Things To Do
in Figuig
Figuig is a remote oasis town in Morocco’s Oriental region, perched along ancient caravan routes and framed by palm groves. Its life centers on the oasis, with ksar fortifications, terraced gardens, and whitewashed houses lining narrow alleys. The town’s calm atmosphere and dramatic desert scenery invite reflection, photography, and slow exploration.
Visitors come for cultural heritage, desert night skies, and authentic encounters with Berber and Arab traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Figuig and take in the breathtaking sights of the oasis town. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast featuring fresh bread, honey, and olives. Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to acclimate to the local culture and environment.
Visit the historic ksars, where you can explore the ancient architecture and learn about the area's rich past. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional delicacies such as tagine and couscous. Spend the afternoon discovering the vibrant local souks full of crafts and spices.
Relish a cozy dinner in a local eatery under the stars, soaking up the atmosphere of Figuig. Consider visiting a café for mint tea while mingling with locals. Unwind with a leisurely walk around the town, admiring the serene desert landscape as the sun sets.
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the oasis, providing an incredible view of the palm trees bathed in golden light. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the lush oases that surround Figuig, marveling at the intricate irrigation systems that have sustained life here for centuries. Engage with local farmers to learn about traditional agriculture practices.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the palms, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Spend the afternoon hiking nearby trails, discovering hidden viewpoints and diverse flora and fauna. Capture breathtaking photographs of this serene landscape.
Return to your accommodation for a traditional Moroccan dinner, potentially participating in a cooking class. Experience an evening of storytelling around a campfire, listening to tales from the local culture. Reflect on your day while gazing at the stars in the clear desert sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍞Local snack or bakery item | $0.5-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality
- Stunning desert-oasis scenery ideal for photography
- Quiet, uncrowded destinations with authentic experiences
- Remote location with limited infrastructure in some areas
- Fewer English speakers and limited nightlife
- Travel logistics require more planning and flexibility
- "Salam alaykum" - Hello
- "Wa alaykum as-salam" - Hello (response)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlik" - Please
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Shnu smitik?" - What is your name?
- "Ana min ..." - I am from ...
- "Kif halak?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Figuig
Visit one of these nice places.
Dawn light accentuates the clay walls and towers of the ksar, creating warm tones and long shadows across the fortress.
A hill or terrace viewpoint overlooking the intricate network of palm trees and irrigation channels, ideal for wide-angle desert photography.
Narrow streets framing traditional houses with decorative plasterwork and occasional blue doors, especially photogenic during late afternoon glow.
Distant dunes and the edge of the oasis provide silhouettes and sunset colors perfect for landscape shots.
Food in Figuig
Figuig Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic North African staple featuring fluffy couscous steamed with a mix of vegetables and meat or chickpeas, commonly enjoyed with a tomato-based sauce.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked stew blending savory meat with sweet prunes and almonds, a hallmark of regional Moroccan cooking.
A hearty tomato-based soup enriched with lentils or chickpeas, enjoyed as a warming starter or light meal.
Roasted whole lamb or lamb cuts, often served on special occasions with bread, olives, and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market where locals buy and sell dates, olives, spices, vegetables, and handicrafts; great for authentic snacks and conversation.
Casual stalls near the oasis offering date pastries, mint tea, msemen, and other light desert bites ideal for a quick tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous greeting with a smile is appreciated. Use the right hand for handshakes and requests; modest dress is advised.
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially in religious sites and rural areas; photography of people should be politely requested.
Public interactions are warm but patient, with conversations often centered on family, culture, and history.
Safety
Tipping in Figuig
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants and cafés is appreciated for good service. Guides and drivers may expect small tips after a tour or day trip.
Cash (Moroccan Dirham) is widely used; some larger establishments may accept cards. ATMs are available in town, but not everywhere in the region.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Stay hydrated, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak heat.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming palms. A popular time for photography, markets, and outdoor strolls.
Mild days and cooler evenings; good for longer hikes and scenic views without the intensity of mid-summer heat.
Cool to cold nights with possible frosts; days are mostly sunny. Bring layers and a warm jacket for evening explorations.
Figuig at Night
Hiking in Figuig
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate, scenic loop along the edge of the oasis with views of palm groves, clay hills, and distant desert horizons.
A ridge route starting near the ksar that offers panoramic overlooks of the town, oasis, and surrounding terrain.
Evening hike toward sand dunes beyond the palm groves for striking sunset photographs and softer light.
Airports
How to reach Figuig by plane.
The closest major airport with international and domestic connections; access to Figuig is by road and takes a few hours by car or bus.
A regional airport farther east; feasible as an alternative gateway, typically combined with a longer overland drive to Figuig.
A larger hub in northern Morocco; regional flights may require a longer overland transfer to reach Figuig.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A blend of Arab and Amazigh cultural influences shapes language, crafts, and daily life. Tamazight and Moroccan Arabic are commonly spoken, with strong hospitality traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns, with local matches and informal games frequently played in public spaces.
Open desert roads and palm-lined routes are common for recreational running and cycling among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Figuig.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most tagines and couscous dishes can be prepared without meat. Request vegetable-based tagines or lentil soups, and ask for olive oil and herbs to flavor meals. Carrying snacks or planning ahead for longer trips is helpful in more remote spots.