has been prepared in the morning and likely simmering for a few hours now.
The choice isn’t easy to make. And not one we can make for you. (We have tried beef, chicken, and vegetable here!). But if we had to recommend one, the beef tagine at Café Layali is outstanding.
B’saha!
9. Municipal de Tiznit Jardin / Tiznit Municipal Garden
Not far from the best tagine in Tiznit is the Municipal de Tiznit Jardin (Tiznit Municipal Garden). The park isn’t huge, and it probably isn’t on every list of things to do in Tiznit. But that’s what we are here for. To show you some of the special things about Tiznit so you don’t leave without checking them out.
After eating a delicious tagine lunch, we recommend grabbing an ice cream and taking a stroll or a sit in the sunshine in the Municipal Garden.
It’s a secluded kind of quiet oasis in the bustling small city of Tiznit. There isn’t much else to do except take a stroll or simply sit and enjoy the sunshine.
And do keep an eye out for wandering tortoises in the garden. This only added to a great day out in Tiznit to find a tortoise each time we visited the Jardin. (We don’t come across tortoises in New Zealand!).
10. Tiznit Moroccan Carpets
Tiznit is another town famed for the beautifully handmade Moroccan carpets. These come in a range of sizes from metres-wide full carpets to small handmade rugs and throws.
The medina of Tiznit is overflowing with beautiful and brightly coloured Moroccan rugs. The challenge is deciding on which colour to buy.
- Tip: You still need to barter a little but if you’re in the market to buy a Moroccan rug this is a good place to do it and won’t be as expensive as the larger tourist cities of Marrakech or Fes.
And as a side note if you do have the serious addiction challenge of facing the task of choosing. We totally sympathise and understand the addiction to Moroccan rugs. (Speaking from a family with an official floor space of less than 2m squared and enough Moroccan rugs to carpet a house).
But if you do find yourself falling in love with the colours of style of a too-large carpet. Don’t be shy ask the vendors if the rug can be cut down to size. This is something they are sometimes prepared to do.
- Tip: The best shopping street in Tiznit for rugs (and where we found one of our favourites) is between Place El Mechouar and Avenue Sidi Abderrahmane.
11. Sfenj
I know we go on about Sfenj and its value on the list of absolute best things to do in Tiznit. But it’s true. THIS Moroccan street food warrants its place on the list, and we can tell you just where in Tiznit to find it.
Sfenj is a type of Moroccan donut. It’s not quite like the sugary or iced American donut. This is a lightly friend dough without too much added sweetener. Its best eaten fresh and while still warm. And it particularly tastes even better standing on the streetside of a Moroccan medina.
It is a low-cost street food to try at just 1 – 2 MAD (10 – 20c) each. But well worth hunting down while you are Tiznit.
- Tip: Head towards Snap Pizza and in the direction of Idzekri Mosque. Because it’s hard to find but worth the mission; the geographical coordinates are 29.6972138 – 9.7295556.
12. Babouches
Along with Taroudant and Tafraoute, Tiznit and this region of Morocco is known for its leatherwork and handicrafts.
One of the most popular items made in Tiznit is the traditional style Berber shoes. These are slipper-style shoes made of leather (and they are undeniably comfortable to wear).
On the small road between Place Al Mechour and Avenue Sidi Abderrahmane in Tiznit medina you can see cobblers working on the shoes. They are all handmade and handstitched with the leather outer and a choice of leather or rubber soles.
- Tip: A pair of handmade Babouches costs between 100 – 150 MAD (10 – 15 EUR) and makes a very cool (unique) wearable souvenir to take home.
13. Tiznit Souk / Weekly Market
The weekly Tiznit Market (Souk) is held every Wednesday and Thursday on the main street of the medina and overflowing from Place El Mechouar.
Thursday is the busiest day and the official market day for Tiznit. And like all of Morocco’s regional markets it is the best day of the week to come and experience a slice of local life.
There are stalls of fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables. And mats rolled out on the roadside for the day to sell herbs and fresh mint for tea from nearby farms. There are almonds and walnuts from the Anti-Atlas Mountains. And fresh fish from the coastal port cities of Agadir and Sidi Ifni.
On Avenue Sidi Abderrahame near the beautiful Idzekri Mosque the usual produce vendors overflow onto what would be the pavement. And the whole street becomes and unofficial but vibrant souk.
Where to eat / Best cafes in Tiznit, Morocco
Tiznit does have a bit of a café culture. It’s not quite keeping up with the Jonses (or Tangier or Tetouan). But it does have the main plaza Place du Mechouar which is edged by local coffee shops and a few touristic cafes.
- Café El Mechouar
Right in the main plaza of Tiznit this is a popular local and tourist café. There is a set menu with several options for breakfast as well as a lunchtime menu and continuous mint tea and coffee.
- Assia Food
In case you are tagined-out or just after a snack-type meal, there are numerous coffee shops surrounding Place El Mechouar that do tea, coffee, and basic snacks. We tried the paninis and wraps at Assia Food which for 20 MAD (2 EUR) was pretty good value.
- Café Layali
We’ve already rated Café Layali as the best tagine in Tiznit and recommend you check it out for a simple, local, and hearty Moroccan tagine.
- A l’Ombre du Figuier
Well-priced Moroccan cuisine with the treat of peaceful ambience in a courtyard inside the medina. Ahmed and his family run the popular restaurant and tastefully prepare what is often dubbed as the best choice for Moroccan cuisine in Tiznit. (And PS. If you time your visit for a Friday don’t miss the couscous).
ATM’s in Tiznit, Morocco
There is a concentration of banks and 24-hour ATMs along Boulevard Hassan II outside of Bab Ljdid gate to the medina.
Supermarkets in Tiznit, Morocco
Tiznit has lots of Hanout. These are the common convenience stores all over Morocco. The local Hanout sell day to day items like milk and soft drinks, Khboz (bread) and limited every household cleaning items like toilet paper and dishwashing liquid.
- Tip: These kinds of convenience shops are open until late and night and usually open in the morning from around 9am (varying on whether it is Ramadan in Morocco).
The largest (nearby) supermarket we found in Tiznit is the Idou Tiznit Supermarche. The supermarket is well-stocked and only a few hundred metres from the Municipal Campsite in Tiznit.
Supermarche Al Izdihar Tiznit on Boulevard Hassan II is another well-stocked medium sized supermarket.
Laundry in Tiznit
There is a friendly family-run laundry service on Avenue Sidi Abderrahmane just inside Bab Oulad Jerrar (Oulad Jerrar Gate).
The cost is 60 – 80 MAD (6 – 8 EUR) for a large load of laundry washing and dried.
Where to stay in Tiznit, Morocco
There is a mixture of low to mid-range hotels bordering the old medina in Tiznit as well as a selection of lower cost accommodation surrounding Place El Mechouar.
- Tip: We book all our accommodation for travel through Booking.com with the largest range of accommodation and flexible cancellation policy.
Where to stay in Tiznit in a motorhome
Tiznit has a large municipal campground just beyond the walls of the medina and entrance of Bab Oulad Jerrar.
CAMPING MUNICIPAL DE TIZNIT
- Location: Avenue Sidi Abderrahmane, Tiznit
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #388299
- Cost: 95 MAD per night (discounts for long stay)
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, and all motorhome services (black, grey, and fresh water).
About: This is a huge campsite and particularly popular with European motorhomes staying for an extended time in Morocco. Despite having over 200 spaces the site can be booked out during the busy motorhome season from December to February.
The location is ideal for exploring Tiznit. And nearby workshops specializing in upholstery make this a popular stop to get motorhome canvas work done.
Read more about travel in Tiznit, Morocco and beyond
- 20 Unique Things To Do In Taroudant.
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tangier.
- 14 Best Things To Do In Tafraoute, Morocco.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- Campsites in Morocco.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
More about travel planning for Tiznit, Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your Tiznit Morocco itinerary!
