Located in northeastern Morocco, this agricultural city is known for growing sweet oranges and producing olive oil. Its weekly market draws farmers and traders from nearby regions.
Berkane sits in northeastern Morocco, where you can walk through endless rows of citrus trees, see a tall bronze orange statue downtown, and drive to Mediterranean beaches within half an hour. Farmers here grow clementines and oranges sold in markets across the country, with fields stretching to the horizon. Take a day trip to Saïdia for swimming, explore Zegzel’s caves with ancient tools, or visit Tafoughalt’s herb markets in the mountains. The local football team, RS Berkane, has won continental tournaments, and their orange jerseys fill the stadium during matches. With hot summers, mild winters, and quick access to both coast and highlands, Berkane works well as a starting point for trips across eastern Morocco.
Citrus Farming and Local Economy
Berkane’s clementine orchards cover much of the Triffa Plain, watered by the Moulouya River flowing from the Atlas Mountains. A bronze statue of an orange stands in the city center, celebrating its role as a major fruit producer. Markets here sell fresh clementines from October to March, recognized for their easy-to-peel skin and sweet taste. Farmers also grow wheat nearby, which gets turned into couscous sold in shops from Oujda to Nador. The river’s canals keep the land fertile, creating bright green fields that contrast with the dry Rif foothills.
Beaches, Caves, and Mountain Villages
Drive 25 minutes north to SaĂŻdia, where long sandy beaches meet the Mediterranean Sea. A marina built with Spanish funding has docks for boats and modern hotels with sea views. Head southeast into the Beni-Snassen mountains to find Zegzel Gorge, where the Camel Grotto stretches 80 meters underground with stalactites and old stone tools. Tafoughalt, 18 kilometers from Berkane, has a large cave called Pigeon Cave and weekly markets selling rosemary, thyme, and other mountain plants. Near Fezouane village, natural springs bubble up from the ground, with some locals claiming the water helps joint pain.
Ancient History and Landmarks
People have lived in this area for thousands of years, as shown by 40,000-year-old tools found in Tafoughalt’s caves. The Romans named the region Mulucha after the Moulouya River, which still marks Berkane’s western edge today. Zegzel’s Camel Grotto contains traces of prehistoric fires and animal bones left by early settlers. In town, the white-domed Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmad Aberkane honors a 17th-century religious leader, drawing visitors who leave flowers and prayers. Modern Berkane blends these old stories with current life, seen in the mix of traditional souks and coffee shops on main streets.
Daily Life and Markets
Avenue Mohammed V cuts through Berkane’s center, lined with jewelry stores, spice stalls, and shops selling mobile phones. On Boulevard Ibn Sina, nicknamed “Gold Street,” men gather in cafés to sip mint tea and debate football tactics. Every Tuesday, farmers from nearby villages bring olives, almonds, and woven reed baskets to Ahfir’s weekly market. After sunset, families walk through Parc des Cigognes near Wadi Wartas, watching storks build nests in eucalyptus trees. While most people speak Moroccan Arabic, Berber words like “argan” (for oil) pop up in mountain communities east of the city.
Football Success and Local Sports
RS Berkane’s football team plays at Stade Municipal, winning three major African tournaments since 2020. Fans wear orange shirts and wave flags during matches against teams like FAR Rabat, creating a bright sea of color in the stands. Hicham El Guerrouj, who broke world running records in the 1990s, grew up here, though few signs in town mention his achievements. Young players train on dirt fields near the highway, hoping to join the national league someday. The team’s success gives residents pride, with murals of players painted on some building walls.
Weather and Travel Seasons
July and August get hot here, often reaching 90°F—perfect for beach days but less comfortable for hiking. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 45°F, making December hikes in Zegzel Gorge pleasant with cooler air. Spring brings white citrus blossoms to the orchards, while autumn markets overflow with pomegranates, figs, and late-harvest oranges. Plan coastal visits between June and September when sea temperatures stay warm. Higher areas like Tafoughalt stay cooler in summer, attracting visitors who want to escape the lowland heat.
Reaching Berkane and Getting Around
Berkane sits 60 kilometers north of Oujda, connected by a paved highway with regular buses and shared taxis. From Oujda’s train station, the bus ride takes about an hour and costs 20 dirhams. The Algerian border crossing at Oued Kiss lies 22 kilometers east of Saïdia, useful for travelers heading to Oran or Tlemcen. Renting a car helps when visiting remote spots like Fezouane’s springs or mountain trails near Zegzel. Public buses go west to Nador and south to Taourirt, but departures sometimes get delayed by an hour or more.
