Plizio Visual Lab

Midelt Apple Region

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Midelt region, situated at the junction of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, is Morocco's premier apple-growing area. At an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the apple orchards benefit from optimal conditions, including cold winters and sunny summers. Historically, Midelt was primarily a mining center for lead and zinc, but transitioned into an agricultural stronghold following the decline of mining in the 1980s. Today, the region accounts for more than half of the country's total apple production. Various cultivars, such as Gala, Golden Delicious, and Starking, are grown here and stored in modern cold-storage facilities for year-round distribution. Midelt hosts an annual 'Apple Festival,' highlighting the fruit's significance to the local identity and economy. Irrigation is largely provided by meltwater from the surrounding mountain peaks, ensuring high fruit quality. Apple production has turned Midelt into one of the most prosperous small towns in the Atlas regions, sustaining thousands of local jobs.

Location: Morocco
Nearby: Midelt (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	10	13	17	23	27	26	21	16	9	6
Rain mm	29	32	40	38	33	14	10	25	41	40	42	29

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Midelt region in the Middle Atlas is a significant apple-growing area in Morocco, known for high-quality fruit. The orchards shape the landscape and provide an important income source for locals, also boosting regional tourism.

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Visiting

The apple orchards are private agricultural land, but many are well visible from surrounding roads. During spring blossom and autumn harvest, some farmers offer a glimpse into their work for a small fee.

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Where to view it

The N13 regional road between Midelt and Azrou winds through the apple orchards, repeatedly offering magnificent views of blossom-laden or fruit-laden trees. A viewpoint near the Tizi n'Talghemt pass provides an especially wide vista over the valley.

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Local products

On Midelt's markets, fresh apples in many varieties are offered directly from the orchards in autumn. Dried apples, apple sauce, and apple juice are also typical regional products found in shops.

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Active season

The apple harvest mainly takes place from September to October, when the orchards are busiest with pickers and trucks. The blossom period in April-May is also a pleasant phase, with fields glowing in white and pink.

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Nearby

A visit to the apple region can be ideally combined with a trip to nearby Ifrane National Park, famous for its cedar forests and Barbary macaques. The town of Midelt itself, with its craft markets and proximity to the high mountains, is also recommended.

Geography

Coordinates

32.60000, -4.70000

Facts

Midelt produces approximately 60% of Morocco's total apple harvest.
The region is home to more than 5 million apple trees.
The Midelt Apple Festival has been celebrated annually every October since 1985.
Due to the high altitude, frost is common, which refines the apples' flavor.
Midelt was formerly known as the 'Capital of Lead' during its mining era.
The cold-storage capacity in Midelt exceeds 100,000 tons of fruit.